AERATION ACCORDING TO SEED WET-BULB TEMPERATURE

The rate of insect population growth in stored seed is strongly influe nced by both the seed temperature and moisture content so both need to be taken into account when using aeration to control insect populatio ns. This paper explains how to do this by using Seed Wet-Bulb Temperat ure (SWBT). Strategies for, and benefits of, using SWBT to manage aera tion systems are explained, including: the use of SWBT to predict the rate of insect population growth, how to select a target SWBT for cont rolling insect populations, and how to select an aeration controller s etting that will achieve the target SWBT. It is shown that SWBT contro l of aeration systems has particular benefit in warm temperate climate s and the implications for moisture migration are analyzed. Essential data needed for using SWBT to manage aeration systems are provided inc luding figures that give SWBT data and limiting conditions for mould g rowth, for nine types of seed. The methods used for determining SWBT a nd for determining the conditions that promote growth of moulds are de tailed.