Infestation of Mites, Insects and Microorganisms in a Large Wheat Bulk after Prolonged Storage

Abstract

Mites, insects, and storage fungi usually infest grain that has been stored for several years. Since mites and most storage fungi are usually considered of secondary importance to insects, few comprehensive studies have been made on their occurrence in grain stored in the Prairie Provinces. Although difficult to see because of their microscopic size, the presence of mites and fungi in stored grain often leads to a decrease in grain quality. Thus, information on their occurrence in stored grain together with data on the damage attributed to them would be useful in assessing their economic significance.