Prediction of maize weevil population growth rate

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2014-06-01
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Brumm, Thomas
Bern, Carl
Rosentrater, Kurt
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Bern, Carl
University Professor Emeritus
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Brumm, Thomas
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Rosentrater, Kurt
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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.

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In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.

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1905–present

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  • Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)

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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Abstract

Insects play ecological roles within natural ecosystems, provide economic benefits in agricultural systems, act as pollinators and seed dispersers. But some infest grain, which can lead to catastrophic losses of food supplies, especially in developing countries. Grain is grown and used all over the world, but after grain is harvested, maintaining quality is important not only for human health, but for economic reasons as well. One of the main causes for grain deterioration, especially in warm tropical regions (as well as other developing countries), is insect infestation. In particular, this paper focuses on the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais). It is essential to understand growth dynamics and lifecycle of this pest in order to develop methods for controlling it This experiment focused to develop growth equation that can be used to predict the population density of the maize weevils. Weevils, yellow dent corn, lab jars, and a growth chamber which provided a controlled environment were used to study population growth of the maize weevil. Results showed that the population density followed an exponential growth with a growth constant range of 0.0392 to 0.0448. Maize weevils for future research work were raised.

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Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2014