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Stored Grain Insects
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Stored Grain Insects Infestation (Oryzaephilus surinamensis)
Courtesy of Degesch Inc.
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Description
All grain beetles are small, 2 - 5 mm long and brown to black. The true weevils are
identified by their elongated snout. The larvae of the grain moths are generally pinkish or cream and may produce webs. The most commonly found grain insects include Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus granarius, Sitophilus oryzae, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Cryptolestes spp., Sitotroga cereallea and Tribolium castaneum.
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Primary grain insects
Courtesy of Degesch Inc.
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Life cycle
The eggs of secondary beetles are laid free between grains or in the cereal product. The larvae also live externally to the grains and pupate free in the commodity. The lesser grain borer lays its eggs free in the grain, but the larva enters a grain shortly after hatching and completes its life cycle inside the grain. The granary and rice weevils both bore small holes into the grain and deposit their eggs inside. The whole life cycle is spent inside the grain. The adult bores its way out of the hollowed out grain upon emerging from the pupa. Under ideal conditions the life cycle may be
completed in 30 to 40 days but lower temperatures may extend this to 300 days. |
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Secondary grain insects
Courtesy of Degesch Inc.
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Damage
Grain stored on farms will eventually become infested by grain beetles or moths unless specific measures are taken. Primary grain insects are those which can attack and reproduce in whole grain and include the lesser grain borer, the granary weevil and the rice weevil. Secondary grain insects require grain which has been damaged or attacked by primary insects. The flour beetles, sawtoothed grain beetle and Cryptolestes spp. are secondary insects. All the grain moths with the exception of the angoumis grain moth are secondary insects. Grain insects are not permitted in export grain or grain for sale. On farms, severe infestations can reduce germination of seed, and can contaminate harvested grain. |
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Treatment of harvesting equipment
? Agriculture Western Australia
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Control
Grain insects are declared under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act. Limited chemical controls are available to farmers and emphasis is placed on clean hygienic storage and cleaning of machinery. Farmers are encouraged to purchase and maintain sealed farm silos to increase the effectiveness of fumigation.
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