EFFECTS OF MOISTURE CONTENT ON THE BAMBOO BORER <em>DINODERUS</em> <em>MINUTUS</em>

Abstract

Infestation by the bamboo borer Dinoderus minutus (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) on felled bamboo culms and products is a serious problem in the bamboo industry. However, biological studies on Dinoderus species are scarce. This study examined the development and reproductive aspects of the bamboo borer. Boring behaviour and biology of D. minutus at different moisture contents of Gigantochloa scortechinii were observed at 25 ± 3 °C under 8 hours light–16 hours dark regime. Dinoderus minutus showed significant differences in boring capacity and lifespan of adult beetles at different moisture contents. Infestation occurred as early as felling of bamboo and became severe as moisture content decreased to 15%. Female beetles deposited eggs individually into the metaxylem and incubation period varied from 4 to 6 days. Larvae fed along the metaxylem, leaving behind tightly packed frass. The overall life cycle of D. minutus in bamboo was 98.28 ± 1.26 days.