Laboratory-scale hermetic storage of wheat and maize against the infestation of red flour beetle (Tribalism castaneum) and maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais)

Abstract. The objective of this project was to determine the effect of hermetic storage conditions on red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais), and to hopefully reduce infestation during storage. This project used 4 oz. glass jars and vacuum grease to provide hermetic storage conditions. Red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) were placed in jars filled with wheat, and maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) were placed in jars containing corn. We examined counts of live and dead insects over time in both grains, using both hermetic and non-hermetic conditions. After 30 days, statistical analyses were conducted to determine the effects of hermetic vs. non-hermetic conditions for both grains. We found that 100% mortality for red flour beetle (Tribolium Castaneum) was obtained after 12 days for wheat under hermetic conditions. We also found 100% mortality of maize weevils after 12 days of hermetic storage of corn.