Abstract

In Côte d'Ivoire, corn is one of the most widely consumed foodstuffs. However, this product suffers from pest damage during storage and preservation, mainly caused by insects. The aim of this study is to identify the insects associated with corn cobs and evaluate their effect in Tengrela, Bagoué region. Three sub-prefectures were selected: Kanakono, Debeté, and Papara. In each sub-prefecture, three batches of 30 cobs of corn were collected in three different storage facilities. Insects collected after shelling and sieving were counted and identified. Corn damage was assessed using the counting and weighing method (CWM). Results show that 12 species were identified, grouped into 10 families and 4 orders. These species are divided into harmful and beneficial insects based on their diet. The average attack rate recorded at the end of 12 months of storage is estimated at 82.53% of stocks. This study reveals for the first-time the establishment of Prostephanus truncatus, a large grain borer beetle in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Among with Sitophilus zeamais, P. truncatus is the most abundant destructive species in corn stocks. This study shows the urgent need to implement methods to protect and preserve the quality of corn cobs in Côte d'Ivoire.

Key words: Corn, post-harvest, storage, insect pests, Prostephanus truncatus, Côte d'Ivoire.