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Field Crops IPM Podcast: What's living in your grain bin?

 Welcome to the IPM Podcast for Field Crops. Subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode on your favorite platforms, such as iTunes, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

This Podcast is sponsored by UMN Extension Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this week’s podcast, we feature: Dr. Janet Knodel, Extension Entomologist at North Dakota State University.    

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Old grain infested with insects can be the largest source of continuing issues for the next year's crop. Integrated pest management is vital for stored grain pest management because options to to treat insects after a problem is found in a bin are limited. Dr. Knodel discussed three main types of insects common in stored grain: internal feeders like weevils, external feeders such as Indian meal moth, and insects that feed on mold developing on the grain. Both mold and insect feeding can increase the temperature of the grain, which can accelerate spoilage and make conditions even more suitable for pest development.

Dr. Knodel also discussed what to watch for as we move into winter and spring. Isolated hot spots can occur due to insects or mold, so it is important to check different areas of the bin periodically. Especially on cold winter nights, running fans can kill many insects if the grain temperature is sufficiently lowered, but it is also important not to freeze the grain since this can also lead to condensation and cause additional moisture issues.

This podcast was hosted by Dr. Anthony Hanson (hans4022@umn.edu), an IPM Educator for Field Crops with University of Minnesota Extension based out of Morris, MN. The purpose of the IPM podcast is to alert Growers, Ag Professionals and Educators about emerging pest concerns on Minnesota field crops. We also review recent pest trends and research updates.  

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