Host Preference and Damage potential of Rice Weevil, (Sitophilus oryzae L.) on Different Stored Millets

The study was carried out at the Department of Entomology, SHUATS, Prayagraj during 2023-2024 to study the host preference and damage potential of rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) on different stored millets. The laboratory experiment was conducted to study host preference and seed damage of rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) on different millets (sorghum, pearl millet, foxtail millet, finger millet, kodo millet). Among different millets, sorghum was found as most preferred host with 30.44 number of weevils after 15 days of release. Maximum and minimum seed damage (%) was recorded on sorghum and foxtail millet after 30 days of release. It was observed that sorghum's high nutritional content, suitable grain structure, optimal moisture levels, and favorable storage conditions make it an ideal environment for rice weevils' development and reproduction.