Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, Punjab, India
*Corresponding author's E-mail: rkparshad@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 29 November, 2011.
Different concentrations (2, 3, 4, 5 and 10%) of the protein samples were tested against Tribolium castaneum separately and simultaneously by adding them to a mixture of wheat flour and milk powder (75:25 w/w). The results revealed that mortality rate of the adult beetles were dependent on the concentration of protein sample and duration of feeding. In paired-choice feeding trials, beetles showed repellency towards the food containing hen's egg white proteins. Rearing of adult beetles in presence of egg white protein effects oviposition or hatching success. Three months of storage of wheat grains were tested with variable concentrations of egg white proteins and more than 50% control was achieved at concentration exceeding 5% as compared to the control samples.
