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Toxicity of different diets contaminated with various fungi to rice moth larvae (Corcyra cephalonica st)
Abstract:
Growth studies of rice moth larvae (Corcyra cephalonica st) have been carried out in groundnut meal and wheat bran contaminated with A. flavus, A. oryzae, P. purpurogenus and P. rubrum. It was observed that the diets contaminated with A. flavus only are toxic to these larvae. Wheat bran contaminated with A. flavus is more toxic than contaminated groundnut meal. The higher toxicity of wheat bran contaminated diet has been discussed. Aflatoxins produced in different substrata are shown to differ when analysed chromatographically. Growth studies of rice moth larvae have also been carried out with aflatoxin and the susceptibility of these larvae has been established.
Insights
Groundnut meal and wheat bran contaminated with Aspergillus flavus were toxic to rice moth larvae (Corcyra cephalonica st). Wheat bran proved more toxic, establishing larval susceptibility to aflatoxins.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Mycology
- Entomology
Background:
- Fungal contamination of stored grains like groundnut meal and wheat bran is a significant concern.
- Certain fungi, including Aspergillus species, produce mycotoxins that can impact insect pests.
- The rice moth larva (Corcyra cephalonica st) is a common pest of stored commodities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of fungal-contaminated diets on the growth of rice moth larvae.
- To compare the toxicity of groundnut meal and wheat bran contaminated with specific fungi.
- To establish the susceptibility of rice moth larvae to aflatoxins.
Main Methods:
- Larval growth studies were conducted using groundnut meal and wheat bran.
- Diets were experimentally contaminated with Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium purpurogenus, and Penicillium rubrum.
- Chromatographic analysis was used to characterize aflatoxins produced in different substrates.
- Larval growth was monitored on diets containing pure aflatoxin.
Main Results:
- Only diets contaminated with Aspergillus flavus exhibited toxicity to rice moth larvae.
- Wheat bran contaminated with A. flavus was more toxic than groundnut meal contaminated with A. flavus.
- Aflatoxins produced in different substrates showed chromatographic variations.
- Rice moth larvae demonstrated susceptibility when reared on aflatoxin-contaminated diets.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus flavus contamination is toxic to rice moth larvae, with wheat bran being a more susceptible substrate.
- The study confirms the susceptibility of Corcyra cephalonica st to aflatoxins.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for integrated pest management strategies in stored products.