NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 15
Important NCERT Questions
Improvements in Food Resources
NCERT Books for Session 2022-2023
CBSE Board and UP Board
Intext Questions
Page No-209
Questions No-2
What factors may be responsible for losses of grains during storage?
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During the storage of grains, various biotic factors such as insects, rodents, mites, fungi, bacteria, etc. and various abiotic factors such as inappropriate moisture, temperature, lack of sunlight, etc. are responsible for losses of grains. These factors act on stored grains and result in degradation, poor germinability, discolouration, etc.
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The factors responsible for losses of grains during storage are:
There are two main factors responsible for lose during storage. A. Biotic factors include:
1. Insects, e.g., grubs of pulse beetle; grubs and adults of rice weevil; wheat weevil; caterpillar of grain and flour moth; larvae and adult of rust red flour beetle; Iarvae of rice moth and grubs and adults of lesser grain borer.
2 Rodents, e.g., striped squirrel, house rat, house mouse, lesser bandicoot rat, etc.
3. Birds, e.g., parakeet, sparrow, bulbul, blue rock pigeon, crow, etc.
4. Mites; 5. Fungi; and 6. Bacteria”
B. Abiotic factors. They include moisture, temperature and other non-living environmental factors.
Grain storage losses can be attributed to a variety of factors, with two key contributors being moisture and pests. Excessive moisture levels in stored grains create a conducive environment for mold and fungal growth, leading to spoilage and a decrease in grain quality. Mold not only reduces the nutritional value of the grains but also produces mycotoxins, which can pose health risks to both humans and animals when consumed. Additionally, moisture can contribute to the development of hot spots within the stored grain mass, accelerating deterioration.
Pests, including insects and rodents, represent another significant factor in grain storage losses. Insects such as beetles and weevils can infest stored grains, consuming and contaminating them in the process. These pests not only cause direct physical damage but also contribute to the growth of molds and fungi by creating entry points for pathogens. Proper storage practices, such as maintaining appropriate moisture levels, using insect-resistant containers, and implementing regular monitoring and fumigation, are essential to mitigate these losses and ensure the long-term viability of stored grain supplies.