Phosphine Fumigation for Long-Term Storage of Milled Rice

Abstract

Phosphine fumigation for long-term storage of bagged milled rice was investigated between 13D December 1984 and 8 february 1985. Two stacks of 50 tonnes of off-season rice were treated with phosphine at a rate of 2.2 gm a.i./tonne. After treatment the plastic enclosures were maintained for 30 and 60 days respectively, for each of the two stacks. During storage, Changes in temperature and relative humidity were monitored both within the storage stacks and externally. Changes in moisture content and grain quality, and the extent of insect and fungal infestation were also measured for the duration of storage. No insect infestation was recorded at the end of the 60 day storage time but aflatoxins were not detected. There was no marked change in grain quality over the 60 day storage period.