WELCOME

1
ROLE OF ABIOTIC FACTORS IN
FOOD GRAIN STORAGE

Dr. P. JYOTHI, AD(PS)

PBD DIVISION, NIPHM
 INTRODUCTION

• “A grain saved is a grain produced”

• About 70% of Indian population is dependent on Agriculture .

After harvesting, unprocessed food grains will be stored for
various lengths of time at producer’s, wholesaler’s and miller’s
level. While in storage, food grains are prone to be affected by
various critical factors.

• Profitability of that grain depends on marketing and

maintenance of grain quality
• Poor Food grain storage, resultant food wastage has been a
persistent problem in India.

• According to a report by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs,

nearly 60000 tons of food grains have got damaged and
become useless for human consumption between 2013-2018

• According to FAO, produce worth $14 billion is damaged

annually. It is a paradox that millions go hungry in India
everyday while food goes to waste.

• Punjab accounted for nearly 50% of the damages followed by

Maharashtra (10% of the total loss)
 Food Grain Management in India
• FCI is the only government agency entrusted with movement
of food grains from the procuring states to consuming states
through a network of storage infrastructure owned or hired by
FCI in the whole of India (CWC & SWC).

• These food grains are distributed by the state governments

through PDS and other welfare schemes (OWS).
Availability of energy from different sources of food in India

STORAGE ????
Before Storage After Storage

1. Threshing yard losses-1.68 % Rodents-2.50 %

2. Transport losses-- 0.15 % Birds--- 0.85 %

3. Processing losses- 0.92 % Insects-2.55 %

Total 2.75 % Moisture- 0.68 %

Total 6.58 %
ESTIMATED STORAGE LOSSES

In India the annual storage losses are estimated as 13.98

million tonnes of food grains worth of 6845 crores of rupees
every year. Out of this, food grain losses due to insects alone
accounts for loss of 1275 crores .

Mohan and Kavitharaghavan, 2014

FACTORS AFFECTING THE STORAGE OF FOOD
GRAINS
• Temperature • Rodents
• Relative Humidity/ • Insects
Moisture • Birds
• Micro-
organisms

Physical Biological

Mechanical Chemical

• Mode of storage & • Breakdown of

handling produce
• Mode of preservation • Pesticides
 Tropical climate - often in areas of high rainfall & humidity
 Temperature & moisture: effects the rate of metabolism,
growth, development, reproduction & behavior of pests &
fungi

Temperature:
 Within the store is affected by sun
 Cooling effect of radiation
 Outside air temperature
 Heat generated by the respiration of insects, grains & M.O’s
• Micro-organisms thrive: 10 to 60oC Normally in tropical & sub
tropical storage temperature
• Insects: 16-45oC lies between 25 and 35°C

• Improper maintenance of storage temp. results in biological &

chemical changes in grains

 Loss of germination ability in seeds

 Accumulation of sugars
 Rancidity
• Temperature also controls the chemical damage.

• The chemical change in food mainly depends on temp.

& moisture

• 100C rise : Chemical change

• Thus cold storage will retard the vitamin loss

• Reduce the rate of development of discoloration & off-flavours.

 Moisture
• All micro-organisms including moulds require moisture to
survive and multiply.
• Moisture content (MC) : Micro-organisms growth
• Safe Moisture Content:
The MC level below which M.O’s cannot grow.
• Grains with high MC respires more, liberates heat
which further increases moisture.

• MC at safe moisture limit the metabolic activity is

normal

• Moisture at > level --- rapid metabolic activity

• Stored grain insect activity –moisture

Less moisture less activity of insects

Insect Relative Humidity Moisture content

(%)
Min. Opt Max Min Opt

Rhyzopertha 25 50-60 70 5.0 13-15

dominica
Sitophilus 45 70 100 9.5 13-15
oryzae
Trogoderma 3 65 73 1.9 13
granarium
Tribolium castaneum 10 70-80 90 10 13-14

Callosobruchus spp 30 70 90 - 13
 Means of larvae number and adult number of 
R. dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) at different temperature
(°C) and relative humidity (%)

Astuti et al., 2014. J. of Entomology, 10(2):86-94.

Moisture
Migration

Results
From
Non-uniform
Temperature
 Sprouting of grains

Damage due mould

to moisture
rising from hot
spot
Condensation near
cool surface

From warm
moist air

Hot spot
spreading
Hot spot
caused by
insects

Spoilage of grains due to development of insect and fungi

 Oxygen and carbon-dioxide of the inter-granular
environment influences the respiration of the grain
and consequently the rate of deterioration and
heating.
 Hot Spot
• In a bulk of stored grain, the heat of respiration of the insects, mites,
microorganisms and the grain itself can lead to the development of grain
pockets that are at temperatures about 35˚C and warmer than the
surrounding grain mass

• When the hot air from such pockets moves to cooler grains,
condensation occurs and moulds and bacteria develop round the pockets
of grains

• The microorganisms further increase the temperature of the pocket and

when the area becomes too hot for insects/mites, they move out causing
further damage

