Effect of High Temperature on Two Major Stored Product Insects and the Effect on Germination of Wheat and Cowpea Seeds

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effect of high temperature (45°C–80°C) on two major stored product insects and the effect on germination of cowpea seeds. High temperature influenced mortality% of adults, immature stages, hatchability%, reduction% of insects and weight loss% as well as germination% of seeds. The complete mortality 100% of Callosobruchus maculatus was obtained with the treatment 55°C/40 min, 60°C/30 min, 65°C/20 min, 70°C/20 min, 75°C/15 min, and 80°C/5 min. The complete mortality 100% of Rhyzopertha dominica was obtained with the treatment 55°C/30 min, 60°C/25 min, 65°C/20 min, 70°C/15 min, 75°C/10 min, and 80°C/5 min. Furthermore, the temperature at 45°C/30 min, 55°C/20 min, 60°C and 65°C/15 min, 70°C and 75°C/10 min, and 80°C/5 min did not have any harmful effects on humans or on the environment. The best results were achieved with application of temperature at 45°C/30 min, 55°C/20 min, 60°C and 65°C/15 min, 70°C and 75°C/10 min, and 80°C/5 min without injurious effects on grain and seed germination.