Effect of Insect Infestation and Storage on Lipids of Cereal Grains

Insect infestation of wheat, maize, and sorghum grains caused by Trogoderma granarium Everts and Rhyzopertha dominica Fabricius singly or in mixed populations resulted in substantial reductions in the contents of total lipids, phospholipids, galactolipids, and polar and nonpolar lipids. The reduction was significant (P < 0.05) at 50 and 75% infestations. Phospholipids in wheat and galactolipids in maize and sorghum were more affected as compared to other lipid classes. Losses of lipids showed significant (P < 0.05) and negative correlations with the levels of insect infestations. T. granarium was comparatively more destructive than R. dominica because of variation in the distribution pattern of lipids in seed components and feeding habits of insects. Storage of three cereal grains for 1, 2, and 4 months had no significant effect on total lipids and other classes of lipids. Keywords: Lipids; cereals; insect infestation; storage