Temperature management of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in three locations in the United States

A new simulation model was used to quantify the effect of eight common stored maize management practices on dry matter loss and Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. development using ambient weather conditions for Indianapolis, Indiana; Columbia, South Carolina; and Amarillo, Texas. For each location, good, normal, and poor storage years were identified and evaluated. No aeration was found to be ineffective and undesirable for control of dry matter loss and S. zeamais development in all situations. Fall-chilled aeration proved to be the most effective aeration strategy for all locations and years. However, Indianapolis showed the least benefit compared to ambient fall aeration, while Columbia benefited most. Although only continuous ambient fall aeration was investigated, the results showed that controlling the aeration process holds promise in optimizing this technique. The use of spring warm-up aeration increased the rate of quality deterioration while summer rechilling improved insect control with little increase in dry matter loss. A combination of controlled ambient aeration in the fall and chilled aeration during summer storage has significant potential as a non-chemical preventative pest management technique for all locations and years. Residual pesticides and fumigation of properly cooled maize storages should not be necessary in the United States.