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Title: INSECT POPULATIONS IN GRAIN RESIDUES ASSOCIATED WITH COMMERCIAL KANSAS GRAIN ELEVATORS

Author
item Arthur, Franklin
item HAGSTRUM, DAVID - RETIRED 5430-05-30
item Flinn, Paul
item REED, CARL - KANSAS STATE UNIV
item PHILLIPS, THOMAS - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Journal of Stored Products Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/17/2005
Publication Date: 12/1/2005
Citation: Arthur, F.H., Hagstrum, D.W., Flinn, P.W., Reed, C.R., Phillips, T.W. 2005. Insect populations in grain residues associated with commercial Kansas grain elevators. Journal of Stored Products Research 42: 226-239.

Interpretive Summary: Grain residues are often found in and around commercial elevators, and little is known about insect populations in these residues. We sampled insect populations in grain residues from different locations in nine commercial elevators in Kansas. Several major insect pest species were abundant in the residues, which could be an important source of insect infestations. Cleaning and eliminating these residues could reduce contamination and infestation when new grain is stored.

Technical Abstract: Grain residues in nine commercial elevators in Kansas were sampled monthly for insects in grain residues during 1999 and 2000. Five locations per elevator were observed; the boot pit, dump pit, headhouse, rail area, and tunnel. When a grain residue was found, the quantity was estimated and a sample taken. Adult grain pest insects and beneficial insects were removed and identified. Cryptolestes spp. and Sitophilus spp. comprised about 80% of the pest insects collected. The density of Cryptolestes spp. appeared to rapidly increase in spring but remained low at other times of the year. The density of Sitophilus spp. in the residues increased consistently through the warm months, peaked immediately after the warmest month, and declined gradually as ambient temperatures cooled. Pest insects were observed in 41.7 % of the 1,575 samples examined, and beneficial insects were collected from 5.1 % of the samples. Residue samples taken from the elevator boot pit and tunnel areas contained a greater density of pest insects (all species combined) compared to other locations. About 42% of the residues were estimated to be smaller than 1.5kg, and samples from these residues contained more insects per sample than did samples from larger residues. Anisopteromalus calandrae comprised 88.9% of the total number of beneficial insects found. Beneficial insects were observed infrequently, and mean populations exceeded 1 insect/kg of residue in any month at only two of the nine elevators. The mean time required to inspect the elevators and collect samples ranged from 9.1 to 27.3 minutes and depended on the size of the elevator. Results from our study showed that grain residues within the elevator often contain pest insects and could provide food and harborage when the bins are empty, serving as sources of insect infestation for new grain.