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Automated detection and monitoring of grain beetles using a “smart” pitfall trap: Poster
Get PDFA smart, electronic, modified pitfall trap, for automatic detection of adult beetle pests inside the grain mass is presented. The whole system is equipped with optoelectronic sensors to guard the entrance of the trap in order to detect, time-stamp, and GPS tag the incoming insect. Insect counts as well as environmental parameters that correlate with insect’s population development are wirelessly transmitted to a central monitoring agency in real time, are visualized and streamed to statistical methods to assist effective control of grain pests. The prototype trap was put in a large plastic barrel (120lt) with 80kg maize. Adult beetles of various species were collected from laboratory rearings and transferred to the experimental barrel. Caught beetle adults were checked and counted after 24h and were compared with the counts from the electronic system. Results from the evaluation procedure showed that our system is very accurate, reaching 98-99% accuracy on automatic counts compared with real detected numbers of adult beetles inside the trap. In this work we emphasize on how the traps can be selforganized in networks that collectively report data at local, regional, country, continental, and global scales using the emerging technology of the Internet of Things (IoT). We argue that smart traps communicating through IoT to report in real-time the level of the pest population from the grain mass straight to a human controlled agency can, in the very near future, have a profound impact on the decision making process in stored grain protection.A smart, electronic, modified pitfall trap, for automatic detection of adult beetle pests inside the grain mass is presented. The whole system is equipped with optoelectronic sensors to guard the entrance of the trap in order to detect, time-stamp, and GPS tag the incoming insect. Insect counts as well as environmental parameters that correlate with insect’s population development are wirelessly transmitted to a central monitoring agency in real time, are visualized and streamed to statistical methods to assist effective control of grain pests. The prototype trap was put in a large plastic barrel (120lt) with 80kg maize. Adult beetles of various species were collected from laboratory rearings and transferred to the experimental barrel. Caught beetle adults were checked and counted after 24h and were compared with the counts from the electronic system. Results from the evaluation procedure showed that our system is very accurate, reaching 98-99% accuracy on automatic counts compared with real detected numbers of adult beetles inside the trap. In this work we emphasize on how the traps can be selforganized in networks that collectively report data at local, regional, country, continental, and global scales using the emerging technology of the Internet of Things (IoT). We argue that smart traps communicating through IoT to report in real-time the level of the pest population from the grain mass straight to a human controlled agency can, in the very near future, have a profound impact on the decision making process in stored grain protection
A novel engineering design of small scale metallic silo for food safety in rural India: Presentation
No full textBrowning mechanism and process optimization during MaizeMaize KX7349 drying: Poster
Get PDFBrowning of KX7349 maize during drying occurred mainly in the pericarp layer. Browning was caused by oxidation of water soluble matter in the pericarp layer. Moisture content had no significant influence on browning rate. Drying temperature, drying time and drying method (vacuum drying or hot-air drying) had significant influence on the browning rate. Through lab research, a prediction model for the relationship between browning rate and drying air temperature was developed. Total drying time is y=- 13.086+0.289X<sub>1</sub>+1.045X<sub>2</sub>, where y is the browning rate(%), X<sub>1</sub> is drying temperature(°C), X<sub>2</sub> is total drying time(h), the value range of X<sub>1</sub> was 30~80, the value range of X<sub>2</sub> was 2~10. The concurrent and counter current dryer was applied in Nenjiang to optimize the drying process. The hot air temperature in each drying stage was reduced. When the hot air temperature of the 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup> drying stage was reduced to 95°C,75°C,60°C respectively, the browning rate was reduced to 15%~16%. Keeping the hot air temperature constant at each drying stage, by drying twice, the browning rate was reduced to 4%~6%.Browning of KX7349 maize during drying occurred mainly in the pericarp layer. Browning was caused by oxidation of water soluble matter in the pericarp layer. Moisture content had no significant influence on browning rate. Drying temperature, drying time and drying method (vacuum drying or hot-air drying) had significant influence on the browning rate. Through lab research, a