Effect of abiotic factors on biology of Rhyzopertha dominica (fab.) on wheat

Study conducted on bioecology of Rhyzopertha dominica revealed that maximum fecundity occurred at 30 ± 1°C temperature and 75 ± 5% relative humidity (307.3/female) and minimum at 40±1°C temperature and 65±5% R.H. (60.0/female). Incubation period lasted for 5.3–9.4 days and larval and pupal period for 24.2–44.8 days. Female longevity was 30.9 days at 25±1°C temperature and 75±5% R.H. and decreased at higher temperature. Maximum survival of eggs (74.0%) took place at 30±1°C temperature and 75±5% R.H., while minimum (2.0%) was at 40±1°C temperature and 65±5% R.H.. Growth index (3.6) was also high at the temperature 30±1°C.