Lesson 1: Rice Weevil

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Module 5 Storage Pests
Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics
Lessons
Modules

Lesson 1 Rice Weevil
The adult weevils are reddish brown, about 4 mm
long, and have four light reddish or yellowish
spots on the wings (Fig.). The adult female
bores a hole in a kernel, deposits a single egg
and covers it with a gelatinous fluid. A female
may lay as many as 300-550 eggs in 4-5 months.
months.
Adult Rice Weevil
Course on Insect Pests of Sorghum
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Lesson 1 Rice Weevil
Damage These weevils are the most destructive
insect pests of stored grain in the world. They
infest a very large variety of stored
grains. Both the adults and larvae feed on
grain, which may often be damaged beyond use
(Fig.).
Rice Weevil Damage
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Lesson 1 Rice Weevil
Management Grain should be stored in a dry,
clean condition in insect-proof containers. The
insect will be unable to breed if the grain
moisture content is less than 9. If keeping
the grain dry is not practicable, fumigation may
be the only feasible protection.