GPBR 112 :: Lecture 30 :: SEED STORAGE

Maintenance of seed vigour and viability in terms of germination from harvest until
planting is of the utmost importance in any seed production programme. Care should be
taken at every stage of processing and distribution to maintain the viability and vigour.
The harvested seeds of most of the orthodox crop seeds are usually dried and stored for
atleast one season until the commencement of the next growing season, except those of the
recalcitrant seeds which require high moisture content for safe storage (once dried the
viability will be lost. E.g. – Jack, Citrus, Coffee, Cocoa, Polyalthea, etc.,). In such recalcitrant
seeds senescence starts in the mother plant itself. The dry weather alters moisture content
of the seed, thereby reducing the viability. Some seeds require an after ripening process as
in Pinus and Fraxinus. In most of the Agricultural crops ageing starts at physiological
maturity, which is irreversible. Hence seeds become practically worthless if they fail to
give adequate plant stands in addition to healthy and vigorous plants. Good storage is
therefore a basic requirement in seed production.
Purpose of seed storage
Seeds have to be stored, of course, because there is usually a period of time between
harvest and planting. During this period, the seed have to be kept somewhere. While the
time interval between harvest and planting is the basic reason for storing seed, there are
other considerations, especially in the case of extended storage of seed.
The purpose of seed storage is to maintain the seed in good physical and physiological
condition from the time they are harvested until the time they are planted. It is important
to get adequate plant stands in addition to healthy and vigorous plants.
Seed suppliers are not always able to market all the seed they produce during the following
planting season. In many cases, the unsold seed are “carried over” in storage for marketing
during the second planting season after harvest. Problems arise in connection with
carryover storage of seed because some kinds, varieties and lots of seed do not carryover
very well.
Seeds are also deliberately stored for extended periods so as to eliminate the need to
produce the seed every season. Foundation seed units and others have found this to be an
economical, efficient procedure for seeds of varieties for which there is limited demand.
Some kinds of seeds are stored for extended periods to improve the percentage and
rapidity of germination by providing enough time for a “natural” release from
dormancy.
Regardless of the specific reasons for storage of seed, the purpose remains the same
maintenance of a satisfactory capacity for germination and emergence. The facilities and
procedures used in storage, therefore, have to be directed towards the accomplishment of
this purpose.

STAGES/SEGMENTS OF SEED STORAGE

In the broadest sense the storage period for seed begins with attainment of physiological
maturity and ends with resumption of active growth of the embryonic axis, i.e.,
germination.
The entire storage periods can be divided into:
 Post maturation/
Pre harvest Period from physiological maturity to harvest (seed in field).
1
segment

Period from harvest to packaging (bulk seed in aeration drying bins,

2 Bulk seed segment
surge bins, etc.).

Packaged seed Period from packaging to distribution (seed in Packages in

3
segment warehouse).

Distribution Period during distributing and marketing

4 /Marketing (packaged seed in transit and / or retailer’s
Segment storehouse).

5 On-farm segment Period from purchase to planting of seed (seed in on-farm storage).

Seeds are considered to be physiologically and morphologically mature when they reach
maximum dry weight. At this stage dry-down or dehydration of the seed is well underway.
Dry-down continues after physiological maturity until moisture content of the seed and
fruit decreases to a level which permits effective and efficient harvest and threshing. This
stage can be termed as harvest maturity. There is usually an interval of time between
physiological maturity and harvestable maturity, and this interval represents the first
segment of the storage period. Any delay in harvesting the seed after they reach harvest
maturity prolongs the first segment of the storage period – often to the detriment of seed
quality.
The second segment of the storage period extends from harvest to the beginning of
conditioning. Seed in the combine, grain wagon, and bulk storage or drying bins are in
storage and their quality is affected by the same factors that affect the quality of seed
during the packaged seed segment of the storage period. The third segment of the
storage period begins with the onset of conditioning and ends with packaging. The fourth
segment of the storage period is the packaged seed phase which has already been
mentioned. The packaged seed segment is followed by storage during distribution and
marketing, and finally by storage on the farm before and during planting.
The seed quality can be considerably be affected at any of the stages or segments
mentioned above unless sound principles involved in seed storage are practiced and the
seeds are properly handled.
Types of storage
The types of storage needed can be related to the time of storage expected. Broadly this
can be classified into 4 types.

