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The second phase of a rice genome sequencing project run by Vietnam and the UK was been launched in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The first stage of the project successfully sequenced 36 lines of native Vietnamese rice.
The next step is to characterise the genetic diversity of these 36 varieties of rice with particular attention being paid to tolerance to flooding, drought, pests and disease.
As rice is a staple food for many people across the world this research will help ensure a sustainable food supply in the face of changing climate and a growing human population.
Read more...
As the 2013 grain harvest gets under way it is important for grain producers to take steps now to reduce potential insect infestations in stored grain, according to the Canadian Grain Commission.
"Although this year was not as warm as the preceding summer, there is ample potential for stored grain insects to infest bins as grain comes in from harvest," explains Brent Elliott, Infestation Control and Sanitation Officer.
Before harvest
Even before harvest begins, insects may be attracted to bins if there is enough debris for them to feed on. Producers can prepare their empty bins for storage by:
Ensuring bins and areas around bins are clean and free of debris
Repairing or sealing any cracks or crevices. Even small amounts of grain can attract insects.
Treating bins with a registered insecticide
Cleaning and treating aeration plenums and spaces under bin floors where debris may collect and attract insects.
After harvest
To maintain overall grain quality and minimize insect pest problems once grain is in storage, producers should dry grain before storing it, if necessary, to bring it to the recommended moisture content.
The Official Grain Grading Guide's tough and damp ranges for cereal grains are:
Grain Tough (%) Damp (%)
Wheat, all classes 14.6 - 17.0 Over 17.0
Oats 13.6 - 17.0 Over 17.0
Barley - malting 13.6 - 17.0 Over 17.0
Barley - food, covered 13.6 - 17.0 Over 17.0
Barley - food, hulless 14.1 - 17.0 Over 17.0
Barley - general purpose, covered and hulless 14.9 - 17.0 Over 17.0
Producers should also:
Use aeration to help control the heat and moisture of grain in storage, particularly if grain is stored at a high temperature.
Bring grain temperature below 15°C and moisture content to recommended level as quickly as possible.
Keep the temperature of grain low and uniform, below 15ºC.
While daytime temperatures remain high, run fans only at night.
When air temperature is cooler than grain, run fans 24 hours to cool and dry grain.
If using aeration, keep the surface of the grain inside the bin as level as possible to avoid the collection of moisture in the cone.
Monitor grain routinely to ensure insects are not becoming a problem.
The Canadian Grain Commission offers resources on managing stored grain on its web site, www.grainscanada.gc.ca
SOURCE: Canadian Grain Commission
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| English: Grain hulls left over after being used for brewing (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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