prediction model for the relationship between browning rate and drying air temperature was developed. Total drying time is y=- 13.086+0.289X<sub>1</sub>+1.045X<sub>2</sub>, where y is the browning rate(%), X<sub>1</sub> is drying temperature(°C), X<sub>2</sub> is total drying time(h), the value range of X<sub>1</sub> was 30~80, the value range of X<sub>2</sub> was 2~10. The concurrent and counter current dryer was applied in Nenjiang to optimize the drying process. The hot air temperature in each drying stage was reduced. When the hot air temperature of the 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup> drying stage was reduced to 95°C,75°C,60°C respectively, the browning rate was reduced to 15%~16%. Keeping the hot air temperature constant at each drying stage, by drying twice, the browning rate was reduced to 4%~6%
Efficacy of pheromones for managing of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, in food and feed processing facilities: Poster
No full textIn recent years, considerable progress has been made in the monitoring and control of Lepidoptera, by pheromones also used in mass-trapping, attracticide (lure and kill), mating-disruption, auto-confusion methods. In context of IPM "insectistasis" can be readily achieved by continual supervision of environments by traps in combination with a limited number of preventive and curative measures appropriately timed. In the present paper are reported some promising results offering efficient control of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, populations in food and feed processing facilities based on pheromones and line up a number of remaining questions to be answered to improve the reliability and competitiveness of the methods used. These field researches show potential for successful pheromone-based suppression methods for Mediterranean flour moths in practical applications.In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the monitoring and control of Lepidoptera, by pheromones also used in mass-trapping, attracticide (lure and kill), mating-disruption, auto-confusion methods. In context of IPM "insectistasis" can be readily achieved by continual supervision of environments by traps in combination with a limited number of preventive and curative measures appropriately timed. In the present paper are reported some promising results offering efficient control of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, populations in food and feed processing facilities based on pheromones and line up a number of remaining questions to be answered to improve the reliability and competitiveness of the methods used. These field researches show potential for successful pheromone-based suppression methods for Mediterranean flour moths in practical applications
Insecticidal effect of Central Anatolian Region diatomaceous earths against confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Du Val.) on stored paddy: Poster
No full textIn this study, insecticidal efficacy of different local diatomaceous earth (DE) deposits obtained Central Anatolian Region in Turkey and commercial DE deposit (German origin), Silicosec® were evaluated against substantial pest on stored grain as Tribolium confusum du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) at five different concentrations of 100, 300, 500, 900 and 1500 ppm on stored paddy. Mortality of the exposed adults was assessed after 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure. Also progeny productions were assessed after 65 days The tests were carried out at 25±1 oC temperature, 55±5% R.H. under dark conditions. The most effective DE in a short time were assessed AG2N-1 which caused 97% mortality of T. confusum adults at 1500 ppm concentration after 7 days of exposure in paddy. Complete mortality of T. confusum adults was recorded on AG2N-1 at 900 ppm for 14 days and treatments of AG2N-1, BGN-1, CBN-1 for 21 days at 500, 900 and 1500 ppm respectively whereas 87% mortality rate was determined for 21 days exposure of Silicosec® at the highest concentrations on paddy. In conclusion, this study indicated that Turkish DE deposits, AG2N-1, BGN-1 and CBN-1 had high insecticidal efficacy in comparison with the commercial Silicosec® and would have potential to be used against insects in the pest management of stored paddy.In this study, insecticidal efficacy of different local diatomaceous earth (DE) deposits obtained Central Anatolian Region in Turkey and commercial DE deposit (German origin), Silicosec® were evaluated against substantial pest on stored grain as Tribolium confusum du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) at five different concentrations of 100, 300, 500, 900 and 1500 ppm on stored paddy. Mortality of the exposed adults was assessed after 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure. Also progeny productions were assessed after 65 days The tests were carried out at 25±1 oC temperature, 55±5% R.H. under dark conditions. The most effective DE in a short time were assessed AG2N-1 which caused 97% mortality of T. confusum adults at 1500 ppm concentration after 7 days of exposure in paddy. Complete mortality of T. confusum adults was recorded on AG2N-1 at 900 ppm for 14 days and treatments of AG2N-1, BGN-1, CBN-1 for 21 days at 500, 900 and 1500 ppm respectively whereas 87% mortality rate was determined for 21 days exposure of Silicosec® at the highest concentrations on paddy. In conclusion, this study indicated that Turkish DE deposits, AG2N-1, BGN-1 and CBN-1 had high insecticidal efficacy in comparison with the commercial Silicosec® and would have potential to be used against insects in the pest management of stored paddy
