Effect of storage conditions for Triticum spelta L. on the development of Sitophilus granarius L

Spelt wheat is one of the oldest husked, non-threshing forms of wheats. While stored, spelt wheat, like any other wheat species, may be invaded by storage pest insects, mainly grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius). The results of our tests suggest that the development of S. granarius depends on storage conditions and cereal crop species. Grain weevil can threaten kernels of Triticum spelta, in which it finds perfect conditions for development. On the other hand, it developed poorly in spelt wheat spikelets. In most of spelt wheat cultivars analysed, the number of offspring beetles was low, never exceeding 10 individuals. Husks are probably a natural barrier that protects kernels from foraging by grain weevil.