A big part of what we do here at Aus Diatomaceous Earth is increasing awareness of the latest developments and activities done which help lead to environmentally friendly practices in the agriculture industry.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in 2023 released their Pest Facts Newsletter breaking down the importance of protecting grain against insects, and the different ways to do so.
Below is a quick summary of the findings and recommendations. For the full article please click the link below.
In exporting, there is a federally mandated ‘nil tolerance’ for live insects in storage which is why the Western Australian grains industry is focused on gas-tight sealable storage and fumigation.
- Residual pest populations surviving in empty storages during winter will infest new season grain when it is put into the storages. If pests are not eradicated leading to multiple repeats of fumigation this may result in selection for resistance.
- Its important to clean grain resides in augers, silos and field bins and follow up with a structural treatment such as diatomaceous earth. The surrounding area should also be cleared of weeds and rubbish to prevent harbouring insects.
- Ensuring environmental practices are conducted, non chemical products such as those consisting of Diatomaceous Earth are preferred for in-silo structural treatments.
For the full article, click below.