Abstract

Insect caused deterioration is an important factor which affects the successful storage and utilization of reed. In Kerala two species of borers viz,. Dinoderus minutus Fb. and D. ocellaris Steph. (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) cause serious damage. Experimental investigations revealed that culm age, distance of the culm segment from the base of the culm, moisture content and species of Dinoderus were the most important factors influencing susceptibility to borer attack. Cutting season, varietal differences in reed and transportation in water were less important. Mature culms of comparatively high moisture content were the most susceptibleflowered culms were immune to attack. D. minutus, the most prevalent borer species in Kerala survived well only on mature culms (5 yrs of age)culms of younger age (6 m to 2 yrs) were seldom attacked. D. ocellaris survived better on culms of younger age, compared to D. minutus