The effect of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 adult Sitophilus zeamais on the quality of 1 kg lots of white maize maintained at 25−30°C and 65−85% r.h. was observed. Per cent moisture, oil, Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content and germination were determined at 2-week intervals for 10 weeks.

Moisture content of infested maize ranged from 11.51 to 12.92%. There was a significant correlation between moisture content and degree of infestation (r = 0.88; P < 0.05; Y = 11.908 + 0.006 x). The range of oil content of infested maize was 4.83−5.75%. There was a significant correlation between oil content and degree of infestation (r = −0.097; P < 0.05; Y = 5.08 −0.0076 x). The free fatty acid (FFA) of infested maize was 5.82−6.86%. The heterogeneity at various infestation levels was significant (F = 81.38; d.f. = 5; P < 0.001). There was an increase in FFA, with increasing infestations, although the correlation was not significant.

The germination of maize, 10 days after planting, at various infestation levels was 43.0−97.5%. There was a decrease in germination, as level of infestation increased. The heterogeneity in germination at various infestation levels was significant (F = 19.21; d.f. = 5; P < 0.001). Possible reasons for the results obtained, are presented.