Hermetic storage technology for handling of dry agricultural commodities: Practice, challenges, opportunities, research, and prospects in Zimbabwe: Presentation
No full textStorage pest management practices have relied on synthetic pesticides comprising: dust powders, liquid formulations and fumigants. Reduced efficacy against targeted species, negative health-related issues and increase in consumer awareness on potentially detrimental effects of synthetic pesticides have led to a shift towards safer and environmentally-benign alternatives. Hermetic technology is a pesticide-free storage alternative currently being used in Zimbabwe and other African countries. In the current paper, we review forms and characteristics of the hermetic technology available, organisations driving the technology, research and development (R&D) initiatives, and access and uptake trends in the country. The review draws out future prospects in terms of: stakeholder partnerships and roles, up-scaling/adoption options, R&D gaps, capacity building, and funding mechanisms for effective and sustainable uptake. Critical areas identified in the review include: the need for increasing the number of hermetic plastic liner brands available to enhance access and competitive pricing, improved distribution mechanisms for hermetic storage containers for easy access in remote areas, and generation of evidence-based efficacy data on the various hermetic storage containers in preserving quality of commercial, parent and foundation seed. Future opportunities include use of hermetic containers in the disinfestation of organic horticultural products using carbon dioxide gas hermetic fumigation. However, supporting policies are necessary to ensure sustainable adoption of the hermetic technology at subsistence and commercial scales.Storage pest management practices have relied on synthetic pesticides comprising: dust powders, liquid formulations and fumigants. Reduced efficacy against targeted species, negative health-related issues and increase in consumer awareness on potentially detrimental effects of synthetic pesticides have led to a shift towards safer and environmentally-benign alternatives. Hermetic technology is a pesticide-free storage alternative currently being used in Zimbabwe and other African countries. In the current paper, we review forms and characteristics of the hermetic technology available, organisations driving the technology, research and development (R&D) initiatives, and access and uptake trends in the country. The review draws out future prospects in terms of: stakeholder partnerships and roles, up-scaling/adoption options, R&D gaps, capacity building, and funding mechanisms for effective and sustainable uptake. Critical areas identified in the review include: the need for increasing the number of hermetic plastic liner brands available to enhance access and competitive pricing, improved distribution mechanisms for hermetic storage containers for easy access in remote areas, and generation of evidence-based efficacy data on the various hermetic storage containers in preserving quality of commercial, parent and foundation seed. Future opportunities include use of hermetic containers in the disinfestation of organic horticultural products using carbon dioxide gas hermetic fumigation. However, supporting policies are necessary to ensure sustainable adoption of the hermetic technology at subsistence and commercial scales
Toxic effects of ozone on selected stored product insects and germ quality of germinating seeds: Presentation
Get PDFThe merchant grain beetle (MGB), Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel), the cigarette beetle (CB) Lasioderma serricorne (F.) and the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) cause significant damage to stored grain, grain-based products, and other durable commodities. Ozone, a highly oxidative toxic gas, has the potent to kill insects, meantime degrades rapidly to oxygen, making it a potential alternative to phosphine, a fumigant to which insects are developing resistance. The adults of MGB and CB were exposed to ozone concentrations of 100 - 400 ppm at 50 ppm increments for one hour and at 100 ppm for 1-6 h. Adults of rice weevil buried at 5, 15 or 25 cm depths within a wheat mass placed in 10 cm diameter 30 cm high PVC pipes were exposed to ozone concentration of 200 ppm for six hours and then at 12-h increments up to 60 h. Adult