Development and emergence of Sitotroga cerealella (oliver) on stored yellow maize genotypes as affected by physical factors and grain quality

Angoumois Grain Moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) is a serious primary pest of stored grain in many parts of the world. A study was carried out in the laboratory to investigate the effects of grain physical and intrinsic properties, temperature, relative humidity, and grain moisture content on the development and emergence of S. cerealella. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design with three replicates for each maize genotypes used. Daily temperatures and relative humidity were recorded at 8:00 and 16:00 GMT with a Temperature and Humidity Sensor, which was embedded in the polypropylene bag containing six maize genotypes and tied after each reading to prevent emerging insects from escaping. The number of S. cerealella that emerged was observed weekly. Angoumois grain moth emergence on stored husked maize ears began in the 3rd week through to the 6th week in storage. The moth emergence was higher in the season with higher percentage grain moisture content. A significant (P