Post harvest storage losses by cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne Fab.) in seed spice crops

A laboratory study was conducted to determine the damage and reproductive potential of Lasioderma serricorne Fab. on some seed spice crops, viz., cumin, coriander, fennel, ajowan and dill at different storage conditions. The result showed that beetle causes huge storage losses which were maximum in fennel seed (58.02%) and minimum in dill seed (39.0%). Population growth was also related to damaging potential on different seed spices. Maximum population of insect was recorded in fennel seed and minimum in dill seed. In case of quarter monthly observation, maximum damage and reproduction was noticed in July to September and minimum in the month of January to March in seed of coriander, ajowan and cumin and April to June in case of fennel and dill.