survival was recorded at 0, 24, and 48 h post-treatment. Significantly fewer MGB or CB adults survived when exposed to higher ozone concentrations or when exposed to ozone in the absence of food. RW adult mortality at 5 cm depth were significantly higher than that of 15 or 25 cm depths. This paper further discusses about mortality of MGB, CB and RW adults at different exposure periods at various ozone concentrations and effect of ozone on wheat germination.The merchant grain beetle (MGB), Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel), the cigarette beetle (CB) Lasioderma serricorne (F.) and the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) cause significant damage to stored grain, grain-based products, and other durable commodities. Ozone, a highly oxidative toxic gas, has the potent to kill insects, meantime degrades rapidly to oxygen, making it a potential alternative to phosphine, a fumigant to which insects are developing resistance. The adults of MGB and CB were exposed to ozone concentrations of 100 - 400 ppm at 50 ppm increments for one hour and at 100 ppm for 1-6 h. Adults of rice weevil buried at 5, 15 or 25 cm depths within a wheat mass placed in 10 cm diameter 30 cm high PVC pipes were exposed to ozone concentration of 200 ppm for six hours and then at 12-h increments up to 60 h. Adult survival was recorded at 0, 24, and 48 h post-treatment. Significantly fewer MGB or CB adults survived when exposed to higher ozone concentrations or when exposed to ozone in the absence of food. RW adult mortality at 5 cm depth were significantly higher than that of 15 or 25 cm depths. This paper further discusses about mortality of MGB, CB and RW adults at different exposure periods at various ozone concentrations and effect of ozone on wheat germination
Nitric oxide as a new fumigant for postharvest pest control: Presentation
No full textNitric oxide (NO) is a new fumigant for postharvest pest control. It is effective against all pests tested to date, including external and internal pests of fresh and stored product insects, and mites. Efficacious treatment time ranges from 2 h to 72 h, and NO concentrations range from 0.1% to 5%, depending on species and life stages of the pests. Nitric oxide fumigation must be conducted under ultralow oxygen conditions because NO reacts with O2 spontaneously to produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is toxic to perishable fresh products. Fresh product fumigation must, therefore, also be terminated by flushing with N2 to dilute NO at the end of fumigation to avoid damage to delicate products by NO2. Nitric oxide fumigation was safe in small-scale tests to postharvest quality of all fresh commodities when terminated with N2 flush. In addition, NO fumigation resulted in better postharvest quality of strawberries and apples as compared with controls, indicating its beneficial effects on postharvest quality of fresh products. Twenty fresh fruit and vegetables and 10 stored products were fumigated with NO to determine residue levels of nitrate and nitrite. When terminated properly with N2 flush, NO fumigation does not increase nitrate or nitrite levels in fumigated products. NO fumigation was demonstrated to be effective against all pests, safe to fresh products, and has no toxic residues and, therefore, has the potential to be a practical alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for postharvest pest control on both fresh and stored products.Nitric oxide (NO) is a new fumigant for postharvest pest control. It is effective against all pests tested to date, including external and internal pests of fresh and stored product insects, and mites. Efficacious treatment time ranges from 2 h to 72 h, and NO concentrations range from 0.1% to 5%, depending on species and life stages of the pests. Nitric oxide fumigation must be conducted under ultralow oxygen conditions because NO reacts with O2 spontaneously to produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is toxic to perishable fresh products. Fresh product fumigation must, therefore, also be terminated by flushing with N2 to dilute NO at the end of fumigation to avoid damage to delicate products by NO2. Nitric oxide fumigation was safe in small-scale tests to postharvest quality of all fresh commodities when terminated with N2 flush. In addition, NO fumigation resulted in better postharvest quality of strawberries and apples as compared with controls, indicating its beneficial effects on postharvest quality of fresh products. Twenty fresh fruit and vegetables and 10 stored products were fumigated with NO to determine residue levels of nitrate and nitrite. When terminated properly with N2 flush, NO fumigation does not increase nitrate or nitrite levels in fumigated products. NO fumigation was demonstrated to be effective against all pests, safe to fresh products, and has no toxic residues and, therefore, has the potential to be a practical alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for postharvest pest control on both fresh and stored products