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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
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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