Moth control in stored grain and the role of Bacillus thuringiensis: An overview

Insects, among other biological agents like fungi, bacteria, and rodents, attack stored grains leading to losses in quantity and quality. On a worldwide basis 13 million tons of stored food grains are lost annually to insect deprations (Hall 1970). In the United States a USDA report (Anon. 1981) estimated annual storage losses of corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, and oats due to insects during 1950–1960 to be about 324.50 million bushels; the annual monetary loss during the same period being approximately $454 million. Therefore, reduction of loss and deterioration of stored grains by insects is necessary for maximum utilization of the food commodity.