Stored Grain Insects
Objectives
- Manage stored grain (wheat) insects at lower cost by control throughout a network of elevators.
- Reduce use and reliance on phosphine gas and other insecticides for pest control in stored grains.
Methods
- Early aeration (automatic controllers) to cool grain and reduce insect and mold population growth
- sanitation
- forecasting of safe storage periods
- intensive monitoring
- computer models
- biological control (conservation)
Extent of Implementation
Fiscal Years 1997-2001
- Kansas network - six county area and 11 terminal/country elevators
- Oklahoma network - four county area and 12 terminal/country elevators
Results to Date
- Incoming sampling data being analyzed.
- Previous studies have demonstrated reduced storage infestations from 60 to 16 percent.
- Reduced cost of pesticide from $1.50 to $0.60/ton.
- Increased residue free grain from 30 to 90 percent.
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