Impact of red flour beetle Tribolium сastaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) infestation on some quality characteristics of stored wheat flour

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Abstract

This study examines the impact of Tribolium castaneum infestation on the quality of stored wheat flour by assessing insect population growth, weight loss, moisture content, colour parameters, and chemical composition along various infestation levels (0, 10, 20, and 40 pairs/kg) and storage durations (4, 6, and 8 months). Results indicate that T. castaneum populations and weight loss in flour increased significantly with higher infestation levels and prolonged storage. After 8 months, the highest infestation (40 pairs/kg) resulted in a maximum insect population of 638.5 insects/kg and 42.54 % weight loss, underlining the importance of effective pest management. Moisture content also rose up along with infestation level and storage duration, reaching 14.56 % at 40 pairs/kg after 8 months. Colour analysis showed a decline in lightness (L*) and an increase in a* and b* values, indicating quality deterioration. Chemical composition analysis revealed protein, lipid, and ash levels increased with infestation, while carbohydrate and fiber content decreased. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in all parameters across infestation levels and storage periods, with notable changes occurring as storage progressed. The findings highlight the progressive quality degradation in flour due to T. castaneum infestation, thus emphasizing the need for improved storage practices and monitoring in order to mitigate weight loss, moisture increase, and nutritional deterioration in stored wheat flour products. These insights contribute to understanding pest-induced losses and suggest preventive strategies to preserve flour quality in storage environments.

About the authors

E. F. Badran

Cairo University

Author for correspondence.
Email: Sayeda01@agr.cu.edu.eg
Economic Entomology and Pesticides Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 1 Gamaa Street, 12613, Giza, Egypt

T. G. Abedelmaksoud

Cairo University

Email: Sayeda01@agr.cu.edu.eg
Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 1 Gamaa Street, 12613, Giza, Egypt

E. A. Elshazly

Cairo University

Email: Sayeda01@agr.cu.edu.eg
1 Gamaa Street, 12613, Giza, Egypt

S. S. Ahmed

Cairo University

Email: Sayeda01@agr.cu.edu.eg
1 Gamaa Street, 12613, Giza, Egypt

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