Monitor grain storages
Grain growers are being advised to closely monitor grain storages in the coming weeks, as increasing temperatures may stimulate stored grain insect pest activity.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation Grain Storage Extension Project manager, Chris Warrick, said effective grain hygiene required complete removal of all waste grain from storages and equipment.
Grain residues, or stocks held over from last season, provided ideal breeding sites.
“Pests only need a small amount of grain for survival, and those surviving populations can quickly multiply and spread.
“Meticulous grain hygiene combined with structural treatments, such as diatomaceous earth (DE), can play a key role.”