Correlation between Rice Weevil Infestation Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus) and Seed Quality Parameters of Maize (Zea mays. L) Seed

The experiment was conducted at the Seed Research and Technology Centre, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to investigate the impact of Sitophilus oryzae on the seed quality parameters of maize. Samples weighing 500g of maize variety DHM-117 were placed in plastic jars in three replications S. oryzae adults of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 pairs were separately released into each replicate of the maize seeds then these jars were placed in an incubator set at 25°C and 75% humidity. These jars were covered with lids equipped with aeration facilities. The adult emergence, germination percentage and moisture content were evaluated every two months six months. An inverse correlation was observed between adult emergence with germination percentage and seedling vigour index while, adult emergence showed a positive correlation with moisture content.