EFFECT OF INSECT INFESTATION AND STORAGE ON LIPIDS OF CEREAL-GRAINS

Insect infestation of wheat, maize, and sorghum grains caused by Trogo derma granarium Everts and Rhyzopertha dominica Fabricius singly or in mixed populations resulted in substantial reductions in the contents of total lipids, phospholipids, galactolipids, and polar and nonpolar lipids. The reduction was significant (P < 0.05) at 50 and 75% infesta tions. Phospholipids in wheat and galactolipids in maize and sorghum w ere more affected as compared to other lipid classes. Losses of lipids showed significant (P < 0.05) and negative correlations with the leve ls of insect infestations. T. granarium was comparatively more destruc tive than R. dominica because of variation in the distribution pattern of lipids in seed components and feeding habits of insects. Storage o f three cereal grains for 1, 2, and 4 months had no significant effect on total lipids and other classes of lipids.