Insect management in on-farm grain storage: Survey of insect pests infesting corn in on-farm storage in Arkansas.

Stored grains are attacked by numerous species of insects in on-farm bins and other storage facilities. After harvest, corn grains are susceptible to infestation by several species of insect pests that can cause economic damage. This includes primary pests such as maize weevil, rice weevil, and lesser grain borer, and secondary pests such as red flour beetle and confused flour beetle. This study was conducted to identify insect pests associated with corn in on-farm storage bins and determine their abundance and diversity. Surveys were conducted in various corn-producing regions in Arkansas and were continued through the duration of the storage period using different standard sampling techniques for stored insect pests. Corn grain samples were also collected to examine hidden infestations. In this study, over 95% of insect samples recorded were adults of the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). This stored grain pest was the most abundant pest, as it was recorded from several grain samples as well as the insect traps that were deployed in on-farm bins. In this report, the findings of these surveys are presented, and potential pest management strategies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]