Pests

Weevils — Durum Wheat

Triticum durum Desf.

Weevils are specialized storage pests that infest durum wheat grain exclusively during the storage period. They are capable of penetrating whole grains, destroying the endosperm and reducing its quality.

In the reference 5 varieties crop Durum wheat, where this is mentioned in the description.

The term "weevils" regarding durum wheat refers to insects of the genus Sitophilus, primarily the granary weevil. The pest is considered primary, as the female lays eggs directly into the caryopsis by boring a hole in it. The larva develops inside the grain, feeding on the endosperm, which leads to significant weight loss of up to 50%, a reduction in germination capacity, and subsequent contamination of the grain mass with metabolic waste products that promote the development of mold fungi.

There is no genetic resistance of durum wheat varieties to weevils. The relative resistance of the grain to the pest is determined by its physical and technological characteristics, such as high hardness and vitreousness. Varieties with increased endosperm density are less susceptible to infestation, making technological control of humidity and temperature in storage facilities the primary methods of crop protection.

General information about the subject — on the page Weevils.

Sources8

Varieties of Durum wheat mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.