Detection of Insect Pests in Stored Wheat Grains in Mardin Province, Türkiye

The licensed warehousing is increasingly enlarging in Mardin Province, Türkiye. This study was carried out during 2022–2023 to determine insect species, their densities, and the extent of damage in stored wheat grains. Samples were collected using the probe method from both traditional warehouses and steel silos. Insects were examined in 500-gram samples prepared by compositing. A total of 9 insect species were identified in stored wheat, all of which belonged to the order Coleoptera. The most common species in stored wheat, known as a primary pest of cereals, was the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae). The number of live individuals collected was higher than dead ones (with live individuals comprising about 90% in traditional warehouse and 77% in steel silo). The rate of damaged grain caused by primary pests in grain wheat varied between 1-5% indicating that fumigations in the sampled warehouses and silos were found to be inadequate. It is recommended to ensure proper sealing and to monitor gas concentration levels using a detector during fumigation to maintain consistency.