Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium Everts): A Food Security Threat

Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) is a serious pest of stored grains and stored products (groundnut, cotton, barley, rice, millet, sesame, sorghum, wheat, maize and cowpea etc.) with quarantine status is one of the invasive species feared around the world. Identification of adult khapra beetle on the basis of morphology is difficult due to its similarity with other dermestids, thus study of genitalia will specify the species and also aim at understanding its reproduction and fecundity. Damage can be severe with weight losses of between 5-30 per cent and in extreme cases 70 per cent. Besides weight losses it also reduces the grade of grain, unfit for consumption and may result in less profit for wholesalers. Apart from the destruction of grain dry products by Khapra beetle, ingesting products contaminated with body parts, setae and cast larval skins can result in gastro-intestinal irritation. Asthmatics and sensitized individuals are also at risk, as contaminants are highly allergenic. Detection of Khapra beetle live or dead attracts serious trade restrictions and economic fallout. It attracts strict phytosanitary regulation by many countries in order to restrict the pest at the boundaries. The pest is difficult to control owing to its diapause. Therefore, necessary to design a system’s approach to tackle this pest. The use of methyl-bromide or other fumigants to eradicate or control Khapra beetle will likely produce adverse effects on the environment and human health. Methyl bromide is an ozonedepleting substance, and human exposure to high concentrations can result in the failure of the central nervous and respiratory systems. Therefore alternative of MBR has to be searched for safer control of Khapra beetle in quarantine.