Detect the Lesser Grain Borer in Stored Grain Using an Application of a New Science and Technology Phase II

Grain production, storage, and processing are important industries. The LGB is a primary pest of cereal grains in the US and other parts of the world. It has been estimated that 5-10% of stored grain in developed countries and 35% of stored grain in developing countries is lost to insect damage. Estimates of the cost of grain loss due to insect, mold, and mycotoxin damage to the 15 billion bushels of grain stored in the United States each year have ranged from $500 million to in excess of $1 billion. Flour millers have a low tolerance for live insects and the presence of live insects or signs of insect feeding can result in rejection of grain. Rejection produces additional expenses associated with fumigation and transportation, and can be as much as 10-20% of the value of the grain. There is a general trend toward no tolerance for live insects and domestic flour mill contracts specify an upper rejection limit. If a load is rejected at the processor, the cost to the supplier can be as much as 10-20% of the total value of the commodity. The purpose here is to reduce these losses.