| | This year, producers have been reporting greater insect populations in stored grains than in the last few years. Monitoring grain in bins and taking preventative steps is much easier now and less costly than finding the problem when trying to deliver the grain later.
“There are several different insects that are causing problems in stored grain this year, and that makes it more challenging to make control recommendations,” says Jim Broatch, insect pest management specialist with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development’s Ag-Info Centre, Stettler. “The majority of samples that are currently being sent in are fungus feeders. These insects thrive in grain that was in tough condition during storage, or stored grain that has hotspots develop within the bin. Turning the grain and cooling it down is the most effective and least expensive form of control for this insect problem.”
If the problem is an insect like the rusty grain beetle, producers may need to look at options such as fumigation or treating the grain. Different grain conditions can limit the options open to producers. Producers need to know what insect they are dealing with and what condition the grain is in.
“The last two years have been unusual,” says Broatch. “Last year the harvest was tough, with a lot of grain being stored that wasn’t monitored well. This caused a build up of fungus feeders. This year, the grain came off fairly hot. This presents conditions that lend themselves to rusty grain beetles and red flour beetles.”
Monitoring grain bins is essential. The main challenge this year is the wide variety of insects in the grain. Producers need to monitor their stored grain and if an infestation is found, they need to identify which insect or insects they are dealing with and then determine whether or not control methods are needed. Any insect infestation could be subject to an ‘infested’ condition description, and thus a rejection at the delivery point.
Producers who find insects in their stored grain are encouraged to give the Alberta Ag-Info Centre a call, and if possible send in or bring in a sample so that Alberta Agriculture specialists can make recommendations on control.
For further information, there are several good websites that producers can access:
Contact:
Alberta Ag-Info Centre 310-FARM (3276)
Jim Broatch (403) 742-7901 |
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