Explore the latest grain storage research, fumigation practices, aeration systems, and on-farm storage innovations featured in the GroundCover Supplement: Grain Storage (Issue 156, Jan–Feb 2022). This edition highlights practical strategies helping Australian growers protect grain quality, manage phosphine resistance, improve storage efficiency, and maximise long-term profitability.
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Resistance monitoring of key insect pests has shown that combined grain protectants are a valuable integrated pest management tool for stored grain. Up to 30 per cent of freshly harvested grain is treated with contact insecticides – or grain protectants – before being placed into storage.
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Lentil storage study to bring cold, hard facts to hot issue of safeguarding grain quality. Storing lentils on-farm can help growers streamline logistics and target better prices. However, the impact of storage on important market traits such as colour, cooking quality and germination is still a bit of a mystery.
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A new study sheds light on the efficacy of phosphine control of cowpea weevil, or bruchids, in mungbeans and chickpeas.
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Using an alternate fumigation chemical to break the development of insect pest resistance will help protect the efficacy of phosphine fumigation
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Resistant rusty grain beetles, one of the flat grain beetles, have been found throughout the grain supply chain, suggesting the need for adoption of area-wide integrated pest and resistance management.
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Australian growers have relied heavily on phosphine fumigation to disinfest stored grain and meet market expectations for high-quality grain with nil tolerance to insects. However, reliance on one chemical over a long period of time has led to resistance.
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The practice of requiring a phosphine gas reading of less than 0.3ppm in a spear sample taken from within the grain threatens costly rejection of truckloads of grain, including for operators who are following phosphine label directions.
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With care, bags and bunkers can provide a practical solution to the harvest logistics challenge. High-quality sealed silos offer top-of-the-range storage, but the boom in demand for on-farm storage means growers are also exploring cheaper options to expand capacity. Bags and bunkers have become a popular, more affordable choice, but growers need to be on their toes to avoid costly failures with these temporary storage solutions.
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Take a sneak peek at some of the storage extension team’s favourite systems. The grain storage extension team regularly meets growers and industry participants on-farm to run workshops and provide specialist advice. Examples of well-laid-out facilities, smart features, ideas and innovations are highlighted here to help inspire other growers who are investing in grain storage infrastructure.
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