1. Storage of commercial truthfully labelled and certified seed.

2. Storage of carry over seeds.
3. Storage of foundation seed stocks and enforcement seed samples.
4. Storage of germplasm seeds.

1. Storage of commercial seeds

This storage of commercial seed requires the largest storage need from harvest until
planting. The storage period ranges from 8-9 months. Seed must be dried to 14 per cent
moisture content for starchy seed and 11 percent for oilseeds.

1. Carryover seeds

About 20-25 per cent of stored seed may have to be carried over through one season to the
second planting time. The storage period may range 1-1½ year. Storage of seeds in metal
bins with tight fitting lids or in a moisture proof bag will solve the problems of moisture
penetration, provided the seeds are already dry enough for sealed storage.

1. Foundation stock and enforcement seed sample

It is desirable to store foundation and enforcement seeds for several years since genetic
drift are minimized by reproducing foundation or stock seeds. Since the quantity of seeds
involved is not large, the storage room is only a small part of the total storage area and in
fact, is often a small room within a large warehouse. Relative humidity and temperature
combination has to be provided for maintaining the viability. A combination of 25 per cent
RH at 30oC temperature or less or a RH of about 45 per cent at 20oC or less will be ideal.
The required RH can be achieved by making the room moisture proof and by using a
dehumidifier.

1. Germplasm seed storage

Germplasm seeds are required to be kept for many years, perhaps very long periods. Basic
requirements for such long term storage are the coldest temperature economically possible
and seed moisture is in equilibrium with 20-25 per cent RH. Germplasm storage built up so
far have rooms which can be maintained at 5oC to 10oC and 30 per cent RH. In addition, the
stored samples are dried to perfect moisture level.

PRINCIPLES OF STORAGE
1. Seed storage conditions should be dry and cool
2. Effective storage pest control
3. Proper sanitation in seed stores
4. Before placing seeds into storage they should be dried to safe moisture limits.
5. Storing of high quality seed only i.e., well cleaned treated as well as high germination
and vigour.

FACTORS AFFECTING SEED LONGEVITY IN STORAGE

1. Kind (or) variety of seed
2. Initial seed quality
 3. Moisture content
4. Relative humidity and temperature during storage
5. Provenance
6. The activity of organisms associated with seeds in storage.

1. Kind or variety of seed

Seed storability is considerably influenced by the kind or variety of seeds. Some seeds are
short lived. E.g.: Onion, Soybean and Groundnut. As a general rule starchy seeds can be
stored considerably for a longer period compared to proteinaceous or oily seeds because of
their hygroscopic nature.

1. Initial seed quality

Seed lots having plumpy, vigorous undamaged seeds store longer than that of deteriorated.
Even seed lots having good germination at the beginning of storage period, may deteriorate
at a faster rate depending upon the severity of weathering damage, mechanical injury or
otherwise in the field. The low quality seeds should invariably be rejected. Even at best
storage conditions, the initial quality of the seed cannot be improved (except for the
dormant seed) but can only be maintained.

1. Moisture content

The most important factor influencing seed viability during storage is the moisture content
and the rate of deterioration increases, as the seed moisture content increases. The drier
the seed the higher will be the storage life.
Seed moisture content (%) Storage life
11-13 ½ year
10-12 1 year
9-11 2 years
8-10 4 years

It is well known that higher moisture content enhances the biological activity in the seeds
and causes excessive heating, besides promoting mould and insect activities. The
relationship of moisture content of seeds during post harvest stages furnished below would
clearly indicate the role of moisture in the life of seeds in storage.

