Submit to:
Dr Qamar Saeed
Submit by:
Muhammad Jamshaid
Roll No:
AG-EC-2021-19
TOPPIC:
Biological Control vs. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in
Commercial Grain Storage (Bins & Silos) Against Pests
Department of Entomology, FAS&T BZU Multan
Biological Control vs. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Commercial
Grain Storage (Bins & Silos) Against Pests
Grain storage facilities, such as commercial bins and silos, are vulnerable to pest infestations,
including insects (weevils, beetles, moths), mites, rodents, and fungi. These pests can cause
significant economic losses by damaging stored grains, reducing their quality, and spreading
contamination.
To manage these pests effectively, two major pest control strategies are often considered:
Biological Control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Below is a detailed
explanation of both methods, their advantages, and their limitations.
1. Biological Control in Grain Storage
Biological control is a natural method of pest management that involves using living organisms
(natural enemies) to suppress pest populations.
Types of Biological Control Agents Used in Grain Storage:
1. Predators (insects that feed on pests)
o Xylocoris flavipes (Warehouse Pirate Bug) – Preys on beetles and moth larvae.
o Cheyletus eruditus – A predatory mite that feeds on grain mites and insect eggs.
2. Parasitoids (insects that lay eggs inside pests, killing them)
o Lariophagus distinguendus – Parasitic wasp that attacks grain weevils and
beetles.
o Anisopteromalus calandrae – Attacks the larvae of stored-product beetles.
3. Pathogens (microorganisms that infect and kill pests)
o Beauveria bassiana – A fungus that infects and kills beetles, moths, and weevils.
o Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) – A bacterium that targets stored-product moth larvae.
How Biological Control Works in Bins & Silos:
Natural enemies are introduced into the grain storage system.
These predators, parasitoids, or pathogens seek out and attack the pest species.
Over time, they reduce pest populations, keeping them at manageable levels.
Advantages of Biological Control:
✔Environmentally friendly – No toxic chemicals involved.
✔ Sustainable & long-term control – Reduces pest populations over time.
✔ No chemical resistance issues – Pests cannot develop resistance like they do with
insecticides.
Limitations of Biological Control:
Slow action – It takes time for natural enemies to establish and control pests.
Limited scope – Only effective against specific pests, not all grain storage pests.
Environmental sensitivity – Temperature and humidity affect the success of biological
agents.
2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Grain Storage
IPM is a comprehensive approach that combines multiple pest control methods (biological,
chemical, mechanical, and cultural) to achieve long-term pest control while minimizing
environmental impact.
Key Components of IPM in Bins & Silos:
1. Prevention (Sanitation & Grain Management)
o Clean bins and silos before storing new grain to remove insect eggs, pupae, and
food residues.
o Dry grains properly (below 13% moisture) to prevent mold and insect
infestations.
o Use sealed and aerated storage to control temperature and humidity.
2. Monitoring & Early Detection
o Install pheromone traps for detecting beetles and moths.
o Conduct regular inspections of grain samples to identify pests before they
spread.
3. Biological Control (Using Natural Enemies)
o Introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps to control beetle and weevil
populations.
oApply entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana) to infected grains.
4. Physical & Mechanical Controls
o Temperature Control:
Heat treatment (above 55°C) kills insects and larvae.
Cold treatment (below -5°C) prevents insect development.
o Modified Atmosphere Storage:
Using low oxygen (CO₂ fumigation) suffocates pests.
5. Chemical Control (Used as a Last Resort)
o Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): Disrupt pest development.
o Fumigants (Phosphine Gas, CO₂): Used when infestation levels are high.
Advantages of IPM:
✔️Comprehensive & flexible approach – Combines multiple methods for best results.
✔️Prevents pesticide resistance – Uses alternative control measures before chemicals.
✔️Cost-effective in the long run – Preventative measures reduce the need for expensive
treatments.
Limitations of IPM:
❌ Requires skilled management – Must monitor and adjust strategies over time.
❌ Initial investment can be high – Setting up aeration, monitoring systems, and biological
controls takes time and resources.
Comparison Table: Biological Control vs. IPM
Integrated Pest Management
Factor Biological Control
(IPM)
Uses natural enemies Uses a combination of biological,
Approach (predators, parasitoids, mechanical, physical, and chemical
pathogens) controls
Faster (uses multiple methods for
Speed of Action Slow (takes time to establish)
immediate and long-term control)
Effectiveness Limited to specific pests Broad-spectrum control for multiple pests
Environmental Low to moderate (chemicals used only
Low (eco-friendly)
Impact when necessary)
Reduced resistance due to diversified
Resistance Risk No resistance issues
control methods
Ease of Moderate (requires specific Requires monitoring and skilled
Implementation conditions for success) management
Moderate (one-time cost of Higher initial cost but cost-effective in the
Cost
biological agents) long run
Which One is Better for Commercial Bins & Silos?
If the goal is to use natural, chemical-free methods → Biological Control is a great
option but has limitations.
If a comprehensive, multi-strategy approach is needed for large-scale grain storage
→ IPM is the best solution.
Final Recommendation:
For commercial grain storage, IPM is the superior strategy because it provides holistic, long-
term pest management by combining biological control with preventative measures,
monitoring, and physical/chemical interventions when necessary. Biological control can be
incorporated into an IPM program, but it should not be the sole method of pest control in
large-scale storage systems.
Would you like additional details on specific pests or implementation strategies for IPM?
