First, disinfection before storage
After threshing, hybrid corn seeds should be cleaned and dried to prevent mold during storage. To ensure a safe environment, it is recommended to spray the inside and outside of an empty warehouse, as well as surrounding areas like walls and floors, with 50% sulfuric acid or 80% dichlorvos diluted at a ratio of 1:1500. Additionally, any new storage containers must also be sterilized before use to eliminate pests that may have entered during the winter. This helps maintain the quality of the stored hybrid corn.
Second, the construction and sealing of the container
1. Building a grain storage warehouse. Depending on the family's economic situation and the amount of hybrid corn to be stored, a circular or square warehouse made of bricks and cement should be constructed in a location that is easy to protect from moisture. The warehouse should be isolated from other food items to prevent contamination, mold, and infestation by insects and rodents.
2. Manufacturing of enclosures for grain storage containers. A sheet metal plate of 0.35 mm thickness can be cut into two pieces measuring 100 cm and 200 cm, with seven holes drilled at a 4 cm spacing. These are then fastened together using screws to form a metal container. Alternatively, fiberboards of the same size can be used instead of metal sheets. Once the enclosure is built, joints should be sealed with wide clear tape or paper paste. Before filling, line the bottom of the container with a 0.8 mm plastic film, then place the hybrid corn inside. Apply a layer of fresh cow dung or a mixture of stove ash to seal the base, approximately 10 cm high, and fumigate after application.
3. Transforming old grain storage containers. Non-standard containers such as old bamboo fences, rice dumpling baskets, or wooden cabinets found in rural homes can be treated similarly. Seal the seams with tape or paper, or cover them with fresh cow dung and mortar, allowing it to dry. Then, line the inside with a layer of plastic film or two layers of paper to create a barrier against pests.
Third, the use of agents
1. Aluminum phosphide tablet fumigation method. Wrap aluminum phosphide tablets in a cloth bag measuring 10 cm in length. Place the bag inside a wooden container and divide the drug packet into three layers—top, middle, and bottom. For every 1,000 kg of hybrid corn, loosely divide it into 6-8 portions and insert one tablet into each. Ensure the tablet is placed about 10 cm away from the container wall, then tightly seal the container with 0.8 mm plastic film for effective fumigation.
2. Phosphoric acid fumigation method. Place the hybrid corn 10 cm away from the top of the container. Use three large bottles to mix 2 grams of garlic and 8 ml of sour vinegar per 1,000 kg of corn. Pour the mixture into the bottles and insert them into the grain at 10 cm intervals in a triangular pattern. Add zinc phosphide, then quickly seal the container with a 0.8 mm plastic film.
3. Phosphorus preservation method. Mix 400 kg of phosphorus with 1,000 kg of hybrid corn in the container, or fill each layer of corn with 30 cm (300 kg) of phosphorus at 100 grams per layer to ensure full coverage.
4. Insecticidal phosphorus carrier mixed grain storage method. According to the standard of 30 grams of insecticidal phosphorus active ingredient per 1,000 kg of hybrid corn, or 43% of 70% insecticide phosphorus preparation, mix the required agent with water and 1 kg of rice bran or sawdust to create a drug carrier. Then mix this evenly with the hybrid corn.
5. Dichlorvos smoke method. Soak 50 grams of 80% dichlorvos into old cotton wool, place it on the bottom of a container covered with plastic film, add a mat or straw sheet, and fill with 500–800 kg of hybrid corn. Seal the container tightly with 0.8 mm plastic film to kill pests.
6. Phoxim toxicity method. Mix 2 grams of 50% phoxim with 100 grams of rice bran and 0.5 kg of toads, then mix this with 100 kg of hybrid corn to control pests effectively.
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