Farmers in the UK are being urged to make use of any cold weather to help naturally control insect pressure in grain stores this winter.
Ross Goodman of Lodi UK, says grain insects rely on temperatures above 12 degrees Celsius to breed and survive. “When the outside temperature drops, farmers should use it to their advantage to cool the grain as much as possible.”
He warns that poor grain store management can lead to significant losses in grain quality and value, undoing the hard work done before and during harvest.
“While adequate preparation of grain stores ahead of harvest is the foundation for keeping grain insects at bay, good pest management practices once the grain is in are just as important,” he explains.
“Once temperatures fall below 12 °C, most common species are unable to reproduce, grain weevils may continue to breed but at a significantly reduced rate, and when this drops to five Celsius, they can’t survive.”
However, temperature isn’t the only factor at play, and Ross says humidity is also a key variable in controlling grain pests.
“Temperature and humidity work closely together, and when temperatures drop, the air holds less moisture, which naturally reduces the humidity levels inside the store, creating a less favourable environment for insects to breed,” he explains.
Ross notes that the period of mild, wet weather will have exacerbated grain insect reproduction, meaning that infestations in grain stores are more likely.
“Temperatures have been fairly mild so far for this time of the year, but when we do get a colder spell, it’s worthwhile switching on the fans inside grain stores and using the colder air to efficiently drop temperature and humidity,” he says.
“By taking advantage of any cold weather we have, farmers can help control insects in the store and preserve grain quality over the coming months.”
