bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CARICOM's sugar in the new liberal trade order.
Authors: Northover P. , Thomas C. Y.
Published: November 2017

This chapter first examines the Caribbean Community and Common Market's (CARICOM) reliance on trade preferences. Sugar exports from CARICOM are intimately affected by three special trade agreements: trade with the EU under the Lomé Convention; trade with the USA under the Caribbean Basin Initiative; and trade with Canada under the Caribbean-Canadian agreement (CABRICAN). Next, the implicit transfers that occur in CARICOM through preferential trade agreements (PTAs) are examined. After developing the implications of preferential trade in CARICOM, the factors affecting sugar production there are examined. Based on this examination, the implications of changes in the existing PTAs for the sugar industry in the Caribbean are discussed. The chapter concludes by considering the significance of sugar within CARICOM's economy and the general implications of the future of its sugar production.
The competitive prospects for Cuba's sugar agroindustry.
Authors: Peña Castellanos L. , Alvarez J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter first discusses three main reasons for the crisis in Cuba's sugar agroindustry: the exhaustion of the state's extensive growth model applied to sugarcane agriculture during the 1980s; the negative impact that the demise of the Soviet Union and the socialist countries in Eastern Europe had on the Cuban economy; and the reinforcement of the economic sanctions that have been imposed by the USA on Cuba. It then looks at the process of Cuban economic reform in the sugar agroindustry, examines the sugar production costs in Cuba, and explores how Cuba can recover its competitive position in sugar.
Brazil's domination of the world sugar market.
Authors: Schmitz T. G. , Seale J. L., Jr. , Buzzanell P. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter first discusses the sugar market in Brazil in terms of: raw and refined sugar; anhydrous and hydrous alcohol; government policies toward sugarcane and the products made from it; and sugar and ethanol prices in Brazil and in the world market. To investigate the potential effects of increasing the alcohol/gasoline blend ratio from 20 to 26%, the next section develops a conceptual model that considers the Brazilian sugarcane market in the context of sugarcane production and prices, refined sugar production and prices, ethanol production and prices, and world market effects. The conceptual model also makes it possible to identify welfare measures for Brazilian and world consumers and producers of sugarcane-based products. Next, an empirical model, based on several measures of supply and demand sensitivities to prices and government policies, is simulated. Ranges for the effects of the increased blend ratio on prices, quantities and welfare are calculated.
U.S. sugar policy and prospects for the U.S. sugar industry.
Authors: Haley S. L. , Suarez N. R.
Published: November 2017

This chapter examines the growth of US sugar supply during the period 2000-02 and analyses policy instruments designed to deal with sugar oversupply. The prospects of larger sugar imports from Mexico are also discussed.
Alternative sugar policies for the United States.
Authors: Orden D.
Published: November 2017

This chapter develops a proposal for a sugar cash-out (direct payments) programme in the USA. The first section of the chapter presents arguments for this approach by reviewing the history of reform progress along the cash-out path for other crops, summarizing the economic welfare costs resulting from failure to cash out the sugar programme, and describing past sugar cash-out recommendations. The second section describes alternative cash-out options. The least radical reform would be to simply let the domestic sugar price reach a market-clearing level, given domestic production and US minimum import commitments, while providing domestic producers with direct payments of any difference between the market price and a chosen price support. The third section presents various obstacles to a successful cash out of the sugar policy. These obstacles arise from the transparency of direct payments, from federal budget constraints, from the distributional effects of potential retention of some gains by industrial sweetener users, and from sugar producer and processor opposition.
U.S. sugar policy: domestic- and trade-policy challenges.
Authors: Roney J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter provides background on: the size and stature of the US sugar industry and policy; the uniqueness of the world sugar market; and the need for, and benefits of, US sugar policy. The chapter concludes with thoughts on the future of the US sugar industry in the face of domestic and foreign policy challenges.
Alternative sugar and sweetener policies for the United States.
Authors: Green R.
Published: November 2017

This chapter identifies some points of consensus on major US farm-price and income-support policies in the USA, and examines whether the sugar programme fits in with them. Given the sugar programme's inconsistency with today's policy template, it is suggested that the sugar policy will change over the course of the next several years, whether it is voluntary or involuntary.
Biotechnology and its application in agriculture and food production: the Egyptian experience.
Authors: Madkour M. A.
Published: November 2017

This chapter presents an overview of the kind of agricultural biotechnology research being conducted in Egypt, and provides examples of successful private-public partnerships in the development and commercialization of biotechnology products. It also examines how the issues of biosafety, intellectual property rights, and human resource development in the field of biotechnology are being addressed in Egypt.
Sustainable food security: role of the private sector.
Authors: Leisinger K. M.
Published: November 2017

