THE Pagiocerus frontalis (F.), PEST OF STORED CORN: BIOLOGY, HABITS AND ECOLOGICAL NOTES
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Abstract
Pagiocerus frontalis (F.) ís the main coleopteran insect pest of farinaceous corn type grains stored under traditional conditions used by small farmers in the cold climate areas of Colombia. To develop rational control methods, the knowledge of the biology of any pest is fundamental. Therefore a study of the insect under the laboratory conditions of 1CA's Experimental Station "Tulio Ospina" (T = 22°C, R.H. 60=80%) at Bello (Antioquia) was carried out. The results indicate the following mean developmental time in days for each stage: egg: 4.75; larva: 28; prepupa 15 hours; pupa: 4.5, and adult: 60, with a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 105 days. The insect developed normally in corn of the various type under cold climatic conditions between 2,000 and 3,000 m.a.s.l., but neither in a warm climate with altitudes below 1,000 m.a.s.l. nor in temperature zones within altitudes of 1,000 to 2,000 ma.a.s.l. nor in corn with hard endosperm. Corn on the cob was much more favorable for its multiplication than on loose grains. The insect stays within the grain during almost its whole life; adults only leave it to start a new infestation.
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