Resistance levels of selected rice genotypes to <i>Sitophilus oryzae</i> L. and <i>Rhyzopertha dominica</i> F. infestations

Abstract

The need to screen new rice genotypes for resistance to stored product insect pests is important to boost production and availability of rice for food security. Therefore, thirteen rice genotypes and varieties included ten interspecific rice genotypes from two crossed parents Oryza sativa (WAB 56-104) and Oryza barthii (IRGC 106107), the two parents and NERICA8 variety were collected from Africa Rice Center, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, to examine their resistance level to infestation by Sitophilus oryzae L. and Rhyzopertha dominica F. The resistance of the varieties were assessed by artificial infestation with 12 unsexed adults each in 10 g of the rice varieties in four replicates under laboratory conditions of 26 ± 2^oC temperature and 75 ± 5% relative humidity in a completely randomized design. Number of adult insect emergent, per cent grain damage, percent weight loss of infested samples and index of susceptibility were determined. Correlation analysis between nutritional contents of the varieties and infestation variables were also obtained. Results indicate differential responses of the two insects on the rice genotypes/varieties. The O. barthii parent was resistant, while the O. sativa parent was moderately resistant using the susceptibility index. Of the ten rice genotypes, G4, G3, G1, G7, G2, G10 and G9 were resistant in descending order, while G5 and G6 were moderately resistant, whereas only G8 was susceptible. NERICA8 was also found to be susceptible to infestation. In addition, the resistant grains had lower ash content. Modification in genetic variations and nutritional contents of new rice varieties may be a critical factor in insect resistant genotype pro-grammes to reduce post-harvest losses incurred by farmers.

Keywords: Rice resistant genotypes; Rhyzopertha dominica; Oryzae sativa; Oryzae barthii; Sitophilus oryzae; susceptibility index