This chapter presents an overview of the world food security situation and considers how the private sector, with its access to cutting-edge (bio)technology, can help to solve the problems of world hunger. Principles concerning corporate responsibility and private-public sector cooperation are discussed.
Intellectual property rights: biotechnology and the gene revolution.
Authors: Dodds J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter considers: the role of biotechnology in agricultural development; the development of the field of bioinformatics; the issue of intellectual property rights in research, agriculture and trade; and the promotion of public/private sector interactions in the area of agricultural biotechnology.
Post-genomic health advances and its implications in developing countries.
Authors: Badr E. A.
Published: November 2017

This chapter reviews the potential of the human genome project, comparative genomics, functional genomics and proteomics in studying the molecular aspects of human health and diseases in Developing Countries. The uses of DNA technology in the molecular diagnosis of infectious and noncommunicable diseases, of gene targeting in gene therapy for genetic and non-genetic disorders, and of pharmacogenomics in developing new drugs are discussed. Some challenges to biotechnology research and development, and the role of international organizations and multinational companies are described.
Novel approaches for vaccine development against trypanosomiasis in Africa.
Authors: Murphy N. B. , Nolan D. , Black S. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter briefly describes the epidemiology and pathogenesis of and host immune response to trypanosomiasis in man and livestock animals in Africa. The early approaches in developing vaccines against trypanosomiasis, as well as the potential of African wildlife species (mostly considered as reservoirs of trypanosomiasis) as a conduit for the identification of new vaccines are discussed. The results of vaccine trials in mice and cattle are reviewed.
Adding value to Brazilian biodiversity through biotechnology.
Authors: Carvalho A. P. de
Published: November 2017

This paper discusses the Brazilian biotechnology company EXTRACTA and its role in Brazilian biodiversity.
Emerging regulatory regimes in South Africa.
Authors: Thomson J. A.
Published: November 2017

This paper discusses African biosafety regulatory regime for genetically modified organisms in South Africa. The topics included are the regulatory process in South Africa, capacity building in biosafety and national biosafety frameworks.
Public concerns about biotechnology.
Authors: Hoban T. J., IV
Published: November 2017

This chapter explores how people in different parts of the world react to products of biotechnology. The analysis is based on interviews, conducted by Environics International, with 35 000 consumers from 35 countries. The extent to which the USA and Europe differ in their attitudes to biotechnology is also examined.
University of Manitoba Centre for grain storage research and development.
Authors: Jayas D. S. , White N. D. G.
Published: November 2017

The stored-grain-management group (including researchers in the Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba and in the Cereal Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) was successful in obtaining 4.6 million dollars (Canadian) to construct and equip a new facility for research and development in all aspects of drying, handling, and storing grain. The major portion of the funds was provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Manitoba Innovation Fund, Gateway to Future Capital Campaign, Manitoba Hydro, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the grain industry. This paper briefly describes the capabilities of the new research facility. It is indicated that research conducted using the facility will provide the knowledge required to reduce qualitative and quantitative losses in stored grain in Canada and worldwide.
Taxonomic imperatives in stored product acarology.
Authors: Halliday R. B.
Published: November 2017

Despite decades of study, there are still many unresolved problems in the study of mite pests of stored food, caused by an inadequate level of research in taxonomy and basic biology. There have been several recent examples of these problems from Australia. Aleuroglyphus ovatus was recently detected in Australia, causing contact dermatitis in an employee. Research among preserved specimens then showed that this species had been present unannounced in Australia since at least 1949, causing an unknown level of food contamination and disease. Species of Rhizoglyphus cannot be identified with any confidence, because of the chaotic state of the taxonomy of the genus. This situation is causing disturbances in the international trade in stored vegetables and bulbs, and perhaps unnecessary fumigation and delays in shipments. Other genera of stored-food mites recorded from Australia also cause taxonomic difficulties (e.g. Acarus, Tyrophagus, and Pyemotes), because some species have never been adequately described and compared with the faunas of other countries. These taxonomic uncertainties pose a threat to trade, pest control, and the adequate treatment of human disease. Resolution of these issues will require an increased effort in conventional taxonomic and biological research, plus the adoption of modern technologies such as the use of molecular diagnostic tools and the production of interactive identification guides.
The effect of temperature management on Sitophilus zeamais, Tribolium castaneum and Plodia interpunctella in stored maize: summer 2001 pilot bin trials.
Authors: Maier D. E. , Ileleji K. E. , Woloshuk C. P. , Szabela D. A.
Published: November 2017

