The effect of sunn pest infested grains on wheat quality in different field conditions

Abstract

In order to determine the effect of the number of grains infested with sunn pest (Eurygaster austriaca Schrk. and Emygaster maura L.) on the quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), we analyzed five commercial varieties of bread wheat grown in field conditions in 2003/2004 on ten localities in Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia. A range from 0.8% to 8.26% of infested grains was registered on the analyzed sites. Reduction of quality traits (protein content - PC, sedimentation value - SV1, modified sedimentation value - SV2, wet gluten content - WG and energy test - E) was observed in accordance to the number of infested grains (damaged grain - DG). Statistically significant differences were determined in the number of damaged grains and analyzed quality traits between localities, varieties and their interaction (locality x variety). Although there was significant variation for the PC, WG and SV1 between localities, it was not as high as for SV2 and E. Obtained by modified Zeleny test, SV2 is considered to be an objective parameter for determining the infested grains. Results of this study indicated a different intensity of bug attack in researched localities. In addition, there was a different reaction of varieties to the wheat bugs bite, which may be used in plant breeding programs for the improvement of bread wheat resistance against attack of bugs.