Role and importance of moisture content in the life of seeds

The importance of seed moisture content in extending the shelf life of seeds under ideal
storage conditions can be well known and understood from the Harrington’s thumb rule,
that one per cent decrease in seed moisture content nearly doubles the storage potential of
the seed. Again this rule is applicable only at a moisture range of 5-14 per cent because,
moisture content below 5 per cent the physio chemical reaction may take place and at
above 14 per cent fungi and insects become active. Another rule given by Harrington states
that for every 5oC decrease in storage temperature, the seed life will be doubled. Again
this can hold good only in the temperature range of 0-50oC. There are exceptions in this
rule in a few crops like chillies, brinjal and bhendi. The safe moisture content again
depends upon the period of storage, storage structures, kind and variety of seed and the
packaging materials used. For cereals under open storage, seed drying upto 10 per cent
moisture content appears quite satisfactory. The storage in sealed containers during upto
4-8% moisture content depending upon the particular kind of seed may be necessary.
Use of desiccants
Desiccant like silicagel can maintain the moisture content in equilibrium with the Relative
Humidity of 45%. It is kept @ 1kg/10 kg of seeds. When the silicagel turns to pink colour it
should be dried at 1750 in oven and then again placed in the container.
4. Relative humidity and temperature during storage
Seeds are hygroscopic. They attain rather specific and characteristic moisture content
when subjected to given level of atmospheric humidity at a particular temperature
(equilibrium moisture content). The equilibrium moisture content for a particular kind of
seed at a given relative humidity tends to increase as temperature decreases and the
deterioration starts.
Equilibrium moisture content varies among seed kinds. In general, the equilibrium
moisture content of “oily” seed is lower than that of “starchy” seed at the same relative
humidity and temperature. This phenomenon can be accounted for by the fact that fats
and oils do not mix with water. Thus, in a seed with 50% oil content, the moisture has to be
concentrated in half the seed, while in a seed containing 10% oil, the moisture is distributed
throughout 90% of the seed.
Thus the maintenance of moisture content of seed during storage is a function of RH and to
a lesser extent of temperature. At equilibrium moisture content there is no net gain or loss
in seed moisture content when seed is placed in a new environment with RH higher or
lower than that of the seed, the seed will gain or lose moisture till it reaches a new
equilibrium moisture content at this particular new environment.

Dry, cool conditions during storage

The general prescription for seed storage is a dry and cool environment. At this point, the
question naturally arises: How dry and how cool? It is difficult to answer this question
unless three factors are known: (1) kind(s) of seed to be stored; (2) desired period of
storage and (3) physiological quality of the seed.
Seed of most grain crops, e.g., corn, wheat, sorghum, barley, rye, oats, rice, will maintain
germination for the 8-9 months period from harvest to planting at moisture content of 12-
13% and normal warehouse temperature except possibly in Southern coastal areas. For
maintenance of vigour as well as germination, moisture content should not exceed 12%
(relative humidity below 60%) and temperature in the warehouse should not exceed 650 F.
In the case of carry-over seed, which means a storage period of 20-21 months, the moisture
content of seed of grain crops should be less than 11% and temperature should not exceed
650 F. Since the period of carry-over storage encompasses atleast one summer period,
temperatures and humidity control during the period is most important.
Cotton seed stores about as well as seed of grain crops, and the conditions mentioned above
are applicable.
Soybeans and peanut seed are poor storers. For one year’s storage (actually 8-9 months),
moisture content should be 11 to 12% and the warehouse temperature should not exceed
650F. Shelled peanuts may have to be stored in a cold room. Carry-over storage should not
be attempted unless conditioned storage facilities are available: 650F and 50% relative
humidity or better.
Seed of most forage grass and legume crops will store well for one year at moisture content
of 10-11% at normal warehouse temperatures. When “carried-over”, moisture content
should be about 10% and temperature should not exceed 65%.
Vegetable seed vary considerably among kinds in their storage requirements. Generally,
however, most kinds will store well for one year at a moisture content of 9-11% and a
temperature that does not exceed 650F.
When a storage period longer than 19-21 months is required, conditioned storage is
essential for all kinds of seed. Most kinds of seed will maintain quality for 2-3 years when
stored at 600F and 50-55% relative humidity or better. For storage longer than 3 years,
conditions should be 500 F and 50% relative humidity or better.
5. Provenance
The seeds harvested in different climates (or) at different times show differences in
viability. Because they would have been subjected to different pre harvest conditions
which will have caused different amounts of deterioration by the time, the seeds are
harvested.
6. The activity of organisms associated with seeds in storage
The bacteria, fungi, mites, insects, rodents and birds may do harm to seeds in storage. The
general limits of temperature and relative humidity for the multiplication of the various
biological agencies infesting stored seeds are,

