Growers who had planned to use the grain store pest treatment based on pirimiphos-methyl (EC formulation) to treat empty stores and store structures are now unable to do so, as this use is no longer supported on its label. The biophysical product Silico-Sec, derived from diatomaceous earth (DE), will ably fill the gap left by this label change and brings with it many additional benefits to users, including operator safety and no resistance problems.
"Any loss of grain quality in store has a negative financial impact on returns. So cleaning and treating empty stores before harvest and well before the grain is placed into store is a key starting point in the process of protecting grain from spoilage from pests and diseases," explains Dr. David Stormonth Technical Manager of Interfarm Ltd.
David explains that Silico-Sec consists of highly micronised specific amorphous silica (silicon dioxide). "The absorbent silica in Silico-Sec damages the outside cuticles of insects and mites, removing water-proofing waxes and resulting in desiccation and death of the pests. It is a proven, non-chemical method of controlling a wide range of insect grain pests, including grain weevils, saw-toothed grain beetles, red-rust flour beetles, cosmopolitan food mites, flour mites and the larvae of the cosmopolitan flour moth in store."
"Because it is a biophysical product, Silico-Sec has none of the issues of operator safety or resistance often associated with chemical-based treatments. It is a natural, non-toxic alternative to organophosphorus treatments for both conventional and organic farming systems," adds David.
Dr. Stormonth explains that structures used to store grain house pests, even when empty, and these pests will infest new parcels of grain as soon as they are placed in store. "Pests lodge in the smallest of places including cracks, cervices, airways, ducts, intake pits, elevators and all these areas need treatment."
"Usually around five weeks before harvest, the store should be cleaned of all residual material, debris and dust, paying attention to the likely places where pests harbour. Silico-Sec is then applied as a dry dust at a rate of 10gms per square metre of grain store fabric. Using the Venturi Applicator, the product is applied as a dust over the entire fabric of the store including walls, floors, equipment, ventilation ducts, intake pits, elevators, rafters, corners and crevices, where it is most needed. Thorough and even coverage of the whole fabric of the empty grain store is essential in order to get the best results," advises Dr. Stormonth.
Silico-Sec contains up to 96% inert silicon dioxide as a diatomaceous earth powder derived by a special process and consisting of highly micronized amorphous silica (silicon dioxide). It can be used either as a store treatment or on stored feed wheat, barley and oilseed rape (but not milling wheat as yet) for the prevention of invertebrate pests such as mites, weevils and beetles when used as part of an integrated storage management strategy. It has both protectant and curative treatment. It is packed in 15-kg bags and is available exclusively from Interfarm distributors.
For further comment and information, please contact Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager, Interfarm UK Ltd. on 01354 741414 or 07818 036506 (mobile) or via e-mail david.stormonth@interfarm.co.uk
