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Ecological Networks in Stored Grain: Key Postharvest Nodes for Emerging Pests, Pathogens, and Mycotoxins
John F Hernandez Nopsa1, Gregory J Daglish1, David W Hagstrum1
1John F. Hernandez Nopsa ( nopsa@ufl.edu ) is a postdoctoral research associate in the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems and the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Florida (UF), in Gainesville, and was formerly a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University (KSU), in Manhattan, and affiliated with the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), in Canberra, Australia. Gregory J. Daglish is a principal research scientist at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, in Queensland, and is affiliated with the CRC. David W. Hagstrum is a professor in the Department of Entomology at KSU. John F. Leslie is a university distinguished professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at KSU and is affiliated with the CRC. Thomas W. Phillips is Professor Donald A. Wilbur, Sr. Endowed Professor in Stored-Product Protection in the Department of Entomology at KSU and is affiliated with the CRC. Caterina Scoglio is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at KSU and is affiliated with the CRC. Sara Thomas-Sharma was a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Plant Pathology at KSU and is currently in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Gimme H. Walter is a professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland and is affiliated with the CRC. Karen A. Garrett ( karengarrett@ufl.edu ) is a preeminent professor in the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems and Plant Pathology Department at UF, is affiliated with the CRC, and was formerly a professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at KSU.
Grain transportation networks are vital for food security. This study analyzed rail networks in the US and Australia to pinpoint pest and mycotoxin dispersal routes, identifying key control points for integrated pest management.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Ecology
- Network Analysis
Background:
- Stored grain is vulnerable to diverse biota, including insects and mycotoxin-producing fungi.
- Transportation networks are critical for food security and facilitate pest and mycotoxin dispersal.
- Understanding these networks is essential for postharvest management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the structure of grain rail networks in the United States and Eastern Australia.
- To identify shortest paths for the anthropogenic dispersal of pests and mycotoxins.
- To determine major sources, sinks, and bridges for biota movement within these networks.
Main Methods:
- Network analysis of grain rail transport systems.
- Identification of shortest paths and network roles (sources, sinks, bridges).
- Comparative risk assessment between US and Australian networks.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in risk profiles were identified between the United States and Eastern Australia.
- Key control points for sampling, detection, and management were pinpointed within the networks.
- The study provides a novel understanding of postharvest biota dispersal dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Network analysis offers critical insights into pest and mycotoxin dispersal in stored grain.
- Identifying key network locations enables targeted integrated pest management strategies.
- This research supports enhanced biosecurity in global grain supply chains.
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