Protection of Grains and Cereals- A Review

Abstract

The protection of stored grains against insects was reviewed. The various sources of insect infestation of stored grains and the type of insects infesting grains were identified. It was observed that poor handling of the crop products during harvesting and processing prior to storage among others were identified as sources of insect infestation of stored grains and this result in poor quality and loss in market value of the grains. It was established that susceptibility of the grains to attack by insects was influenced by their moisture content. Hence, long – term storage, grains must be dried to safe moisture content. As preventive measures, good sanitation practice will help farmers reduce pest population. Grains can be sun dried when insect presence is noticed, during sunny weather. Mixing of local plants with grains for example dried neem leaves, dried pepper among others, the use of fumigants and the knowledge of the biology of the insect pests will help to reduce the menace of insects from our stored grains. In order to minimize the problems of insect pests on stored grains, harvesting methods be improved upon as to reduce grain losses due to injury which attract insects. Design of warehouses should be done in such a way that effective storage of grains will be achieved (good site location, proper ventilation etc), stored products chemicals manufacturing company be set up in Nigeria while research institutes and universities in the country be given sufficient fund to execute research programmes on effective crop storage.