The use of three temperature management strategies (ambient aeration, chilled aeration and no aeration) for the control of the populations of S. zeamais (maize weevil), T. castaneum (red flour beetle) and P. interpunctella (Indian meal moth) was evaluated. Chilled aeration maintained the average grain temperatures between 11.5 and 17.1°C, which were effective in controlling populations of caged maize weevil and development of red flour beetle. Maize weevil population increased by 32% from June to September, while bins with no aeration (average grain temperatures between 15.1 and 27.4°C) and ambient aeration (average grain temperatures between 13.8 and 24.9°C) increased the population by 464 and 554%, respectively. For the Indian meal moth, maintaining lower grain bulk temperatures through chilling retarded the life cycle of the moth from egg to adult. The likely causes were delayed hatching of larvae from eggs and larval diapausing, which is an adaptation to survive low temperatures. Degree-day values based on a threshold development temperature of 15°C (59°F) for no aeration, ambient aeration and chilled aeration were 126, 126 and 48, respectively. The lower degree-day values for the chilled bins correlated to the lower insect counts observed in the maize weevil, red flour beetle and Indian meal moth cages. Our results showed that temperature management was an effective non-chemical and sustainable pest control method for stored product protection (average grain temperatures between 15.1 and 27.4°C).
Areawide integrated pest management program for commercial grain stores.
Authors: Flinn P. , Hagstrum D. , Reed C. , Phillips T.
Published: November 2017

A decision support system, Stored Grain Advisor Pro, was developed to conduct risk analysis of large concrete commercial elevator facilities. A vacuum-probe sampler was used to take ten 3-kg wheat grain samples in the top 12 m of each bin at grain elevators in Kansas and Oklahoma, USA. After the insect species and numbers were determined for each sample, the data were entered into the risk analysis software. The program uses a model to predict future risk based on current insect density, grain temperature and moisture. The information was presented as a bin board layout to the manager. Recommended treatment strategies and an economic analysis were also presented to the manager. Stored Grain Advisor correctly predicted for 71-80% of bins whether they were either safe or at high risk. In only 2 of 399 bins in Kansas and in zero bins in Oklahoma, the programme predicted that the bins were safe when, in fact, they became infested 6 weeks later. Elevator operators using the program tended to fumigate only the bins with high insect densities, rather than fumigating all the bins. This resulted in better grain management because treating bins only when insect densities exceed economic thresholds and treating only the bins that need to be treated minimizes the risk of economic losses from unexpected insect problems, and reduces the cost of pest management and the use of fumigant.
Warning farmers when the risk of infestation by Prostephanus truncatus is high.
Authors: Hodges R. J. , Birkinshaw L. A. , Addo S.
Published: November 2017

P. truncatus is a serious beetle pest of the maize and cassava stored by smallholder farmers. Pheromone-trapping studies have shown that the abundance of flying beetles varies greatly both between and within years. This has led to an initiative to develop a risk-assessment system for the pest so that farmers can be warned in advance by extension services when they are at particular risk. Tests using experimental barns in Ghana and Tanzania and direct observations of farm stores in Ghana have shown that the incidence of infestation in stores is related to the numbers of beetles in the process of dispersal by flight. It has been possible to define curves relating the probability of infestation in stores to the cumulative catch of flying P. truncatus over the course of a storage season, although other factors such as previous infestation of stores can also be significant. In these experimental studies, dispersal by flight has been estimated using pheromone traps. However, the use of pheromone traps on a large scale to gather dispersal data is expensive and time-consuming and in the long term is unlikely to be sustainable. As a cheaper alternative, a rule-based model was developed to predict flight activity from climate data. The role of the risk warning system as an essential decision making tool for the integrated pest management of P. truncatus is discussed.
Development and validation of sequential sampling plans for Sitophilus species associated with pet specialty stores.
Authors: Toews M. , Subramanyam B. , Roesli R.
Published: November 2017

Eight pet stores in Kansas, USA were sampled between February and August 2002, using traps baited with food and pheromone lures for capturing multiple species of beetle adults. Thirty traps were arranged in a grid pattern in each store and were checked every 2-3 weeks. The most common and abundant beetles captured in traps in all eight stores were the Sitophilus spp. (rice, granary and maize weevils). The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, was the most common and predominant of the three weevils. Trap capture data from each store were used to calculate mean numbers of Sitophilus spp. trapped per week and associated variance and weekly presence or absence of adults. About 60% of the weekly trap capture data from the 8 stores were used for developing fixed precision and binomial sequential sampling plans and the other 40% of the data were used for testing the performance of these plans through computer simulations using the "Resampling for Validation of Sampling Plans" software. Green's fixed precision sampling plan was used for estimating Sitophilus spp. density of 0.62 insects trapped per week that corresponded with 50% of infested traps. The actual precision and sample sizes needed for estimating density at the fixed precision levels of 0.25, 0.35 and 0.50 were determined. Wald's sequential probability ratio test plan and a fixed sample size binomial plan were developed to classify infestation level with respect to an infestation threshold (50% of infested traps). Operating characteristic and average sample number curves generated using the validation data sets were used to gauge performance of the binomial plan. In addition, the actual errors in classifying infestation levels were also determined. The development, performance and utility of these sampling plans in retail stores are discussed.
Entomological applications of near-infrared spectroscopy.
Authors: Throne J. E. , Dowell F. E. , Perez-Mendoza J. , Baker J. E.
Published: November 2017

