ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasizes studies that were conducted at insect densities and under conditions typically encountered by insects infesting raw and processed commodities. It provides an understanding of the ecology of stored-product insects that can help to develop better pest management programs. The chapter deals with some of the most important factors regulating insect distribution and abundance, and examines the population dynamics of source populations, and populations in raw or processed commodities. Insect population growth rates can increase as a result of shorter development times, increased survivals, or higher egg production. Insect population growth is influenced by immature and adult survivorship. Insect developmental time, survival, and egg production, and thus population growth, are affected by temperature and moisture. Interspecies interactions also can be important in regulating population dynamics. Drying affects insect populations directly by reducing survival or indirectly by causing cracks that increase the susceptibility of a commodity to insects.
