Susceptibility of approved rice varieties in Punjab, Pakistan to Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its impact on nutritional contents of rice grains

Abstract Rice is an important cereal crop commonly infested by stored grain insects, including Sitophilus oryzae L. This study evaluated the varietal resistance and nutritional composition of different rice varieties following infestation by S. oryzae. The research was carried out using completely randomized design (CRD) with 11 treatments (varieties) and 3 replications. The rice varieties PK 1121 Aromatic, Kissan Basmati, and KSK 434 were found to be more susceptible to S. oryzae, with the highest weight loss at 45 days following infestation. Infestation by S. oryzae decreased amylose and increased protein contents. The highest amylose contents were found in PK 386, KSK 133, and KS 282, whereas the highest protein contents were in PK 1121 Aromatic, Kissan Basmati, and Basmati 515. The faster larval development in S. oryzae occurs on Kissan Basmati, PK 1121 Aromatic and Punjab Basmati. The adult lifespan was longer on Kissan Basmati, PK 1121 Aromatic, and Punjab Basmati. The results indicate that the least affected rice varieties (KS 282, Basmati 515, Super Basmati, and PK 386) have potential to be included in integrated pest management program to control S. oryzae.