Climate in relation to deterioration of stored grain : A multivariate study

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Entomology

Background:

• Stored grain is susceptible to deterioration by biotic agents.
• Abiotic climatic factors play a crucial role in the development of these agents.
• Understanding these relationships is vital for grain storage management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between climate and stored grain deterioration in Canadian Prairie crop districts.
• To identify key climatic variables influencing biotic spoilage.
• To map the geographical distribution of these phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) were applied.
• Data included grain elevator infestation reports and meteorological observations from 1967-1969.
• Variates measured: hot spots, fungal/arthropod infestations (including Cryptolestes ferrugineus), fumigants, temperature, precipitation, and days above 20°C.

Main Results:

• PCA revealed three major components explaining 64-80% of variation.
• Lower temperatures and more cool days correlated with fungus-induced hot spots in wet grain.
• Warmer weather increased C. ferrugineus, while cooler weather increased mite/secondary insect infestations. Precipitation was a distinct factor.
• CCA for 1968 data showed significant predictability (56%) linking lower temperatures, more cool days, and higher precipitation to increased hot spots.
• Geographic analysis indicated highest incidence in Sub-boreal and Humid southeastern regions, lowest in the Dry Belt.

Conclusions:

• A linear relationship exists between climate and biotic variates in stored grain, though its strength varies geographically.
• Climatic conditions significantly influence the type and extent of stored grain spoilage.
• Findings provide a basis for predicting and mitigating grain deterioration in the Canadian Prairies.