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<OL> <LI> Determine the impact of the lesser grain borer on quality of rice that is milled from infested rice. <LI> Assess the prevalence of the lesser grain borer in and around selected rice storages in the northern and southern portion of south-central rice growing region. <LI>Assess long-term protection of rough rice from the lesser grain borer using the insect growth regulator methoprene and the biological pesticide spinosad. <LI> Conduct a comprehensive analysis to predict impact of aeration combined with insecticides <LI> Conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis for quality control, insecticide treatment, and aeration management.<LI>Integrate results from quality study, reduced-risk pesticide trial, and economic model into the existing web-based post-harvest grain management program. <LI>Transfer technology through a series of interactive workshops to extension agents, and commercial storage and milling client groups.
Non-Technical Summary: Insect infestation can drastically reduce the quality and thus the economic value of rice. Because the predominant market for rice is for direct human consumption, as opposed to outlets such as livestock feed for other grains, the need for maintaining product quality is essential to the US rice industry. The goal of this project is to identify and implement effective reduced-risk strategies for managing the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), a major internal insect pest of rough rice and milled rice, to minimize economic loss from insect infestation. <P> Approach: The proposed project will quantify the relationships between insect infestation levels and rice quality, determine seasonal patterns in the prevalence of the lesser grain borer in and around rice mills to evaluate infestation pressure on both rough and milled rice, assess commodity protection through a field trial with the insect growth regulator methoprene and the biological pesticide spinosad, integrate control through methoprene and spinosad into the existing web-based program for managing stored rough rice (developed as part of our previous USDA CAR grant CSREES Agreement # 2001-51100-11140), develop an economic model and integrate the economic analysis of lesser grain borer management into the existing web-based program for the south-central rice belt. The final product of the proposed project will be an improved web-based application that integrates results from quality study, reduced-risk pesticide trial, and economic model in addition to aeration control and provides users with options for selecting an array of management measures and for conducting the associated costs/benefits analysis to optimize pest control and grain quality.