Abstract:
Rice being a major crop of
Pakistan contributes major part of our
economy and provides energy to a major
population. So study was carried out to
determine potential of nutritive losses in six
rice genotypes against red flour beetle,
Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) at 28oC, 32oC
and 35oC. For nutritive losses, crude protein,
fiber, ash and moisture content was
analyzed through proximate analysis after
90 days of beetle infestation. Results
deduced from the present findings shown
significantly (P < 0.05) substantial
variations in nutritional composition of rice
grains in some advanced rice genotypes
when exposed to artificial infestation of red
flour beetle. High moisture content was
observed in KSK-133 and Basmati-2006 as
compared to KSK-282. Loss in crude fat
and protein were maximum in KSK-282 and
minimum in KSK-133 and Basmati-2006.
Crude fiber was significantly (P < 0.05)
high where insect infestation was low and
least value where maximum infestation
caused by insect. Ash content was severely
affected by destructive activity of insects in
all genotypes. In aggregate qualitative losses
were significantly (P < 0.05) high in KSK-
133, Basmati-2006 and Basmati-515 and
low in Basmati-385 and KSK-133 proving
susceptible and resistance respectability,
respectively. Findings should be incorporate
in breeding programme and can also be
helpful in post-harvest storage.
