Sampling Options for Farmers to Detect Insects in Stored Grain

Abstract

Increasingly, Queensland farmers are choosing to store grain longer on farm, and many farmers are investing in new silos to increase storage capacity. This trend is driven mainly by the desire of farmers to manage their harvest logistics rather than seeking to maximise profit. The problem is that increasing on-farm storage comes with an increasing risk of insect infestation. There is an urgent need, therefore, for appropriate sampling methods to help farmers manage this risk and minimize marketing delays. Ideally, they should be simple, safe, cost effective and easy to interpret. The project aim was to investigate such options and it had three deliverables: a review of the relevant peer reviewed literature, preliminary sampling data from farm trials in Queensland, and feedback from farmers and stakeholders on sampling needs and preferences of farmers. The literature review highlighted the value in direct sampling of grain for insects and the use of probe traps in the grain bulk. It also highlighted the need for locally generated trial data, because of the need for data that are relevant to local storage conditions. A successful pilot study was completed on two farms in southern Queensland. A series of recommendations was developed and knowledge gaps requiring further research were identified. Three industry meetings provided opportunities to highlight the urgent need for sampling methods for farmers, to present results of the field study and to receive industry feedback. The project represents a first step towards providing farmers with the ability to monitor for grain insects, but more research is needed to before this goal can be achieved.