Effect of feeding by a burrower bug, Pangaeus bilineatus (Say) (Heteroptera: Cydnidae), on peanut flavor and oil quality

Abstract

A burrower bug, Pangaeus bilineatus (Say) (Heteroptera: Cydnidae), is known to feed extensively on peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., pods; particularly under certain reduced tillage production conditions. These bugs produce a strong odor when infested peanuts are uprooted, and previous anecdotal evidence indicated that burrower bug feeding is detrimental to peanut flavor. Various levels of burrower bug kernel feeding (0, 5, 10, 25, and 50% of seed by weight) were evaluated for effects on peanut flavor and oil quality. Burrower bug feeding had no detrimental effect on flavor as determined by trained panelists using descriptive sensory analysis. There was a slight, but measurable effect on oil quality as determined by a decrease in oxidative stability and an increase in peroxide values with increased levels of feeding. There was no measurable effect on free fatty acid content or fatty acid profile at the feeding levels tested. The data indicate that incidental feeding (<20% of seed) by this pest is unlikely to be detrimental to peanut flavor. At higher feeding incidence levels, the potential risks of direct yield loss, grade reductions, and aflatoxin contamination are of greater significance than concern for relatively minor reductions in oil quality.