COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF DIFFERENT RICE VARIETIES TO LESSER GRAIN BORER (RHYZOPERTHA DOMINICA) INFESTATION

This study investigated the susceptibility of three rice varieties—FARO 44, FARO 66, and GAWAL rice—to infestation by the Lesser Grain Borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) under laboratory conditions. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with each treatment replicated three times. A total of 20 unsexed, newly emerged adult insects were introduced into 100 g of each rice variety and observed at 14-day intervals. Data were collected on the number of adult insects emerged, weight loss (g), and percentage weight loss of the grains. Results showed varying levels of susceptibility among the rice varieties. FARO 44 recorded the highest adult emergence and weight loss, indicating higher susceptibility to R. dominica. FARO 66 showed moderate levels of infestation, while GAWAL rice had the lowest adult emergence and minimal weight loss, suggesting greater resistance to the pest. The findings demonstrate that rice varieties differ significantly in their vulnerability to lesser grain borer infestation, and such differences should be considered in the selection of rice varieties for storage. This study further highlights the importance of integrating varietal resistance into post-harvest pest management strategies to reduce storage losses and enhance food security.