Physical Attributes of Wheat Varities in Relation to Rhyzopertha dominica (F.)

Abstract

This study aims to explore the susceptibility of wheat varieties in storage against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.). Twenty promising wheat cultivars were tested for resistance in non-choice conditions at the Department of Entomology, MSSSoA, Odisha during 2021-22. The wheat varieties were premeditated for their physical components through correlation analysis and the level of influence on insect preference and development was determined. The variety DBW303 which had a high median development period, low adult emergence and susceptible index was found to be resistant. Similarly, the variety PBW373 which recorded a low median developmental period with higher adult emergence, and susceptible index, was found to be susceptible. Among the physical traits, varieties with grain hardness exhibited a negative relationship with progeny development and thus conferred resistance.