[Link].

CoM

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. n 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

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.

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 Principles of Seed Technology

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/
1 Period from physiological maturity to harvest (seed in field).
Pre harvest segment
Period from harvest to packaging (bulk seed in aeration drying
2 Bulk seed segment
bins, surge bins, etc.).
Packaged seed Period from packaging to distribution (seed in Packages in
3
segment warehouse).
Distribution Period during distributing and marketing (packaged seed in
4
/Marketing Segment transit and / or
Period from purchase to planting of seed (seed in on-farm
5 On-farm segment
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.

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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.

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 Principles of Seed Technology

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.

2. 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

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storage conditions, the initial quality of the seed cannot be improved (except for the dormant
seed) but can only be maintained.

3. 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.

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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

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

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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

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.

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 Principles of Seed Technology

Soybeans and peanut seed are poor storers. -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. -
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
Organism Relative humidity
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

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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

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

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 Principles of Seed Technology

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.

2. 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

gauge thickness and urea bags.

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3. 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 se
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

zero. Since loss of the capacity to germinate is the last practically significant consequence of

considered And, the vigour

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 Principles of Seed Technology

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
Differences in storability extend even down to the variety level. It
nd 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

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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.

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.
-storage history (minimal field deterioration, mechanical damage,
-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.

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 Principles of Seed Technology

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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.

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