CONTROL OF ENGINEERING FACTORS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF GRAIN-STORAGE EFFICIENCY

Abstract

Control of Engineering Factors for Improvement of Grain­ Storage Efficiency, Unpublished Master of Science, University of Ain Shams, Faculty of Ag.-icultun-, DeJJartment of Agl'iculture Mechanization, 1999.

The determination of the insect's presence in stored-grain is one of the most important factors that influence storability assessment. The increasing population density of these organisms as a function of time does not allow long-term storage. A computer system and software has been developed to detect stored-grain insect pests presence-"Sitopltilus oryza in wheat Triticum Durum " in both stages, inside (larvae), and outside (adults) kernels by acoustical means without removing grain samples with accuracy of "I" adult per 5kg of wheat sample. Also, the detection system was able to estimate insects' population densities by counting sound peaks of recorded insect sound activity with ODEC computer software.

On the other hand, detection system was used when implementing specific control treatments (heat, and air­ sealing control treatments), for measuring whether it has been effective or not. A development has been reached for the acoustical detection system by detecting previous insect infestation (with the absence of insects), and categorize the wheat kernels (as to whether it was previously infested or not). This information could be used in pest-control program tactic for long-term safe storage.