Our recent work on applications of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to entomological problems is reviewed. Using an automated NIRS system to scan individual wheat kernels at the rate of 15 per minute, we were able to differentiate between uninfested kernels and kernels infested with late instar larvae of Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus oryzae, or Sitotroga cerealella. The ability to rapidly scan individual kernels indicates potential for automated segregation of infested kernels from bulk grain. The automated NIRS system was used to differentiate uninfested wheat kernels, kernels infested with rice weevils, and kernels that contained rice weevils that were parasitized by Anisopteromalus calandrae. Being able to distinguish kernels containing parasitoids would be useful for quality control in commercial insectaries that rear biological control agents, and would be useful for research on natural enemies. The NIRS system was used to segregate samples of transgenic maize that contain low and high levels of the protein avidin. Avidin is toxic to a number of insect pests, and transgenic maize that contains a level of avidin that is toxic to insect pests of stored grain has been developed. A manual NIRS system was used to quantify insect fragments in flour. Although the sensitivity is not sufficient to detect insect fragments at the US Food and Drug Administration defect action level (75 fragments per 50 grams of flour), the technique is accurate at an action level of 130 fragments per 50 grams of flour and could be useful for prescreening large numbers of flour samples to select samples for more expensive and labour intensive chemical analyses. A manual NIRS system was used to identify stored product insect pests to species level. We were able to identify insects to genus with greater than 95% accuracy and to identify insects as being primary or secondary pests with greater than 99% accuracy. Ability to identify insects to species depended on the genus. This technology could be useful to pest managers who may not be familiar with insect taxonomy. The manual NIRS system was used to determine chronological age of two primary pests and one secondary pest of stored products.
Comparison of ELISA and fragment count methods for detection of insects in wheat flour.
Authors: Atui M. B. , Lazzari S. M. N. , Lazzari F. A. , Flinn P. W.
Published: November 2017

In the research reported, the ELISA method used to detect the insect muscle myosin was tested and compared with a traditional method of counting insect fragments in flour using acid hydrolysis. One kilogram samples of wheat were infested with 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 adults of Rhyzopertha dominica, and milled to obtain wheat flour. The samples were analysed according to the AOAC method and by the immunoassay kit to detect myosin. The numbers of insect fragments detected by both methods were proportional to the infestation level. The number of insect fragments ranged from 4.4 in the lowest infestation level, to 73.2 in the highest infestation level. The lowest detection level of the immunoassay was 0.5 insects/50 g sample, and the maximum was 10 insects/50 g sample. The ELISA test represents a valuable tool for screening insect infestation in stored wheat kernels and flour to monitor sanitary quality, but modifications are required to increase the kit sensitivity for the lesser grain borer and other insects.
Use of electronic nose technology for the early detection of spoilage moulds in cereal products.
Authors: Naresh Magan Naresh Magan , Garima Keshri Garima Keshri , Needham R. , Sneath R.
Published: November 2017

There is a requirement for rapid early detection of mould activity in grain throughout the food chain as part of a quality assurance programme and to enable critical control points to be effectively monitored. The rapid development of electronic-nose (e.nose) technology has resulted in examination of the potential of using this qualitative approach to enable decisions to be made about the status of grain and bakery products. Since moulds produce characteristic odours when growing on different substrates, the opportunity exists to use these volatile production patterns to improve decision-support systems for making decisions about grain quality. We have examined the use of e.nose systems for the discrimination between different grain spoilage fungi in vitro and in situ in grain. A real-time grain-monitoring system was developed which is able to evaluate a sample in less than 10 mins and give information on whether the grain is "good", "bad" or "intermediate". Subsequent studies in bakery products have shown that it is possible to detect and differentiate spoilage mould growth on bread within 24-40 h of inoculation, before visible growth. Alternative methods such as enzyme detection and colony-forming units could detect changes only much later. The use of e.nose systems as part of a HACCP scheme is discussed.
Insect population dynamics and grain damage in small-farm stores in Zimbabwe, with particular reference to Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).
Authors: Mvumi B. M. , Golob P. , Stathers T. E. , Giga D. P.
Published: November 2017

S. cerealella is an important pest of stored grains, whose biology has been well-researched, but little is known about its population dynamics under field conditions. This study examined the importance of the moth in relation to other storage insect pests on maize and sorghum under smallholder conditions in Binga and Harare, Zimbabwe during 1998-2000. On sorghum heads, S. cerealella and Rhyzopertha dominica were dominant, but Sitophilus spp. were dominant on both maize and sorghum grain bulks. The insects themselves and associated grain damage were mostly confined to the top 30 cm of such bulks. An exception was R. dominica, which occurred in large numbers at lower grain levels. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to reduced pesticide use through more-targeted grain treatment in tropical small-farm stores.
Distribution of Ephestia elutella in a tobacco-processing factory in Portugal.
Authors: Pereira A. P. , David A. , Mexia A.
Published: November 2017

