FEATURED REPORT: GET GRAIN STORES READY FOR HARVEST
1st June 2012
Big investments are made to maximise yields in the field so don’t risk yield losses post-harvest with poor grain store hygiene. Mite and insect infestation in UK stored grain causes annual losses of 5-10% and populations can build rapidly so it is important to take preventative action. Mite and insect feeding results in direct yield losses but can also have a detrimental effect on the quality of stored grain. Grain store pests can affect the nutritional value and act as a source of allergens which can lead to serious gastric problems in feeding animals. Whether intended for milling, malting or feed, infested grain runs the risk of being rejected.
Good ventilation, drying and cooling are important processes in grain store management but pests, in particular mites, can still breed at low temperatures of 5°c. Respiring insects and mites will generate heat and moisture and can cause localised hot spots within the grain pile which further promote breeding and may encourage the development of moulds.
Reldan* 22 is a broad spectrum acaricide and insecticide that will control all major pests of stored grain including Acarus, Lepidoglyphus and Tyrophagus, the three main mite species found in UK grain stores. Reldan 22 is the only pre-harvest grain store treatment effective on these common pests. Once treatments are dry it is safe to tip grain but fabric applications of Reldan 22 should be applied 4 weeks prior to grain filling to allow sufficient time for pests harboured in cracks and crevices to emerge and come into contact with the chemical. Reldan works by fumigation, contact and ingestion and offers protection for up to 6 months against mite and insect infestation. There is no withholding period for grain subsequently stored on those premises.
Pre-Harvest Action Plan:
Grain store fabric treatment using Reldan 22 should be used as part of an integrated management approach:
1. Ensure grain store is emptied of any old grain and debris
o Apply the same principles to grain handling equipment
2. Sweep (or use a high pressure airline) grain store paying close attention to crevices
o Ensure sweepings are disposed of well away from grain store sites or ideally, burn them
o Wear appropriate PPE including a dust mask
3. Apply Reldan 22 at 200ml in 5 Litres of water per 100 m2 up to 4 weeks before harvest via a knapsack, motorised knapsack or tractor-operated spray lance.
o For best practice ensure good ventilation during application and wear a face mask fitted with an activated charcoal filter.
FAQs
Can I apply Reldan 22 to stores intended for oilseeds?
Reldan 22 can only be used for grain store premises intended for wheat, barley, oats, rye and triticale storage. Similarly, admixture applications can only be made to these qualifying cereals.
Can I apply Reldan 22 directly to the grain for long-term storage?
Reldan 22 is approved for use as a grain admixture. Treatments should be made via a suitable applicator to grain that has been dried (or is below 14% mc), cooled and cleaned. After treatment, grain should not be processed for 90 days so direct grain treatment is most suitable for grain intended for long-term storage.
Can I use Reldan 22 on grain intended for malting and brewing?
Yes, Reldan 22 is accepted by the BBPA and the BRI for use on grain intended for malting or brewing
If you require any further information please contact our technical Hotline – 0800 689 8899, email UKHotline@dow.com, or contact your local Dow AgroSciences representative.
Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For further information including warning phrases and symbols refer to label.
*Reldan is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. All other brand names are trademarks of other manufacturers for which proprietary rights may exist.
Reldan 22 contains chlorpyrifos-methyl.
|
