Detection and Quantification of Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Infestation in Rice Seeds using the X-Ray Technique and Influence on Their Quality.

Insect pests in stor ed products cause qualitative and quantitative losses in seed lots, reducing their commercial value by directly compromising the physiological and sanitary quality of the seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality and perform a proximate analysis of rice seeds infested with Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), using radiographic images. The X-ray analysis was used to detect and identify the weevil development stages and quantify the percentage of infestation in rice seeds. The physiological quality and the proximate analysis were evaluated after the seeds were subjected to four levels of infestation by S. zeamais: 0%, 2%, 3%, and 5%. The radiographic images enabled efficient detection of infestation levels, identification of the weevil's developmental stages, and assessment of damaged and empty seeds. The following physiological tests were performed: germination test, first germination count test, emergency test, retention capacity of the substrate, emergency speed index, and electrical conductivity test. For the physiological and proximate analysis, the experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and four replications. Statistical differences were observed in physiological assessments and proximate analysis across infestation levels, confirming that infestation intensity directly affects seed viability and nutritional value. This emphasizes the importance of effective monitoring methods to mitigate pest damage to stored seeds.