Population growth of Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamais and infestation patterns in three maize hybrids

Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) cause significant damage to stored maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we evaluated the progeny production and damage of these species in three maize hybrids (‘AGN 717’, ‘AGN 672’, and ‘AGN 794’) obtained from three locations in Northern Greece. The trials were conducted under laboratory conditions, and the progeny production, number of damaged kernels (NDK), weight of damaged kernels (WDK), and frass were evaluated after 65 days. The hybrids had a significant effect on the progeny production of both beetle species, with the highest number of progeny being produced in the hybrid ‘AGN 672’. The percentage of dead adults was affected by planting location of hybrids in both species, but no significant differences were found among the tested hybrids and species. The effect of location on frass production was only observed in S. zeamais, but hybrids did not affect the production of the frass in either species. NDK and WDK were found to be significantly different among the hybrids in S. zeamais, but only WDK was different in P. truncatus. These parameters did not differ among the locations for either species. The results showed that different hybrids and cropping locations had a significant effect on the progeny production and damage of S. zeamais and P. truncatus in maize. Therefore, planting locations and hybrids should be taken into account when growing maize or specified in maize susceptibility studies to P. truncatus and S. zeamais.