Effect of insect infestation on stored grain. I.-studies on soft wheat

Soft wheat, which is considered to be easily susceptible to insect damage during storage, was subjected to infestation by three species of insects, namely Calandra oryzae L. (weevils), Trogoderma granaria E. (khapra beetles) and Ephestia cautella W. (almond moth), and the changes brought about by them are reported. The results suggest that, although weevils cause heavy reduction in the weight of the grain, the moth, which feeds only on the germ portion, considerably reduces the grain's viability. The results of an investigation on the degree of unhygienic conditions brought about in the grains by the addition of impurities and body fragments of the insects have been presented. An increase in the acidity of fat, and a decrease in the thiamine content due to insect damage, were both appreciable, but the effect on other constituents of the grain, such as total nitrogen and reducing sugars, was not significant.