Fodder Production and Grassland Management

INSECTS

• At temperature of 32°C rate of multiplication of insect species is fifty times. The nutritive requirements of insects are same as those of vertebrates.
• Crops with high nutritive value are more susceptible to insect damage. Dead and live insects and their excreta cause the commodity unpalatable and unacceptable.

Control

• Good hygiene.
• Cleaning and checking of storage containers as well as the stored food as far as possible.
• New dry grain should be kept separate from old grain.
• Stores should be remote from the field to reduce the risk of infestation.
• Traditional pest control system such as use of local herbs, mixing ash with grain and smoking are effective and should be encouraged.
• Making use of grain storage insecticides like
  • Contact poisons such as dust, dispersible powders and emulsions (Malathion),
  • Fumigants: Gases which can penetrate bulk of grain but should be used by trained personnel.