Simulations Comparing the Effectiveness of Various Stored-Grain Management Practices Used to Control Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

A simulation model for the population dynamics of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) was used to compare the effectiveness of various stored-wheat management programs in controlling this insect in the United States. Infestations on day 365 were reduced 88 times when wheat was harvested and stored in August instead of June, 34 times by aerating the grain in September instead of November, 20 times by storing grain at 10% instead of 14% moisture content, 18 times by fumigating in August or September instead of July, four times when wheat was stored at 27°C instead of 32°C, and approximately three times when malathion was used as a protectant. The model simulations provide an overview of the relative advantages of various approaches to managing stored-grain insects in various geographic localities.