Agricultural Engineering Today

Disinfestation of grains by indiscriminate use of chemicals results in residues and subsequent health hazards. To avoid this, a laboratory fluidized thermal disinfestation device using hot airto disinfest grains was fabricated. The main components of the device include ablower, heater, and a transparent fluidization column mounted on a stand. The temperature and air flow control units were provided for maintaining the desired temperature. The device was evaluated for paddy grains infested with Sitrotroga cerealella at various temperature conditions (45, 50 and 55°C) and treatment duration (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min.). The control and treated paddy were stored in plastic containers covered with cloth and kept under observations for emergence of adults. There was no insect emergence from the paddy treated at 45°C for 25 min., 50°C for 15 min. and 55°C for 5 min up to 60 days.