Insect Pests of Stored Rice

Abstract

Stored-product insects damage agricultural commodities during storage, processing, and distribution. Postharvest losses are particularly costly. The production costs already invested in the crop place the value at its highest point, and the loss of relatively small percentages is financially significant. Many insect species are associated with stored grain and grain products, but only about 50 are injurious, either occasionally or frequently (Cotton 1956). The more common species are listed in Table 7-1. Photographs and drawings of these and other stored-product insects are contained in Agricultural Handbook 500 (USDA/ARS 1986).