Temperature
Relative humidity
Organism
Range for multiplication Optimum range

Insects 21-42oC 27-37oC 30-95%

Mites 8-31oC 19-31oC 60-100%
Fungi 8-80oC 20-40oC 60-100%
Microbes 8-80oC 26-28oC 91-100%

It is also interesting to note that the favourable limits of temperature and RH for
germination are 16-42oC and 95-100 per cent respectively.

Sanitation in storage
There are several other recognized procedures for good seed storage that most seeds
men already know. Seeds should be stored in a seed warehouse, not a fertilizer, chemicals,
herbicide, or feed warehouse. Good sanitation should be a continuous practice. It will
minimize storage insect infestations. If storage insects are a problem, the judicious use of
insecticides and fumigants, combined with sanitation, will alleviate the problem. The best
procedure is not to place insect infested lots in storage with other lots unless all the insects
have been killed by fumigation or insecticide treatment.
In warehouse with concrete floors, seed bags should be stacked on wooden pallets to keep
them from contact with the floor as considerable moisture can be transmitted through
concrete floors. Seed warehouses should also be adequately ventilated (unless they are
conditioned) and protected against rodents.

Storage Conditions
Since seed moisture content and ambient relative humidity are in equilibrium during
storage, maintenance of a “safe” moisture content requires an average level of relative
humidity in the storage environment no higher than that in equilibrium with the “safe” or
desired moisture content. This favorable situation can be achieved in only three ways: (1)
location of the storage facility in a region where relative humidity does not rise – on the
average – above the critical level; (2) maintenance of the relative humidity at the desired
level by packaging seed in moisture vapor proof containers; or (3) dehumidification of the
storage room atmosphere to the desired level. The desired level of relative humidity for
successful storage of seed depends, of course on the kind of seed, the duration of the
storage period, and the temperature.
SEED PACKAGING IN RELATION TO SEED STORAGE
In reality the seed package is a small storage container. The kind of container needed is
affected by several factors including :
 1. The quantity of seed desired in each package
2. The protection desired
3. The cost of the package
4. The value of the seed
5. The storage conditions into which the container is to be placed and
6. The facilities for drying the seeds

Depending upon the cost availability and the period of storage, the packaging materials are
to be selected. Normally cereal seeds are being packed in cotton, jute and paper bags.
Moisture vapour penetrates in these containers and they offer no protection against high
relative humidity. In high humidity locations with inadequate seed storage facilities,
consideration should be given to methods of packaging which can protect the seed from
moisture vapour. Such moisture vapour proof containers include paper aluminium foil
pouches, polyethylene bags of over 700 gauge thickness, sealed tins and gasketted rigid
plastic containers. The costs of these are high, for the package of cereal seeds.
Polyethylene bags have been regarded as the most attractive, because of their relatively
low cost, compared to other kinds of sealed containers. Rigid plastic containers and sealed
tins offer some possibility for hybrid seeds of cotton and vegetables, if the quantity needed
is not great.
Classification of packing materials or containers

1. Moisture and vapour pervious containers

These containers allow entry of water in the from of vapour and liquid. These are suited for
short term storage. The seeds in these containers will attain seed equilibrium moisture
with the surrounding atmosphere (eg) cloth bags, gunny bags, paper bags etc.

1. Moisture
impervious but
vapour pervious
containers

These allow entry of

water in the form of
vapour and not in
liquid. The seeds in
the containers can’t
be carried over for
long period in hot humid conditions (.g.) polythene bags
of <300 gauge thickness and urea bags.
 1. Moisture and vapour proof
containers

These containers will not allow

entry of moisture in the form of
liquid or vapour. These are used
for long term storage even in hot
humid conditions if the seeds are
sealed at optimum m.c. eg.
Polythylene bags of >700 gauge
thickness, aluminium foil pouches,
rigid plastics etc.

