title: Triple bag hermetic technology for controlling a bruchid (Spermophagussp.) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in storedHibiscus sabdariffagrain.
abstract: We assessed the performance of hermetic triple layer Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags for protectingHibiscus sabdariffagrain against storage insects. The major storage pest in the grain was a bruchid,Spermophagussp.. When we stored infested H.sabdariffagrain for six months in the woven polypropylene bags typically used by farmers, theSpermophaguspopulation increased 33-fold over that initially present. The mean number of emergence holes per 100 seeds increased from 3.3 holes to 35.4 holes during this time period, while grain held for the same length of time in PICS bags experienced no increase in the numbers of holes. Grain weight loss in the woven control bags was 8.6% while no weight loss was observed in the PICS bags. Seed germination rates of grain held in woven bags for six months dropped significantly while germination of grain held in PICS bags did not change from the initial value. PICS bags can be used to safely storeHibiscusgrain after harvest to protect against a major insect pest.
authors.affiliation: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN), BP 240, Maradi, Niger.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Amadou
authors.affiliation: University of Maradi, Faculty of Agronomy and Environmental Sciences, BP 465, Maradi, Niger.
authors.forename: I B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Baoua
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Baributsa
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Murdock
keywords: Hermetic; Hibiscus sabdariffa; Postharvest; Spermophagus sp.; Storage; Triple bag