Sitotroga

Sitotroga, commonly known as the Angoumois grain moth, is a genus of moths belonging to the family Gelechiidae. The most well-known species within this genus is Sitotroga cerealella, a significant pest of stored grains worldwide.

Sitotroga cerealella is characterized as a small, buff-colored moth with fringed wings. The larvae are internal feeders, developing entirely within the grain kernels. They feed on the endosperm, leaving behind frass and damaging the nutritional value of the grain. Infestations can begin in the field before harvest or during storage. Common host grains include wheat, corn, rice, barley, oats, sorghum, and rye. Heavy infestations can lead to substantial economic losses due to grain damage and weight reduction.

Management strategies for Sitotroga cerealella typically involve a combination of preventative measures and direct control methods. Preventative measures include proper sanitation of storage facilities, use of insect-resistant grain varieties, and maintaining low moisture content in stored grains. Direct control methods may include fumigation, application of insecticides, controlled atmosphere storage (e.g., using carbon dioxide), and biological control agents.

The genus Sitotroga is important in the field of agricultural entomology due to its economic impact and its use as a model organism in studies related to insect pest management and grain storage techniques.