Certified seeds of cereals, pulses and oil seeds are normally packed either in gunny bags or
cloth bags. However, paper bag, aluminium foil pouches and polyethylene bags are used for
packing flower and vegetable seeds.
Seed storage in relation to seed deterioration
The Purpose of seed storage has been previously stated, viz., to preserve or maintain the
physiological quality of seed for the period desired through minimization of the rate of
deterioration. Since seed storage is basically concerned with “control” of deteriorative
processes, some knowledge of these processes is essential for successful seed storage
operations.
Deteriorative changes in seed and their consequences
In our consideration of some of the characteristics of deterioration in seed, another might
have been added that deterioration is characterized by change. Indeed, in our context,
deterioration and change – detrimental change – are almost synonymous. For deterioration
is identifiable only in terms of observable or measurable changes in the response reactions
of the seed. Conversely, detrimental changes, e.g., loss of germination or vigour, are said to
be the result of deterioration.
In the sequence of deteriorative changes postulated in figure 1, it can be readily seen that
during deterioration, the “performance potential” of seed becomes progressively impaired
(reduced) until they lose their capacity to germinate, at which time “performance
potential” is zero. Since loss of the capacity to germinate is the last practically significant
consequence of deterioration, the design and evaluation of storage conditions only in terms
of “maintenance of germination” is not sufficient. The “lesser consequences” of
deterioration must also be considered because collectively they determine the “vigour”
level of the seed. And, the vigour of seed determines how well they germinate, emerge,
grow, and develop in the farmer’s field.
Longevity of seed is a characteristic of the species or variety
Some kinds of seed are inherently long-lived, others are short-lived, while others have an
“intermediate” life span. Differences in storability extend even down to the variety level. It
has been known, for example, the certain inbred lines of corn are “poor storers” and that
this characteristic is inherited.
Inherent differences in seed longevity are facts, the seeds man must accept and contend
with as best he can. Among the vegetables, onion seed are notoriously short-lived, radish
seed are intermediate in longevity, and watermelon seed are relatively long-lived. Soybean
and peanut seed do not store well as compared to seed of wheat, corn, cotton, sorghum and
rice. In some cases, seed kinds which have very similar chemical and physical properties
differ substantially in longevity. Tall fescue and annual ryegrass seed are similar in
structure, chemical composition, and yet, ryegrass seed store better than tall fescue seed.

Possible Sequence of changes in seed during deterioration

Seed selection for extended storability

Store well mature seeds.

Store normal coloured seeds
Seeds should be free from mechanical injury
Seeds should not have met with adverse conditions during maturation
Seeds should be dried to optimum moisture content.
Seeds should be treated with fungicides before storage.
Suitable packaging materials should be used for packing.

High quality seed store better than low quality seed

The storage potential of seed is greatly affected by their quality at the time they enter
storage, or their pre-storage history. The pre storage history of a seed lot encompasses all
the “events” in the “life” of the seeds from the time functional maturity is reached until they
are placed in storage.
Seeds are highest in quality at the time functional maturity is attained. Since most kinds of
seed reach maturity at moisture contents too high for mechanical harvest, the seeds are
subjected to the field environment from maturation to harvest. The post-maturation pre-
harvest period normally ranges from 1 to 4 weeks for the different kinds of seed. Adverse
climatic conditions can result in rapid and severe deterioration of the seed, and so on. The
degree of deterioration that occurs in seed prior to harvest determines their quality at
harvest and conditions their performance in storage.
In like manner, mechanical, abuse to seed associated with harvesting, handling and
processing operations, and damage caused by inadequate or improper aeration or drying
can have both immediate and residual effects, i.e., performance of the seed might be
affected at the time of injury or not until some later time during storage.
In characterizing seed deterioration, we pointed out that the rate of deterioration of seed in
storage varies among seed lots of the same kind and among individual seeds within a lot.
These variations in storability are, of course, related to the pre-storage history of seed lots.
Seed lots with a “good” pre-storage history (minimal field deterioration, mechanical
damage, etc.) store well, while those with a “bad” pre-storage history store poorly.
STORAGE GODOWNS AND THEIR MAINTENANCE
Seeds undergo deterioration due to aging in storage. This is accelerated by climatic factors
and external biotic factors like insects and pathogen. In addition to seed borne pathogen
and storage insects, seeds are damaged by birds and rats for their feed. Clean and hygienic
godowns protect the seed from external insects and preserve the seed. Hence care should
be taken in construction of godown. The points to be noted are as follows.

