A Study On The Incidence And Abundance Of Insect Pests Of Stored Maize Some Selected Towns In Imo State

ABSTRACT

 A study on the incidence and abundance of insect pests of stored maize in rural situations was conducted from August 2003 to December 2003 in three towns in Imo State. The towns of survey were Ahiaazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise and Ezinihitte. Maize samples collected from homes and markets were found to be infested by 5/tophi/us species, Tribolum species, Oyzaephlus species, Rhiopertha dorn1n1ca, Podia interpunctella, Lasioderma serricorne and Dinoderus species. Sitophilus species was found to be the most abundant and was followed by Tribolum species. Oiyzaephllus species followed in abundance. However, the other species Rhizopertha dominica, Plod/a interpunctella, Lasioderrna serricorne and Dinoderus species were relatively low in abundance. The resufts obtained for number of insect pests and insect pest species involved were similar. The type of storage system is important in post harvest infestation.