Live samples of red and confused flour beetles are wanted to help researchers improve the management of these pests which can attack stored grain products.
Required as part of a PhD study, jointly led by Fera and the University of Leeds, the research is looking at the way the beetle responds to odours.
The confused flour beetle T. confusum looks very similar. In fact, it is believed that the confused flour beetle got its name due to confusion with the red flour beetle.
Safe and effective grain storage is key to assuring crop quality and helping prevent loss of premiums through claims and rejections.
The problem across the pond
On-farm grain storage, particularly of corn, is increasing in the US state of Pennsylvania.
Stored grains offer ample food sources for a number of insect pests. Good storage management practices are aimed at excluding grain feeding insects while maintaining grain quality.
Grain that has not been screened of fine materials and broken kernels is particularly susceptible to attack by these two species of insects.
The longer grain is held in storage, the greater the need to maintain good management practices, such as sanitation and residual sprays.
When proper management is ignored, populations of insects which have been feeding and reproducing in grain residues are free to infest new grain.
Once in the new grain, the insects continue to eat and reproduce. Substantial numbers of grain-infesting insects can reduce grain weight and quality.
The presence of live insects can result in dockage or rejection of the grain.
If you have any live specimens available please contact Dr Maureen Wakefield on 01904 462579 or maureen.wakefield@fera.co.uk to discuss sampling and collection/delivery.
