Controlling insects in stored grain calls for the use of a large number of techniques and methodologies to make sure the overall quality of the grain entering the storage space or facility remains intact over time. Every year, millions of tons of grains get deteriorated across the world in storage facilities owing to the lack of proper storage techniques and procedures. There were times when only permitted insecticides used to be the main medium to safeguard stored grain from different hazards, but now some newer aspects have also come into existence. Some of them apart from prudent use of insecticides include the following:
- The use of sanitation
- Sound storage
- Dry grain
- Managing temperature and aeration, and
- Regular sampling
Bin facilities also play a crucial role in making sure the quality of grain is maintained and needs to be inspected at regular intervals to take note of any kind of deterioration. The top 4 insecticide treatment options for controlling mold growth in stored grain include the following:
- Applying insecticides as an empty-bin spray
- Treating the entire grain mass (protectants)
- Treating the top of the grain mass (top-dress treatment), and
- Fumigation
Let’s take a look at some of the proven and systematic ways to protect the stored grain from different causes including insects responsible for deteriorating it:
Preparing the Harvested Grain for Storage
A well-thought preparation of the harvested grain for storage is one of the most prominent aspects of the entire procedure. You need to adhere to all acceptable grain moisture content levels to control and deter insects. Nevertheless, you also need to be mindful of things like over-drying because this move will damage the grains while inviting ‘secondary insects’ into the arena. Experts have revealed after various studies that moisture levels below 10% make grains like soybeans more prone to brittleness and splits.
Therefore, it is mandatory to stay alert to the moisture content levels in a balanced way while preparing the grains for the storage facility. If you unfailingly want to prevent spoilage and insect infestation, then you need to keep the moisture low enough. But, the ultimate solution doesn’t lie only in the moisture content. The researchers at the University of Minnesota have revealed that applying certain grain protectants before storage is also necessary. Some of the approved protectants which you can apply in both either liquid or dust forms include the following:
- Chlorpyrifos-methyl
- Malathion, and
- Pirimiphos-methyl
The efficacy of these solutions to a large extent depends upon the mixing and the moisture and temperature of the grains to be stored. Temperature and moisture are the most common reasons why grain protectants fail to serve their purpose. As far as the ranges of temperature and moisture are concerned, the experts recommend them as given below:
- Moisture content, not more than 13%
- Temperature not more than 90 degrees
Creating an Unfavorable Environment for Insects
The way you store your grain is also equally important. The overfilling of grain bins and not leveling the grains at the top are the most common mistakes. An ideal leveling method calls for at least 6 inches of space at the top. This space can be efficiently and effectively used for dusting the top of the grains with a high-quality surface treatment. But, you need to be well aware of the fact that surface treatment cannot challenge the established manifestations.
Globally-renowned entomologist, Harold Shepard in the year 1947 disclosed based on his experiments that grain insect activity remains lower at 45° Fahrenheit, and more surprisingly, there was no insect activity at all at 43°. Therefore, keeping the grain between 43 and 40 degrees plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the grain from insects. Experts also believe that temperature is one of the most decisive factors when it comes to ensuring the overall quality of the stored grain. Managing a perfectly suitable temperature and moisture contents simply determines how long your grains can remain intact in quality and free from insect manifestations.
Striking a perfect balance is necessary because high temperatures and moist grain can prove to be very problematic, and on the contrary, low temperatures and moisture can ensure the safety of the grains for many months. Apart from this, as a farmer or storage house manager, you need to keep checking and monitoring the grain storage temperatures at regular intervals to make sure that the quality of the grain is intact. You also need to take note of the fact that no solutions can make feel you free from the task of regular monitoring.
Aeration Cooling and Effective Grain Hygiene
According to the Grain Pest Control Guide, more than 85% of pest problems can be overcome through balanced aeration cooling and effective grain hygiene. In case heat is generated in your stored grain, it simply means there are problems out there. With the constant advancement in the field of technology. Different types of temperature monitoring cables are available that work very effectively in detecting areas where heat is generated.
This type of monitoring methodology alerts you about the emergence of insect activity in the stored grain. Through the real-time data delivering it straight to your smartphone or any other device you are connected with. This way, you can wipe out any possibility of insect manifestation even before they come into existence. This technique helps you in the following ways:
- You can use the information provided to troubleshoot problems and make savvy decisions
- You are well aware of the condition of your grain everywhere round the clock
- The system also helps you document information for future references
- The system provides crucial data to help you manage your stored grain flawlessly.
Concluding Remarks
Grain Technik is a leading chiller machine manufacturer in India. That specializing in the field of refrigeration technology, currently involved in various industrial segments. The company is serving grain milling and storage companies with high-quality grain chilling machines. The chillers by the company can be used for single-grain silo capacities. Ranging between 500 metric tons and 15,000 metric tons.
