Insect species of stored cocoa beans in Peninsular Malaysia

A. Sivapragasam

Abstract

The insect species in cocoa beans were determined for both estate and buyer beans. The major species. based on adult and immature numbers, were Tribolium castaneum, Oryzaephilus mercator, Lasioderma serricorne and Corcyra cephalonica. The species composition and the relative abundance of the major species were similar for the estate and buyer beans. The mean number of adults per sack of 62.-5k g nett was 0.74 and 3.51. for estate and buyer beans. respectively. The dispersion pattern of adults in the sacks was highly aggregated for both estate and buyer beans. It was suggested that the immature stages of insects. which are not easily detected during preliminary inspection. could be a source of residual and cross-infestation during shipment. Based on this. it was suggested that all cocoa beans for export be fumigated, regardless of adult insect numbers.

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