Stored tobacco may be damaged by E. elutella. The larvae eat the leaves and contaminate the product with their silk, exuvia and excreta. Pheromone traps were used to monitor the presence of male moths over a three-year period (1999-2001) in a tobacco-processing factory in Portugal. Trap captures were used to determine spatial distribution of male moths at different locations inside the factory. Of the 2574 adult E. elutella caught, 54% were captured only in one store. The lowest temperatures recorded from December to February were least favourable to E. elutella, whereas temperatures observed from June to September was most favourable. Inside the processing factory, most observations indicated an aggregated dispersion pattern of E. elutella.
Comparing insect captures in the "StorMax Insector" and other probe traps.
Authors: Bonjour E. L. , Phillips T. W.
Published: November 2017

The "StorMax Insector" is a new, electronic device for detecting insects in stored grain. Naturally occurring arthropods captured using Insector prototypes were compared with those captured using Grain Guard pitfall traps (GGPT) and Storgard WB Probe II traps (WBII) in 5 small bins containing wheat. Trap location within the bin and the presence or absence of sunlight were also examined for their effect on the number of arthropods collected in the 3 trap types. The arthropods captured during the study consisted of 5 species of beetles, 2 parasitic Hymenoptera, a member of the Psocidae family, and mites. As expected, all arthropods were not captured in every bin during the 2-day sampling period in November when grain temperatures averaged 22.4°C. Total insects and mites captured were affected by trap type and trap location within the bins. Significantly more arthropods were captured in the Insector and WBII traps than in the GGPT traps. Traps located on the south sides of the bins captured more arthropods than traps located in the northern portions of the bins. Presence or absence of sunlight did not affect the total number of insects and mites collected in the traps. When comparing species, more R. dominica were captured in the WBII trap than in the other two trap types and more A. advena were captured in the Insector than in the GGPT trap. More Rhyzopertha dominica were captured in traps located in the southern part of the bin than in the northern portion. Traps in bins receiving sunlight had significantly more mites than bins with no sunlight. Just the opposite was true for A. advena. Knowing that trap type, trap location, and the presence or absence of sunlight can affect trap capture is important in interpreting species counts for developing a management strategy to control pests.
Preliminary molecular investigations of three Liposcelis species associated with grain storage systems in Australia.
Authors: Mikac K. M.
Published: November 2017

Molecular methods are being utilized to examine the genetic structure of three psocid (Psocoptera) species, Liposcelis bostrychophila, L. decolor and L. entomophila, that infest grain bulk storage facilities throughout Australia. As there is currently no known nucleotide sequence information on these three species, various molecular techniques are used to investigate their genetic structure and general molecular ecology. This paper documents the use of microsatellites and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) to examine the genetic structure of these species. Outcomes from this work will determine the extent of gene flow among Liposcelis populations infesting bulk grain storage and transportation systems in Australia. In addition, this work will help characterize and monitor changes in the genetic diversity of psocid populations, while gaining a greater understanding of the origin and movement of Liposcelis species within Australian bulk grain handling systems.
Interstrain variation in larval respiration rate in Callosobruchus maculatus.
Authors: Guedes R. N. C. , Guedes N. M. P. , Smith R. H.
Published: November 2017

Variation among strains of C. maculatus in several life-history traits is well known. Differential respiration rates in larvae of this pest species may provide insights into how the behavioural process of larval competition within a seed produces different outcomes. Therefore, larval respiration rates in five strains of C. maculatus (from Brazil, Nigeria, South India, Uganda, and Yemen) were measured during their early development. Per capita consumption of cowpea seeds by larvae of the same five strains was also carried out in another bioassay. The Brazil strain is reported as having a scramble-type of outcome of larval competition and it showed the smallest respiration rate of all five strains (6.13 ml O2/day/larva), while the strains from Uganda and Nigeria that also resemble more closely the scramble-type of competition outcome showed intermediate levels of respiration rate (7.24 and 7.34 ml O2 day-1 larva-1, respectively). In contrast, the Yemen and South India strains are reported as having a contest-type of outcome of larval competition, although the behavioural process has been determined as contest only for the South India strain. The Yemen strain of C. maculatus showed the highest larval respiration rate, which did not significantly differ from the South India strain (8.39 and 7.49 ml O2 day-1 larvaminus, respectively). Larvae from Yemen and South India strains also showed significantly higher per capita consumption rates of cowpea (15.15 and 11.31 mg, respectively) than in larvae from the other strains (varying from 15.15 to 7.67 mg). This provides support for the hypothesis that the differential feeding rate is an important component of the larval competition outcomes observed in strains of C. maculatus.
An assessment of pheromone traps to monitor flour beetles (Tribolium confusum) at a flour mill.
Authors: Wilkin R. , Cross D. , Mumby R.
Published: November 2017

