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Bin insect management not unique for low quality grainOklahoma Insect management for short-term storage of low-test-weight or sprouted grain should not pose any unique insect problems as long as the grain is dry. "By dry, we're talking about 12.5 percent or less moisture content," said Tom Royer, Integrated Pest Management coordinator for Oklahoma State University's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Stored-grain insects are not brought in from the field so the condition of the grain and bin before the grain is put into storage are important to keep the grain from becoming infested. In other words, prevention is the key. Newly harvested grain can become contaminated with stored-grain insects by contact with grain that was previously infested. This can occur in combines, truck beds, wagons, augers, bucket lifts or other equipment used to move or handle grain. "That's why equipment should be cleaned before any grain is harvested, hauled, moved or stored," said Carol Jones, OSU agricultural engineer specializing in stored products. Jones recommends the following preventive measures be taken to help ensure a previous infestation does not become a problem: --Sweep out or vacuum all equipment and remove all old grain. Apply a residual insecticide after cleaning. --Thoroughly sweep and clean all parts of the empty bin, including ledges, rafters and augers. --Remove all debris from fans, exhausts and aeration ducts, and especially from beneath slotted floors. --Seal all unnecessary openings in the grain bin. --Remove all vegetation and debris within a 10-feet radius of the bin. --Spray cleaned areas around the bin with a residual herbicide to keep weeds from growing and creating an attractive haven for migrating insects. --Use a residual empty bin spray on all surfaces inside the bin until runoff. --Empty bins, especially those with false floors, can be fumigated with a phosphine product. Only those certified in pesticide application category "7C Fumigation" are allowed to legally apply any fumigant. --Aerate grain whenever the outside air temperature is at least 5 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the average grain temperature.
"As long as the grain contains 12.5 percent or less moisture content and is going to be used within a week to a month, no insecticide grain treatments should be needed," Royer said. "If the grain is going to be stored for a longer period, consider using a grain protectant at harvest and manage the grain for long-term storage." Additional grain bin management tips and practices are available by reading OSU Cooperative Extension Current Report No. 1741, "Storing Moist wheat at Commercial Elevators in Oklahoma," and No. 1737, "Preventing Grain Dust Explosions." The reports are available at http://osufacts.okstate.edu on the Internet or through all Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service county offices, usually listed under "County Government" in most local telephone directories. 7/30/07
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