Stored-Grain Insects and Their Control in New Jersey1

Abstract

A study initiated in New Jersey in 1955 showed a total of 53 species of insects found in and around stored-grain structures and included 36 species of Coleoptera, 5 species of Lepidoptera, 1 species of Psocoptera, 9 species of parasitic Hymenoptera, and 2 species of predacious Heteroptera. Twenty-eight bins were treated at harvest in 1956 with pyrethrins emulsion at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 p.p.m., a pyrethrins dust at 1.5 p.p.m., malathion emulsion at 25.0 p.p.m., and malathion dust at 5.0 p.p.m. The most effective treatments were the pyrethrins dust and the malathion dust and emulsion. Twenty-one bins were treated at harvest in 1957 with a pyrethrins emulsion at 1.5 and 2.0 p.p.m., a pyrethrins dust at. 1.5 p.p.m., and malathion dust at 5.0 p.p.m. A fumigant containing 3.5% ethylene dibromide, 10.0% ethylene dichloride, 10.0% carbon bisulphide, and 76.5% carbon tetrachloride was applied to seven bins 6 weeks after harvest. The latter treatment, plus malathion dust and the highest dosage of the pyrethrins emulsion, provided the most effective protection against insects. Species such as the foreign grain beetle ( Ahasverus advena Waltl) and a hairy fungus beetle (Typhaea stercorea (L.)) were abundant only in 1956 when the grain had an average moisture content of 14.0% at initial storage. The saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.)) and the rusty grain beetle (Laemophloeus ferrugineus (Steph.)), especially the former, were abundant both years. The Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.)) was observed infesting wheat, corn, rye, and barley in the field. The fumigant mixture applied at the manufacturer's recommendations, was also very effective in reducing heavy insect infestations in 10 bins of wheat in the fall of 1956.