Insect pests intercepted on cereal grains at South Korean points of entry from 1996 to 2023

Abstract

A total of 54 species, representing two orders of insects, were found on imported cereal grains intercepted at the plant quarantine stations of South Korea from 1996 to 2023. These comprised 48 species (89%) of beetles (Coleoptera) belonging to 18 families and six species (11%) of moths (Lepidoptera) belonging to four families. A list of insect pests found on cereal grains is provided, along with their quarantine pest status in South Korea, total number of interceptions, host species of agricultural commodities, countries of origin and the year of interception. This review of the species of insect pests that have been intercepted on cereal grains in the past in South Korea will be informative to inspectors anywhere in the world who look at these commodities, in particular from these origins, in order to detect and prevent the introduction of stored grain pests.