- It’s a fact that over 90% of farm grain stores harbour at least one species of insect known to infest grain, so after a difficult harvest in 2023, it’s more vital than ever to minimise potential losses from rejected loads and contract shortfalls due to pest infestations in grain stores.
Envu’s newly launched Grain Protectant Guidebook is set to give growers the information to protect stored harvests and preserve profit. Containing decision tools and information on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as well as guides on identifying key pests and using the insecticide treatment K-Obiol™, it is a comprehensive resource for farmers and growers.
Despite the substantial investments in crop production and protection in the field, attention to detail during grain storage is sometimes overlooked. “A few rejected loads can quickly erode the overall contract value, leading to further costs,” explains Ken Black, Envu Account Manager. “In some cases, loads may not be rescheduled due to a lack of available windows, risking the fulfilment of a contract.”
Primary pests like the grain weevil will infest undamaged grains; while secondary pests, such as the saw-toothed grain beetle, feed on the damaged pieces and dust left behind. “Understanding the lifecycle of grain store pests is crucial to implementing cost-effective and efficient treatments,” says Ken. “The Grain Protection Guidebook puts that information at growers’ fingertips, alongside practical advice about how to deal with infestations.”
Monitoring can detect pests early and enable control through a combination of cooling, cleaning or drying. “Once grain is in storage, monitoring is essential,” Ken continues. “Pit fall traps, insect monitoring traps or nut-free bait bags are all effective ways to assess insect activity. It’s also important to monitor temperature and moisture levels, ideally keeping stores below 13°C and 14.5% moisture for cereals and 7-8% for oilseed rape.”
Envu offers a range of options to help preserve precious harvests. In some situations, it may be necessary to consider the use of an admixed insecticide, such as K-Obiol™,” Ken adds.
“Proven to be highly effective, K-Obiol™ is available in two formulations, both provide preventative and curative protection against stored product insects, can be applied to the grain post-harvest, and will prevent damage for up to 12 months.
“Residue levels can be a concern, but when either formulation is applied at its recommended rate, the residue level of 0.25mg/kg is four times lower than the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for grain. K-Obiol™ also has no withholding period, meaning that any grain treated with the product can be processed straight away,” concludes Ken.
To find out more about how to protect grain in storage view the guidebook here. In addition, if you are attending LAMMA this month you can join Envu on stand no 11 248 to speak to Ken Black and other members of the team.
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