Match The Grain Protectant
“Understanding the condition of the silo and hence the options for protecting grain from insect pests is an important decision for farmers who store their own grain”, says Rod McLean.
“Farmers spend about $120/tonne to grow their grain and get it into the bin,” says McLean. “The cost of protecting the grain in the bin will be $0.50 to $3.50/tonne depending on the method used. It seems a pity to risk all that cost by not choosing the correct method of protecting the grain and risking loss of value or even a sale.”
Market research conducted earlier this year shows almost 90% of cereal growers have on-farm storage. Many had a combination of different types of storage but the most common was unsealed. “Of those called “sealed”, 60% were over 10 years old and it is doubtful if they are gas tight,” McLean said. “Many silos are sold as “sealed” but after a few years of use may not pass the Australian Standard as gas tight.”
The market research also showed fumigation using phosphine is the most common method used for grain protection. Research by several State governments shows Australia has insect resistance to phosphine. This is due to it being in use for many years and under-dosing due to failure to achieve sufficient gas concentration for the required period due to poorly sealed silos.
“For successful fumigation you need to maintain the level of fumigant above a minimum for a week or longer depending on the temperature. If the silo is not gas tight this is not possible”, McLean says.
If a silo is not gas tight the only option is to use a grain protectant like K-Obiol®. This is a liquid and so can be used in unsealed silos as well as sheds.
Some grain protectants have been in use for over 30 years and insect resistance to them has developed. There are several types of insect pests which infest stored grain and they are found throughout the grain growing areas of Australia.
“When we have examined infested grains we often find two or more insect types,” according to McLean. “As different insects have developed resistance to the various grain protectants to get good protection you need to use a combination of grain protectants with different modes of action. K-Obiol in combination with either fenitrothion or chlorpyrifos-methyl gives coverage to all types of insects.”
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