Stored-Grain Pest Management

Abstract

The predominant pests in stored grain are insects. Molds can also contaminate cereal grain when grain moisture content exceeds the safe storage limit. Storage fungi grow in hot spots developing in damp patches of grain stored in bins. The control of insect pests can be achieved by different approaches: (i) chemical protectants; (ii) gaseous fumigants; and (iii) physical treatments such as heat, microwave energy, irradiation, and hermetic storage under controlled atmospheres. Some reduction of mycotoxin content in cereal grain can be obtained either through mechanical processes such as grain peeling, steaming, optical sorting, and abrasion machining or by chemical treatment with ammonia, ozone, or sulfur dioxide. Future prospects in pest control by grain storekeepers include the practical application of integrated pest management (IPM) practices based on an IPM approach for better control of pest populations and mold growth as well as a reduction in the use of residual chemical protectants. An extended use of computer-aided decision support systems for integrated quality management of stored grain is being developed.