Two types of commercial beetle trap, both with pheromone lures, were compared in a section of a flour mill in northern England. The building had an endemic infestation of T. confusum (confused flour beetle). Eight Trécé Dome traps and eight AgriSense UK Window traps with lures were placed in a random pattern at two levels in a building containing flour storage bins. In addition, eight Window traps without lures were included as controls. Traps were examined weekly during the 8-week period of the trial and temperatures were monitored almost continuously at each trap. Dome traps always caught far more insects than Window traps. There was considerable variation in the numbers caught by individual Dome traps, but all caught some insects. The eight Dome traps caught a total of 106 T. confusum during the 8-week period. Window traps with and without lures caught a total of three and two T. confusum, respectively, over the same period. Several Window traps caught no insects. These differences cannot be explained by temperature variation.
Biocharacteristics of Prostephanus truncatus attracted to flight traps baited with aggregation pheromone.
Authors: Addo S. , Birkinshaw L. A. , Hodges R. J.
Published: November 2017

The biological characteristics of adult P. truncatus arriving at pheromone-baited flight traps were investigated in agricultural and non-agricultural habitats of two different agroclimatic zones in Ghana during three contrasting seasons to determine whether the risk posed to stored maize by dispersing P. truncatus was likely to vary according to season or the source of beetles. Beetles were trapped live and data on sex ratio, weight, longevity and female reproductive potential were recorded. Comparisons were carried out with beetles cultured in the laboratory on maize. Some of the beetles trapped in the wild lived for almost a year, and females continued reproducing for over half a year in the absence of males. This suggests that most beetles were captured very young, that females were already inseminated and that these beetles would certainly live long enough in the wild to have a serious impact in stores. The traps captured a higher proportion of females than males, and females were heavier. Although some seasonal and locational differences were detected, there was no evidence that these effects would have a significant impact on the biological potential of the pest in the storage environment. P. truncatus dispersing in different seasons and in the different habitats can be assumed to have roughly equivalent biological potential.
External egg morphology of stored-product and dust mites (Acarina).
Authors: Kučerova Z. , Stejskal V.
Published: November 2017

External egg morphology of the most common stored-product pest mites (genera Acarus, Glycyphagus, Lepidoglyphus, Tyrophagus, Carpoglyphus, Caloglyphus), the dust mite Dermatophagoides and the predatory mite Cheyletus was studied. The comparative morphological study deals with overall appearance, size, and surface sculpturing of eggs. Morphological details are illustrated with scanning electron microscope micrographs. A key for distinguishing eggs at genus level is provided. The respiratory function of some surface structures is discussed.
Insect monitoring in a paddy rice storage facility.
Authors: Paula M. C. Z. , Lazzari S. M. N. , Lazzari F. A.
Published: November 2017

Insect monitoring in rice storage facilities is essential for the adoption of integrated pest management control measures. With this purpose, 19 baited cage traps were installed outside silos in Massaranduba, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The bait was a mixture of wheatgerm, maize grits, whole maize, and rice kernels. Twelve probe traps were placed in a 1875-tonne silo filled with paddy rice, and insect captures compared with those in nearby cage traps. Every 15 days, the bait and the probe traps were removed for insect counting and identification. The cage traps captured 45 955 insects in two years, including Sitophilus oryzae (76.4%), Rhyzopertha dominica (8.5%), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (5%), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (2.3%) and other insect species (7.6%). The largest insect infestations were detected in the receiving areas for paddy rice, around the grain pits, and around and below the pre-cleaning machines. The probe traps detected a high insect infestation in May 1999, and this peak was also registered in the cage trap outside the silo. By this time, the silos were being filled and cross-infestation from the field may explain the high insect captures in most cages. Insect monitoring using both cage and probe traps allows the early detection of infestations, giving time for decisions about adequate handling and control strategies.
The potential of stored-product beetle aggregation pheromones as cross-species attractants: an electroantennogram and behavioural investigation.
Authors: Wakefield M. E. , Clarke P. G.
Published: November 2017

Aggregation pheromones have been investigated as a source for a multispecies lure for Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Cryptolestes ferrugineus and Sitophilus granarius, using adult beetles that were generally 0- to 2-weeks old. S. granarius showed no significant electroantennogram (EAG) response to four macrolide lactones and R,S-1-octen-3-ol, at a single dose of 10 µg, indicating that this species is unable to perceive these compounds at the concentration tested. All three species showed an EAG response to racemic sitophinone, although the perception threshold ranged from 10 µg for S. granarius to 1000 µg for O. surinamensis. The behavioural effect of racemic sitophinone (500 ng for S. granarius and 50 µg for O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus) and R,S-1-octen-3-ol (10 µg) was investigated for all three species in pitfall bioassays. As expected, there was significant attraction of S. granarius to racemic sitophinone compared to the control but no response by this species to R,S-1-octen-3-ol. Neither O. surinamensis nor C. ferrugineus was attracted to racemic sitophinone or R,S-1-octen-3-ol in pitfall bioassays. An investigation of the effect of insect age on the response to R,S-1-octen-3-ol showed that 3- to 5-week-old O. surinamensis had a lower threshold for behavioural response than 0- to 2-week-old adults, but there was no significant difference in response to 1, 10 or 100 ng R,S-1-octen-3-ol compared to the control for C. ferrugineus for either 0- to 2- or 4- to 6-week-old adults. The effect of R,S-1-octen-3-ol on O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus requires further investigation to determine the reasons for the differences in response shown by different research groups. It is concluded that it is not possible to produce a multispecies lure for these three species based on racemic sitophinone and R,S-1-octen-3-ol.
Bruchidae (Coleoptera) in stored Leguminosae: a survey conducted in Portugal.
Authors: Mateus C. , Carvalho E. L. de , Mexia A.
Published: November 2017

