Consortium for Integrated Management of Stored Product Insect Pests
 

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Structures and Packaging

Project personnel: Dirk Maier, Ron Noyes, David Hagstrum, Frank Arthur, Bh. Subramanyam, Thomas Phillips, Gerrit Cuperus, James Throne, Mike Mullen

 

[2001 Annual Reports] [2002 Annual Reports]

    Better performance, improved levels of worker safety, and reduced costs associated with both daily operation and regulatory compliance are possible for many grain elevators that are adapted to closed loop fumigation systems (Cuperus et al. 1990; Criswell et al. 1993). Also, excellent control of stored-product insects can be obtained by using modified atmospheres such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen under pressure in enclosed structures. Insect-resistant packaging continues to be a big concern for industry. Losses have been significant, although hard to measure because much of the infested products are discarded. Research at the GMPRC has included the development of repellent treatments that can be applied to packages and the improvement of seals and closures (Mullen 1997). Recent research has been conducted to determine the role of food odors. Plastic packaging materials have become more popular and have created a unique set of challenges. Larger plastic package must be vented to allow atmospheric pressure to equalize to prevent excessive swelling or shrinking of the package as altitude changes. Venting systems that allow this to occur must also exclude insects. Seals and closures have been redesigned and glue patterns have been improved. The major constraint is that this must be done with minimal changes in existing packaging equipment. Future research will include safe and effective repellent treatments and the development of resealable packaging to prevent insect infestation.

 

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