The Sentinel Silo Surveillance program in Victoria has been operating for two years to monitor for the exotic Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) which is a serious pest of stored grain.
“We set up specialised pheromone traps next to grain storage silos to catch this beetle,” explained Jim Moran, the Victorian biosecurity officer for the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program which is an initiative of Plant Health Australia and Grain Producers Australia.
“While Khapra beetle has not been found, we are finding an enormous amount of other species that are either attracted to the pheromone or get stuck in the tape used to fix the traps.
“As well as the expected species commonly found in grain storage such as silverfish, rice weevils, lesser grain borer and saw-toothed grain beetle, we also found a wide range of other species.
“Anything unusual is sent to AgriBio in Melbourne for identification and the results are intriguing.”
For example, Jim said that adult and larvae Warehouse beetle (Trogoderma variabile) were found and sent to be identified to rule out them being Khapra Beetle.
“Each insect type plays an important role in the scheme of things such as in decomposition. For example, skin beetles were found whose long-haired larvae feed on a wide range of dead animal or plant matter making them important decomposers.
“Some insects have also been found that are deemed pests to commodities in storage, like museum beetles (A. museorum) which infest stored goods, notoriously biological specimens in museum collections.”
However, Jim emphasised that most importantly, amongst the wide range of insects found, none were Khapra beetle.
“To date, there have been no Khapra beetle caught in the pheromone traps at any of the nearly 40 traps across 12 sites,” said Jim.
“This is great news for grain growers who can confidently state to international trading partners that this pest is known not to exist in Australia.”
“The traps are checked every eight weeks when the pheromone lure is replaced, bringing a high level of vigilance and strengthening observations by advisers, researchers, agronomists and staff at grain receival sites.
“Equally, it gives the grain’s industry the best chance to eradicate any incursions by providing early detection.”
“If you want to get involved in the Sentinel Silo program and have a few small, pheromone traps set up near your grain storage, get in contact with me.”
For further information about the program or for a free copy of the Monitoring Stored Grain on Farm booklet you can contact Jim at Agriculture Victoria on (03) 5430 4479.