• Knowledge of hot spot development in stored grain is essential to devise

effective storage practices and pest control measures
 Types of Hot Spots

• Two types of hot spots based on moisture content and

temperature of the grain are:

 Insect/mite-induced hot spots in dry grain (Dry heat)

 Fungi-induced hot spots in damp grain (wet heat)

 Spot of Microflora
grain development
and
multiplicatio
n

At Dry At Wet
condition condition
No hot spot Hot spot enlarged

Insect infestation and

multiplication T and MC T and MC

No hot spot if Moisture Hot spot formation if

temperature and moisture Microflora multiplies with
content and temperature
content increase different sp. at centre and
not change
boundary of hot spot

Further increase in Temperature and

Insect moves away from
moisture content at centre of spot. It
centre of hot spot.
becomes hotspot
 Safe storage of seeds

Safe storage: 50% RH + 10o C

• Achieved when the per cent of RH in storage

environment and the storage temperature in oC adds
upto sixty but the contribution from temperature
should not exceed 10o C.
•
 LIGHT
• It shows its effect on the behaviour of insects

• Insects seek secluded places and keep well hidden

• Only few insects are attracted to light

Eg: A stack of gunnies kept in dark places and

concealed parts are found to be more attacked than
exposed to light
• The insect moths can be reduced
Eg: Rice moth, Almond moth

• Light traps are mainly adopted in management of

moths & Beetles
Eg: 4-6 traps/compartment
 Damage by insects

• Besides direct damage, they frequently cause grain to

heat – musty odour
• Grain heating & consequent moisture migration in
storage.

• Degree of damage depends on three factors:

Moisture content of stored grains
Temperature inside storage
Oxygen level
INSECT PESTS ATTACKING STORED GRAIN
A. MAJOR/ PRIMARY PESTS:

Rice weevil
Granary weevil
Lesser grain borer
Khapra beetle
Pulse beetle
Groundnut bruchid
Angoumois grain moth
Tobacco beetle
Indian Meal moth

B. MINOR/ SECONDARY PESTS:

Red flour beetle

Saw toothed grain beetle
Flat grain beetle
Rice moth
 Important Major insect pests
CN: Rice Weevil
SN: Sitophilus oryzae
Family:Curculionidae
Order: Coleoptera
Damage Stages: Adult & grub
Host Range: Rice, Maize &
other Cereals

Biology: Small reddish brown beetles,3mm; Breeds from Apr.-Oct. 300- 400 Eggs, Larva feeds
inside grain& pupates inside, Adult emerges making a circular hole. Lives for 4-5 months

CN: Lesser grain borer

SN: Rhyzopertha dominica
Family:Bostrychidae
Order: Coleoptera
Damage Stages: Adult & grub
Host Range: Wheat, Paddy,
Maize & other Cereals

Biology: Adults with deflexed head, Prominent constriction between prothorax and elytra,
Breeds from March to November, Females lay 300-400 eggs, Total lifecycle 30 days in summer
CN: Pulse beetle
SN: Callosobruchus chinensis
Family:Bruchidae
Order: Coleoptera
Damage Stages: Adult & grub
Host Range: cowpea,
Bengalgram & all pulses

Biology: Head blunt with short rostrum and short antennae, elytra do not cover the pygidium ,
Breed, actively Mar- Nov, female lay 34-113 eggs, escapes by cutting a circular hole in the seed
coat,7-8 gen/year

CN: Groundnut Bruchid

SN: Careydon serratus
Family:Bostrychidae
Order: Coleoptera
Damage Stages: Adult & grub
Host Range: Ground nut &
other legumes

Biology: Adult robust 4-7 mm reddish brown in color with dark irregular markings on the
elytra; broad hind femur which bears a conspicuous comb of spine, Egg (5-6 days laid on pods),
larva (35-40 days); pupal period (7 days), 4-5 larval instars; Infestation of pod is revealed by
larval emergence hole and presence of cocoon out side the pods
CN: Flour beetle
SN: Tribolium castaneum
Family:Tenebrionidae
Order: Coleoptera
Damage Stages: Adult & grub
Host Range: Maize, Wheat &
other stored Cereals

Biology: Adults black, Head and pro-thorax distinctly separated and attached by a loose
prominent joint ; Eggs are laid in clusters (10-60); Full grown larvae and adults have the habit
of boring in to wooden structure in the granaries

CN: Angoumois grain moth

SN: Sitotroga cerealella
Family: Gelechidae
Order: Lepidoptera
Damage Stages: larvae
Host Range:Paddy, maize,
wheat,sorghum & other grains

Biology: Moths dirty yellowish brown with wings completely folded over back; Hind wings with
heavy fringe of bristles; Eggs laid singly/ collectively on the damaged parts of the grains; larvae
bore into the grains and feed on the kernel; Upper layers of the heap of grains are seriously
affected
 Other important Storage insects

Drug store beetle Cigarette beetle Saw toothed beetle Khapra beetle

Sweet potato weevil Flat grain beetle Rice moth Psocid Almond moth
 Losses caused by stored product insects

Direct loss Indirect Loss

Actual consumption bacteria

loss of weight, fungi
loss of nutrients, alflatoxins
lower germination,
reduced grade excessive pesticide residues
lower market value loss of consumer confidence
Contamination
Damage to structures
• Insects do not thrive below 9 per cent MC of the
grains (Before storage: 8%)

• Higher temperature favors the multiplication of

insects, hence the inside storage temperature should
be maintained low.

