Odor volatiles associated with mite-infested bin-stored wheat

Tridecane, not previously reported in infested bin-stored grain, was associated with three mite species,Acarus siro (L.),Aeroglyphus robustus Banks, andLepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank), which were introduced into 15.2% moisture content wheat stored in two unheated experimental bins in Manitoba during 1986-1987. The mites and volatiles were sampled at weekly to bimonthly intervals throughout the year. The mites produced tridecane all year, although they overwintered at low numbers. Ventilation of one bin at an airflow rate of 1 liter/sec/m(3) did not appear to affect mite survival and volatile production. Citral, an alarm pheromone for mites, was detected in mite-infested bin-stored grain. In laboratory studies all three mite species produced tridecane in wheat incubated at 20 °C and 70% relative humidity for two weeks.Acarus siro andAeroglyphus robustus reared at 25 °C and 90% relative humidity for four weeks on wheat and fungus-inoculated wheat also produced tridecane. Production of tridecane byA. robustus andL. destructor is being reported for the first time.