A study was conducted to elucidate the effects of protein fractions isolated from maize (Zea mays L.) seeds on the development and survival of the Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Maize seeds were fractionated into albumins, globulins, prolamins, glutelins and a residue and the bruchids reared on artificial seeds composed of susceptible background bean flour enriched with the different protein fractions. Survival (as indicated by LD50) and development (as indicated by WD50) of 20-day-old larvae of the bruchid were negatively affected by most of the fractions. The albumins and globulins were the most detrimental to Z. subfasciatus, significantly affecting both its survival and development.
