Quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Chenopodiaceae) is a
herbaceous flowering plant which is originated in the Andeas region (Latin
America). Seeds of quinoa are of high nutritional value, so it is important for
the diversification of future agricultural systems. It is believed that quinoa
deserves more research for successful cultivation in order to get the benefit of
its high nutritional value. The presented study dealt with a survey and study on
the common insect species which proved to infest quinoa seeds during storage.
Quinoa seeds storage proved liable for infestation by three insect
species; Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), Lasioderma serricorne and Tribolium
castaneum. (3.17±0.08, 21.50±1.23, 36.25±0.63 and 44.00±0.25 total
infestation % at the end of each of the 4 successive years, respectively). By close
observation, E. kuehniella proved to be the most common and serious pest on
quinoa seeds. This insect species caused the first infestation, followed by L.
serricorne and T. castaneum. The results of this study suggest that E. kuehniella
more tolerant to quinoa saponin. Some biological information on the surveyed
insect species was carried out. The role of saponin against either stored grain
insect pests needs more investigation |