• Air-tight condition: depletion of oxygen and increase

in carbon dioxide .
 Sealing the system
(low oxygen system)
STORAGE STRUCTURE IS ALSO ONE
OF THE FACTOR INFLUENCING THE
STORAGE QUALITY OF FOOD
GRAINS
 POST HARVEST LOSSES

Punjab has suffered heavy losses due to the damage of wheat stored in
the open (state lost 16,500 tonnes of wheat lying in the open)
UNSCIENTIFIC STORAGE
UNSCIENTIFIC STORAGE
• CAP STORAGE COVERED STORAGE
 FIVE GOLDEN PRINCIPLES FOR SCIENTIFIC STORAGE OF
FOODGRAINS

 Storing grain CLEAN and DRY and avoidance of CROSS

INFESTATION
 Storing grains in STORAGEWORTHY structures with proper
DUNNAGE and avoidance of MOISTURE ABSORPTION
  Maintenance of godowns byundertaking PERIODIC INSPECTION
of stock health and regular PROPHYLACTIC measures.
 Undertaking immediate CURATIVE TREATMENT in case of
development of INSECT INFESTATION and adoption of RODENT
CONTROL measures.
  Liquidation of stocks on ‘FIRST-IN-FIRST-OUT’ basis.
SCIENTIFIC STORAGE STRUCTURE – THREE
PARAMETERS
 DAMP PROOF
 RODENT PROOF
 PROPER VENTILATION

Damp Proof – ACHIEVED BY PREVENTING

SUBSOIL WATER ENTRY INTO THE
FLOOR
Potential routes and sites of rodent entry into a
storage godown
Control of temperature

Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors

which influence during storage, the lower the temperature; the
longer the duration of storage period .

Temperature control may be achieved in one of the following ways:

 Ventilation
 Refrigeration
Ventilation
• Ventilation could be used to reduce grain temperature and
moisture content .It also helps in preventing hot spots
development.

• Time of ventilation: Whenever the outside temperature of air

and relative humidity are low enough to benefit the seeds,
either by reducing seed temperature or seed moisture content,
the ventilating fans (exhaust fans) can be turned on.
 AERATION

• Aeration is a process of forcing air through stored grain at low

flow rates to remove its heat and moisture and maintain its
quality.

• It is a very useful storage management tool which can preserve

grain from deterioration, especially where the moisture content
of the grain is above its safe level.

OBJECTIVES OF GRAIN AERATION

• To remove generated heat and water from grain

• Removing or reducing odors from grain •
• Removing dryer heat •
• Reduce moisture accumulation •
 Control Measures for Stored Grain Insect Pests

Preventive Curative
measures measures
Hygiene Non-chemical Chemical

Cleanliness Ecological

Prophylactic Curative
Proper Stacking Cultural
Spray Fumigation
Dis-infestation Physical

Quarantine Mechanical

Botanical

Biological
 MANAGEMENT OF STORAGE INSECTS
Preservation of food grain stocks:
By providing Dunnage
Wooden crates, poly pallets To
Polythene film and Bamboo mats prevent
Godown hygiene/Sanitation seepage
Aeration
Periodical inspection of stocks
Chemical Control Measures

Prophylactic Treatment: sprayings

Curative Treatment: Fumigations
Cover fumigation
Shed fumigation
 PROPHYLACTICTREATMENT
PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT

Dilution
Chemical & Remarks
Dosage

Spraying on stack surface,

1:100
Malathion 50% EC alleyways & walls - 2
3 lt/100 m2
weeks interval

Air charging and spraying

1:150 on alleyways, walls etc.
DDVP 76% EC
3lt/ 100 m2 Not on stacks - 3 weeks
interval

120gm/3lt Spraying on stack surface,

Deltamethrin 2.5%
3lt/ 100 m2 alleyways & walls - 12
WP
weeks interval
 Curative Treatment
FUMIGATION
It is the process of subjecting the infested stocks or storage structure/
receptacle or containers to the lethal (dose) fumes of a toxicant in an enclosed/
airtight atmosphere for a given period of exposure.
• Fumigation under gas-proof covers
• Shed / Godown / Container Fumigation
• Burrow Fumigation
• Ship Fumigation

Chemicals Dosage Exposure Treated area

Al. Phosphide 3 tabs/MT Stored food grains,
Gas proof Cover ship fumigation,
Shed Fumigation 120tabs/100 M3 6-7 days burrow fumigation

Methyl Bromide 22 g/M3 12-24 hrs container fumigation

etc
SHIP FUMIGATION
COVER FUMIGATION
THANK YOU