We present first results from a survey of Bruchidae (Coleoptera) in stored Leguminosae (pulses) in Portugal. The survey focuses on edible Leguminosae, and also field crops. Ten bruchid species were identified. Acanthoscelides obtectus was the only species detected in beans (in either field or storage). Bruchus rufimanus and B. pisorum were the most frequent and abundant species in stored broad beans and stored peas, respectively.
Impact of IPM practices on insect populations in retail pet stores.
Authors: Roesli R. , Subramanyam B. , Campbell J. , Kemp K.
Published: November 2017

Stored-product insect infestations in retail pet stores cost pet food manufacturers millions of dollars annually, but there are no studies documenting the effectiveness of pest management practices in pet stores. Our study was designed to determine species associated with eight pet stores in Kansas, USA, and to evaluate the impact of chemical and non-chemical intervention on insect populations. Food and pheromone-baited traps were used to estimate numbers of stored-product beetles and the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella. Traps were placed in a grid pattern in each store, and trap catches were recorded every 1-3 weeks. Spatial analyses of trap catch data were used for monitoring infestations and for evaluating effectiveness of pest management measures. Measures used against pests included sanitation (sweeping, vacuuming and/or discarding infested products) or sanitation in combination with an insect growth regulator, hydroprene 9% EC, or a pyrethroid, cyfluthrin 20 WP. Each treatment (sanitation or sanitation plus pesticide application) was replicated in two stores. Two stores that were left untreated served as the control. Traps in the stores captured a total of 41 266 adults and 3032 larvae of 36 insect species belonging to 23 families and 7 orders. Infestations were generally associated with birdseed, small-animal foods, or spilled food. Sanitation in conjunction with hydroprene or cyfluthrin applications on targeted floor areas reduced beetle numbers but did not greatly affect Indian meal moth numbers. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Legislative and regulatory actions affecting insect pest management for postharvest systems in the United States.
Authors: Arthur F. H. , Rogers T.
Published: November 2017

The 1996 Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) has resulted in policy interpretations and regulatory decisions that have severely impacted insect-pest-management programmes for stored products in the United States. The food safety aspects of this law, especially as targeted to children and other vulnerable subgroups of the population, require additional toxicological data for many older traditional insecticides. Many of these insecticides, particularly organophosphates and carbamates, are being removed from the market, and there are few potential new registrations to replace the products that are lost through regulatory decisions or voluntary withdrawal. Consumer preferences for foods with little or no pesticide residues, modern residue-detection methods, an emphasis on safety and food quality, and an increasingly urbanized society are also contributing to a decline in the use of pesticide chemicals to control insects. Similar trends are occurring throughout Europe and most other developed countries, and are causing a shift from chemical-based control methods to a more integrated approach to pest management.
Comparison of methods for determining grain moisture content.
Authors: Du HaiBo Du HaiBo , Wei ZuGuo Wei ZuGuo , Zu GuiDong Zu GuiDong
Published: November 2017

Several methods of determining wheat and maize (grown in China) grain moisture - traditional oven drying, near infrared transmission (NIT) and capacitance - are compared. It is shown that the NIT method could replace the traditional drying method to determine the grain moisture under certain conditions. The NIT equipment can be used simply and rapidly. Applying this technology could save more time and labour during harvest and grain trading.
Application of HACCP in grain storage.
Authors: Du HaiBo Du HaiBo , Shen Juan Shen Juan
Published: November 2017

This paper introduces the principles of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP). It is widely used in the food industry as a quality-management tool. When the method is applied to grain storage, the factors causing hazard to grain quality can be analysed, including, for example, physical, chemical, and biological factors. In grain storage, the critical points such as grain receival and daily grain management, and the critical values such as germination capacity and fatty acid value are clarified. Advice is given on how to rectify deviations. HACCP can help greatly in keeping grain safe and fresh.
Fusarium mycotoxins in isogenic and Bt maize varieties grown in different geographic areas in France.
Authors: Pinson L. , Planckě M. P. , Richard-Forget F. , Fleurat-Lessard F.
Published: November 2017

