TNAU- Stack Probe Trap for Grain Storage Godowns gets Indian Patent

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Department of Agricultural Entomology is one of the world leaders in designing and developing monitoring / management devices for the store product insect pest.  Recently, TNAU has got Indian Patent granted for a device to monitor insects in bag stacks in warehouse without bait.  The device was invented by Dr. S. Mohan, Professor of Agricultural Entomology, TNAU, Coimbatore.

The details are below:
The TNAU- stack probe trap is made of plastic (PVC) comprises a main hollow tube having a diameter in the range of 1.8 to 2.0 cm with equi-spaced perforation in the range of 1.8 to 2 mm on its upper portion with a bend at one end which ends in a transparent collection unit to collect the insects falling down from the bend, the other end of main tube being closed.

Advantages of the invention:
i. The device is useful in detecting stored grain insects in bag stacks of the food grain warehouses without any damage to sacks.
ii. The device does not require any bait materials to trap insects.
iii. The device is useful in studying the distribution pattern of stored product insects in various layers of bag stacks.
iv. The device will be useful to validate the effect of fumigation by using it immediately after fumigation, in different layers of the fumigated stacks.
v. The device will also be useful at farm level when farmers store their produce in bags.

Efficacy: Recent studies established the efficacy of TNAU- Stack Probe Trap in monitoring the pests of stored rice, paddy, wheat flour etc and also for validation the fumigation in warehouses. The prototype of stack probe traps was tested and found effective in monitoring stored product insects of Siddha and Ayurvedic products.  The stack probe trap can detect more precisely the infestation in turmeric compared to normal sampling method during the post fumigation period. It can be used as an effective tool for detection, monitoring of pest and validation of fumigation without damaging the produce and the storage bags.

How to use the traps?

Technology users: Many storage organization like M/s Ulavan Producers Company, Erode, India, use this invention to monitor insect management in bag stacks and to validate the effect of fumigation.

Approximate cost of a Plastic Trap is Rs. 450/-

Commercialization: This invention has been commercialized by Agri Business Directorate (ABD) of TNAU and the traps are commercially available.