Below is a brief update on Stored Grain Protectants from Dr. Michael D. Toews, UGA Entomologist.<\/p>\n
Update on Stored Grain Protectants:<\/strong><\/p>\n I am getting many calls about treating shelled corn as it goes into storage.\u00a0 Here is a primer on products and efficacy from my recent tests in Georgia.<\/p>\n Actellic 5E (labeled for corn).\u00a0 <\/strong>This is the standard product for shelled corn, but it is also the most expensive product to purchase.\u00a0 A full rate (12.3 oz\u00a0 per 1000 bu) will provide protection from weevils for at least 9 months, but reducing the rate will decrease the longevity of the protection.\u00a0 Actellic is susceptible to heat breakdown.<\/p>\n Centynal (labeled for corn and wheat).<\/strong>\u00a0 Centynal is fairly inexpensive and will provide 3 to 6 months protection from weevils. It is critical to apply a full rate (8.5 oz\u00a0 per 1000 bu) or weevil control will be compromised.\u00a0 This material may also be used for treatment of empty bins.<\/p>\n Diacon (labeled for corn and wheat).<\/strong>\u00a0 Diacon is an insect growth regulator that is effective at killing immature grain moths and beetles, except weevils.\u00a0 The 4 oz per 1000 bu rate is sufficient for tank mixing.<\/p>\n Storcide II (labeled for wheat). <\/strong>Storcide II is an excellent option for stored wheat, but is not labelled for use on corn.<\/p>\n Malathion (labeled for wheat and corn). <\/strong>This product has been widely used in the past, but is not currently recommended due to well documented resistance in many stored grain insect populations.<\/p>\n Tempo SC (labeled for empty bin use only).<\/strong>\u00a0 Tempo is an excellent material for treating empty bins and elevator boots, but is not labeled for application directly to grain.<\/p>\n Three-way tankmix.<\/strong>\u00a0 Tests from 2015 showed that a three way tank mix of Centynal (8.5 oz) plus Diacon IGR (4 oz) plus PBO-8 Synergist (13.5 oz) will provide 6-9 months of protection from weevils.\u00a0 This is a moderately priced option for growers in markets where other products are unavailable or cost is a limiting factor.<\/p>\n Regardless of the product used, please be mindful that grain protectants are not a silver bullet.\u00a0 Applications should only be made to cooled grain (do not apply before sending grain through the dryer) that will be stored for more than 3 months.\u00a0 Apply protectants at the bottom of the auger so the kernels have a good chance to contact the insecticide while moving up to the top of the bin.\u00a0 Long-term grain storage also requires grain at an appropriate moisture content, proper housekeeping, use of a spreader when filling bins, and managed aeration.<\/p>\n