Four maize varieties collected in four sites in France in 2000, with and without the character of resistance to insect borers (Bt character), were compared for Fusarium spp. contamination and mycotoxin production in kernels (trichothecenes, fumonisins, zearalenone). For three of the considered varieties, lower Fusarium contamination and mycotoxin content were observed on Bt hybrid maize than on the corresponding isogenic variety. Fumonisin concentrations ranged from 9.5 ppb to 307 ppb for Bt varieties, and from <3 ppb to 1300 ppb for isogenic ones. Low concentrations of trichothecenes were measured in transgenic as well as in traditional maize. With the exception of two of 15 samples, zearalenone concentrations were below the 200-ppb limit recommended in France. Although not significantly different, these results suggest a decrease in mycotoxins kernels content linked to Bt hybrid.
A study on the persistence of trifluralin, chlorpyrifos, decamethrin, cypermethrin and dichlorvos in rice and beans after cooking in a commercial microwave oven.
Authors: Castro M. F. P. M. de , Oliveira J. J. do V. , Rodrigues J. , Loredo I. S. D.
Published: November 2017

The objective of this research was to evaluate the persistence of trifluralin, chlorpyrifos, decamethrin, cypermethrin and dichlorvos in rice and beans after cooking in a commercial microwave oven. The rice and beans, spiked with pesticides at levels of 1.0 mg/kg, were cooked at powers of 500 W and 800 W for 15 and 45 minutes, respectively. The pesticides were quantified by gas chromatography using electron capture (Ni63) and flame photometric detectors. After cooking, the residual levels of trifluralin, chlorpyrifos, decamethrin, cypermethrin and dichlorvos in the rice and beans were respectively, on average, 0.03, 0.04, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.01 mg/kg for rice and 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.01 mg/kg for beans. Thus, from 92% to 99% of pesticides were eliminated. We conclude that cooking in a microwave oven causes a decrease in the residue levels of these pesticides.
Interaction of ethyl formate (EtF) with stored products.
Authors: Reuss R. , Annis P.
Published: November 2017

The phase-out of methyl bromide has created a need for alternative fumigants for the treatment of stored products. One such alternative, ethyl formate (EtF), is already widely used for treatment of dried fruits in Australia. To be a viable treatment for other stored products, an allowance for the loss of EtF from the headspace during fumigation must be made to develop efficacious treatment schedules. There is little data on the fate of EtF during fumigation of stored products, or the mechanism of the loss from the headspace. Therefore, the fate of EtF during treatment of a number of cereals (wheat, rice, barley, oats), oilseeds (rape, sunflower, cotton), legumes (field peas, kidney beans), dried fruits (sultanas, apricots), and oaten hay was followed during fumigation under laboratory conditions at both 25 and 10°C. A similar study was carried out on seven rice-milling fractions. Fumigation with EtF at 25°C promises to be an efficacious pest control measure in commodities where concentrations could be maintained at 60-70 g/m3 for a period of 24 h. The high rate of loss of EtF from the headspace of fumigated paddy rice, fuzzy cotton seed, sunflower seed, and kidney beans would require the application of very high dosages of fumigant to achieve headspace concentrations that would allow effective insect control in these commodities. Dried fruits, oats and wheat, field peas, oaten hay and milled rice were more promising candidates for EtF treatment. Headspace concentrations during fumigation of dried fruits were higher than during treatment of other commodities. EtF shows potential as a chemical for the protection of products that interact similarly with EtF contained in their headspace and to which the product can be applied in a similar fashion.
Stack-curing and storage of peanuts for prevention of postharvest aflatoxin contamination.
Authors: Dorner J. W.
Published: November 2017

Postharvest aflatoxin contamination of peanuts is a serious problem around the world. In many areas, the lack of mechanised drying of harvested peanuts and lack of adequate storage facilities to maintain proper moisture conditions facilitate the growth of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus and the contamination of peanuts with aflatoxins. In the early to mid-1900s in the United States, peanuts were cured by constructing "stackpoles", around which freshly dug peanut plants were "stacked" off the ground. Peanut pods were placed in the centre near the pole and plant material and foliage faced outward. Studies have been carried out to determine the potential for aflatoxin contamination of peanuts cured in stacks. Peanuts were dug at optimum maturity in south Georgia at two different times and were cured conventionally (windrow curing followed by artificial drying) as well as in stacks. Half of the stacks received substantial supplemental irrigations in addition to natural rainfall to create the worst possible curing and storage conditions. Conventionally cured peanuts were harvested after windrow curing for three days, and stacks were harvested after a curing period of about six weeks. All peanuts were evaluated for A. flavus growth and aflatoxin contamination. Results from the first harvest showed that significant (P<0.05) aflatoxin (mean=118 ppb) formed only in stacks receiving supplemental irrigation (49.5 cm of combined rainfall and irrigation). Stacks from the first harvest, which were not watered, received 14.2 cm of rainfall, but contained only 2.6 ppb of aflatoxin. Conventionally harvested peanuts were not contaminated. No peanuts from the second harvest were contaminated with aflatoxin even though the irrigated stacks received 53.8 cm of rainfall and supplemental irrigation.