Seed godown should

be in a place where
transport facilities are
easily available.
Seed godowns should
not be constructed in
areas near seashore. Since the high RH of atmospheric air accelerate the deterioration
of seed.
Seed godown should not be constructed in low lying water stagnating areas.
Seed godown should be constructed in places where atmospheric RH is low, free
circulation of air is possible, sunlight is adequate and elevated in nature.
The ventilators should be at bottom for free air circulation.
Ground moisture should not reach the floor.
Should be rat proof with wire mesh
Should not be near industries as smoke is injurious

In maintenance of seed in godown following points are to be considered.

1. Godown should be clean and dry

2. Seed bags should not be stacked directly on floor. Should be stacked on wooden
ballets.
 3. The height of the stack should not be more than 6-8 bags.
4. Different seed lot should be kept separately.
5. Godown should be sprayed periodically once in a week or fortnightly with Malathion
50 EC (1 : 300 Chemical : Water) @ 5 lit. sq. m-1 or 0.25% Nuvan @ 1 lit. 100 m3-1.
6. Altering the chemicals at weekly intervals will give better control.
7. Seed lots can be fumigated with Aluminium phophide @ 3 gm/cu.m in air tight
condition for 7 days. This can be done as propylatic measure and on minimum
infestation by insects.
8. Seed lots should be periodically (once in month) tested for seed quality.
9. Based on seed testing result, seeds can be dried under sun for the removal of
moisture. It reduces insect and pathogen infestation.
10. New seed lots should be kept away from old seed lots to avoid secondary infestation of
insects.
11. Seeds should be treated with combination of fungicide and insecticide (eg.) Thiram @
2 g kg-1 + carbaryl @ 200 mg kg-1.
12. Frequent supervision of each and every lot is must.
13. Seed bag should be restacked once in 3 months for free aeration.
14. Instead of gunny bags low cost interwoven polythene bags should be used to prolong
the life of seed.

15. Pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, rejects

should not be stored with seed.
16. Each lot should be labeled accurately and
registers for stocks should be maintained.

17. Per acre or per hectare packing (small) is preferable for easy handling and effective
supervision.
 STORAGE INSECT MANAGEMENT
Maintenance of store house hygiene

Cracks and crevices around corners have to be

brushed to eliminate hiding pests. All debris
should be removed. Provision of wire meshes to
windows, ventilators, gutters, drains to prevent
entry of rats, squirrels, birds, etc.
Reduce the moisture content of seed to prevent
insect build up (usually below 10%). Previously
used bags, bins, etc. should be dried in the sun
repeatedly.
Elimination of conditions which favour storage
pests. Uniformly graded seeds should be used,
broken seeds should be removed before bagging
since they favour pest build up. Stitching of all torn bags, filling bags up to the brim,
no loose packing.
Surface treatment of storehouse before storage with malathion dust 4% @ 25 g/sq m
or malathion 50% EC spray @ 10 ml/lit of water and 3 lit of solution per sq. metre.
Good dunnage by arranging wooden planks or bamboo poles or spreading thick
polythene sheets on the floor. Treatment of dunnage materials with malathion as
specified, arrange the bags in criscross pattern with a maximum of 15 bags and
provide adequate space between the roof and the seed bags.

Prophylatic treatment of seeds

Application of malathion 4 per cent dust 25 g/sq metre or malathion 50 per cent EC 10 ml
per litre of water and 3 litres of spray solution for 100 sq.m. The chemicals have to be
sprayed on the walls and floors and the treatment has to be repeated based on the extent of
flying and crawling insects.

