Protection of Grain against Weevils

Abstract

TO-DAY, the losses of foodstuffs caused by insects, principally weevils, often disregarded in pre-war days, cannot be overlooked. A conservative estimate has been made that on the average losses of ten per cent of all stored food are caused by insects¹. In the tropics the life-cycle of weevils and other insect pests is accelerated as the temperatures are close to the optimum and, furthermore, breeding is continuous throughout the year, so that the losses can attain appalling proportions—samples of grain offered for sale have been seen in which more than 50 per cent of the individual grains have been seriously damaged. In such infested grain there is a further attack by the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, which spoils the little good grain remaining by the taint.