Chemicals
Two chemicals are widely used : Phosphine and Methyl Bromide. Others are
dichlorvos, Carbondioxide, Ethylene oxide and HCN.
Phosphine : Available in a solid form (0.6 g pellets, 3 g tablets). The active ingredient is
Aluminium phosphide mixed with Ammonium carbonate and Paraffin. After exposure to
the atmosphere, the pellets decompose and release the active substance, hydrogen
phosphide (PH3), which has the same specific weight as air, and is thus evenly distributed
in the fumigated material or chamber. Phosphine is also able to penetrate bags, carton
boxes and other containers.
It must be borne in mind that fumigation particularly repeated fumigation, may seriously
reduce the vigour and viability. This is particularly true for seeds with a higher moisture
content of 14 per cent. Seeds with moisture content above 14 per cent should be dried,
before fumigation.
Samples of seeds have to be drawn at fortnight intervals and the infestation can be
classified as follows based on insects found per kg of sample.
When there is no pest Free
Upto 2 insects Mild
More than 2 insects Severe
The fumigant has to be chosen and the requirement worked out on the following guidelines
:
Aluminium phosphide: Three tablets of 3 g each per ton of seed for cover fumigation (only
selected blocks of bags)
Twenty one tablets of 3g each for 28 cubic metres, for shed fumigation (entire godown).
Period of fumigation - 5 days. The major advantages of Phostoxin are that it lacks residues
and does not affect flavor or germination and is easy to handle.
Methyl bromide: Above 5.6oC, methyl bromide is in the gas phase and is available in
cylinders similar to those used for cooking gas. Since, it is odorless, other gases such as
chloropicrin are sometimes added to facilitate detection of leaks. Because methyl bromide
is 3.5 times heavier than air, care has to be taken that it is properly distributed within the
goods to be fumigated (fan can be used). The recommended dosage is 20 g/m3 for 24-48 hrs.
Special safety measures are required, since methyl bromide is absorbed through the skin.
It tends to accumulate in commodities which are important whenever repeated fumigation
is necessary.
Equipment
Gas-proof plastic sheets with at least 50 cm overlap firmly pressed to the ground with sand,
iron bars, or other weights are frequently used. Gas escape results in reduced insecticidal
effect and is a hazard to users. A cement floor is necessary to prevent gas escape through
soil. Care must be taken that the fumigation area is properly aerated and fans sometimes
help.
If a store’s door and windows can be hermetically sealed, fumigation of the entire store is
possible. Most stores, however, allow gas to escape through other openings. Silos are
usually good fumigation facilities. When large quantities must be fumigated within a short
time, a vaccum fumigation chamber is appropriate. These chambers are available in sizes
between 1 and 50 m3, and sometimes as a plant of upto 6 x 50 m3, equipped with common
fans, pumps and other equipment. The insecticides used are methyl bromide or ethylene
oxide.
Safety
Face masks with a proper canister should be used, especially during the aeration process.
When handling Phostoxin, cotton gloves should be worn. Gas concentration can be checked
with a Halide gas detector for methyl bromide and with a tube detector (Draeger) for
Phostoxin. A warning sign should be clearly visible to prevent people from inadvertently
removing plastic sheets or entering a building under fumigation.
Rodent Management in Store Houses
Provide of wire mesh to windows, ventilators, drains and leave no gaps to doors. Use
rodent baits with multi dose or anticoagulant rodenticides. The bait may be prepared as
follows:
Cereal flour 450 g
Any edible oil 10 g
Powdered jaggery 15 g
Anticoagulant or rodenticide such as coumarin 25 g
Replace the consumed bait daily. If needed the single dose or acute poison bait may be
prepared as follows :
Food material 97 g
Edible oil 1g
Zinc phosphide 2g
Before providing the poisoned zinc phosphide bait, the plain or non-poisoned bait are to be
provided for two or three days to make the rats accept the bait.

Download this
lecture as PDF
here

Copyright (c) 2011. TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY