Plant Export Operations Branch
Plant Export Operations Manual
Volume 6 Part A: Pests, Diseases and
Contaminants of Grain and Plant Products
(excluding horticulture)
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 2
Inspection Equipment Checklist ........................................................................................ 2
Insect infestation of stored product .................................................................................... 2
Pests associated with stored product .................................................................................. 3
Major and minor pests of stored product ........................................................................... 3
Field species ....................................................................................................................... 3
Sample Collection .............................................................................................................. 4
Labelling of samples .......................................................................................................... 4
Pests associated with stored grain and plant products (excluding horticulture) .................... 5
Weed Seeds and other Contaminants ............................................................................... 29
Inert Material ................................................................................................................... 29
Extraneous Matter ............................................................................................................ 29
Ergot ................................................................................................................................. 30
Datura spp. ...................................................................................................................... 30
Rodents ............................................................................................................................ 30
Timber pests ..................................................................................................................... 31
Relevant eLearning Module ................................................................................................. 31
Questions.............................................................................................................................. 31
References relating to insects associated with stored food products ................................... 32
Title: Volume 6A: Pests, diseases and contaminants of grain and plant products (excluding horticulture)
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Introduction
Pest, disease and contaminants within plant export commodities are extensive and diverse
and vary depending on the commodity. This volume is specific to pests, diseases and
contaminants applicable to grain and plant products excluding horticulture commodities and
forest products. The information in this volume will assist authorised officers (AOs) in the
identification of pests, diseases and contaminants likely to be encountered within the
commodity or associated with the flowpath. The tables in this volume are not an exhaustive
list.
Where uncertainty exists regarding identification, the AO must inform the exporter of their
responsibility to seek professional identification. AOs are not expected to be able to identify
all pests, diseases or contaminants.
Inspection Equipment Checklist
Essential equipment that an authorised officer will find useful for inspection, and the
collection of pest, disease and contaminant specimens in grain and plant products (excluding
horticulture) include:
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waste bin and lid supplied by establishment for disposing of unwanted material found
during inspection
vials/sample tubes filled with 70% ethanol (methylated spirits should only be used as
a last resort)
a small brush for separating objects of quarantine concern and collecting small insects
from the grain samples being inspected
adequate light and a good quality torch capable of being focused to a spot
a scraper/knife and/or probe for recovering residues etc
labels for specimens
a sieve(s) for screening grain samples
hand lens x10 magnification or more for pest, weed seeds and contamination
identification
small plastic bags for storing various items during sampling
triers for inspection of bagged products
a pair of tweezers suitable for collecting the larger species
pencils for labelling tubes (pens aren't suitable as alcohol dissolves most ink) and pen
for completing various forms.
Insect infestation of stored product
A nil tolerance for live pest infestation must be applied to all relevant goods presented for
inspection unless specified in PEOM Volume 8: Commodity Inspections - Grain, seeds, nuts
and stockfeed.
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Pests associated with stored product
Of the many hundreds of insects associated with stored products only a small portion of them
are able to cause serious damage to a product that is in sound condition. Many insects are
attracted only to vegetative material, others are predacious or parasitic on the insects that are
found infesting stored product. Therefore, common insect species associated with stored
product can be classified as major, minor or field species. Refer to Tables 1 and 2 for details.
Many of the species listed in Tables 1 and 2 may be found during the inspection of prescribed
goods, registered establishments, bulk vessel cargo spaces or containers.
Inclusion in the list does not necessarily imply that the species occur in Australia, for
example, khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) and greater grain borer (Prostephanus
truncatus) are not known to occur in Australia.
Major and minor pests of stored product
Major or primary pests of stored product are those which can bite or pierce into a whole,
sound and healthy product. They can live, breed and multiply in stored product. Minor or
secondary pests are generally unable to damage the whole, healthy and sound product but do
considerable damage to stored product that has been damaged by mechanical processes or
other pests. Detailed information on major and minor pests is given in Table 1.
Field species
Suspect field species, also known as vagrant insects, include a range of insects and spiders,
such as silverfish, earwigs, wasps, bugs and ants and are not considered stored product pests
or insect species injurious to prescribed goods. Refer to Table 2 for detailed information on
field pests associated with stored product.
These harvest insects do not damage stored goods, rather their presence in stored products is
a source of contamination. These insects are often picked up during harvest and are
particularly abundant in windrowed crops, hay and straw. They should however be handled
with care and sampled in situations where identification is questioned.
Whilst these field species are not likely to survive for extended periods in grain and other
plant product consignments, high population levels increase the likelihood of live insects
being present at inspection, particularly for grain exports.
Irrespective of whether an insect will survive or is a stored grain pest, a level of infestation
could be detrimental to Australia’s international export reputation.
The determination of whether or not a field insect has the ability to survive in transit to the
destination country is not the responsibility of an AO. However, enough is known about a
number of common field species to establish administrative procedures and tolerance levels
for these species. Refer to PEOM Volume 8: Commodity Inspections - Grain, seeds, nuts and
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stockfeed for the details relating to these procedures and tolerances for contaminants and field
species.
Sample Collection
It is advised that when AOs find insects within a consignment they collect samples for
identification and reporting. When live insects are found, the authorised officer should wet
the brush with 70% ethanol and then, with a rolling action, pick up the insect on the tip of the
brush and transfer it to the sample tube. For moths, it may be necessary to place the wet brush
over the wings to prevent flight. Often a moth will struggle from beneath the brush. Once it
is wet, however, it may be readily picked up.
AOs should attempt to collect a representative sample of insects and not just the first
specimen found. Try not to include substrate (e.g. grain etc.) with the specimens as this
makes identification more difficult.
All specimens, except soft-bodied larvae (e.g. caterpillars and maggots), should be collected
into 70% ethanol. Do not use methylated spirits as it hardens the specimens and makes
identification and long term storage very difficult. Caterpillars and fly maggots should be
fixed in hot water. Fix for a few minutes, then drain the water off and place the specimens
into 70% ethanol. Never leave them in water for an extended time as they will start to rot.
If specimens of dead insects are collected, they should be placed in tubes separate from any
live ones and the labels marked accordingly.
Labelling of samples
Samples should be labelled in pencil as ink tends to smear. The label should include:
 the container number/bulk vessel name
 the bulk vessel unique number where relevant
 the port or location or premises name
 the commodity type
 the AO’s name and the date collected.
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Pests associated with stored grain and plant products (excluding
horticulture)
Table 1: Common major and minor pest associated with stored grain and plant products
(excluding horticulture) for which nil tolerance apply for detection of live pests in inspected
sample
Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Acanthoscelides obtectus
(Say)
Common name
Bean weevil
Comments
It is a major pest of legumes.
The Anthribidae is a family of beetles
which feed on fungi and dead wood
except Acanthoscelides obtectus which
is a well known pest of stored products
(Rees 2004) and the larvae and pupae
develop entirely within grain legumes
and the adults emerge through a
window (CABI 2012).
Females lay eggs in the seed coat,
larvae bore into seeds and create round
translucent ‘window’ in seed before
pupation. Adult weevils emerge
through ‘window’ leaving neat round
hole. Adults are short lived, do not feed
on grain, runs quickly and are good
fliers (Rees 2001).
Acanthoscelides obtectus is a primary
pest of legume grains and is adapted to
live in conditions of low humidity. The
larvae feed on grain and bore a hole.
The damage as a result of larval
feeding could be extensive depending
on the level of infestation (Romano et
al. 2006).
Bruchus pisorum L.
Pea weevil
Main Hosts: A. obtectus is a serious
pest of common beans (Phaseolus
vulgaris) and lima beans (Phaseolus
lunatus). Although it has also been
recorded on a number of other legumes
such as cowpeas in Mexico, chickpeas
and Voandzeia subterranea it seldom
attains pest status on these hosts. It has
only been found developing on the
common bean and other members of
the Phaseolus family (CABI 2012).
It is a major pest of Pisum spp.
Bruchid beetles attack ripe and
ripening seeds, preferably leguminous
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Common name
Comments
seeds. However, species associated
with stored products are exclusively
pests of dried and ripening seeds of
legumes. Moreover, Bruchids do not
attack cereal grain and cereal based
products (Rees 2004).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Bruchus pisorum is a major pest of
field peas. It is now established in all
major field pea growing areas of south
eastern Australia. Infested seed reduces
the weight and quality and may be
rejected by millers and exporters
(McDonald 1995).
Callosobruchus maculatus
(L.)
Pea and bean beetle
Cowpea weevil
Main Hosts: Pisum sativum (pea),
Pisum sativum subsp. asiaticum, Pisum
sativum subsp. elatius (wild pea),
Pisum sativum subsp. sativum, Pisum
sativum subsp. transcaucasicum,
Pisum sativum var. arvense (Austrian
winter pea) (CABI 2008).
It is a major pest of peas and beans.
Bruchid beetles attack ripe and
ripening seeds and prefer leguminous
seed. Species associated with stored
products are exclusively pests of dried
and ripening seeds of legumes.
However, Bruchids do not attack cereal
grain and cereal based products (Rees
2004).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
They prefer dried cowpeas but will
attack other beans and peas in storage.
Adults move about readily and can
infest seeds in the field, but can also
breed continuously in stored dry
cowpeas. Larvae typically develop
inside the dried peas. Larvae chew near
the surface and leave a thin covering
uneaten which appears as a window
and the adults emerge from it later
(Drees and Jackman 1999).
Callosobruchus maculatus develops on
cowpea and some other legumes but
not on beans.
Main Hosts: Cajanus cajan (pigeon
pea), Fabaceae (leguminous plants),
Glycine max (soyabean), Len culinaris
(lentil), Phaseolus (beans), stored
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Callosobruchus chinensis (L.)
Common name
Pea and bean beetle
Southern cowpea weevil
Bruchid beetles attack ripe and
ripening seeds and prefer leguminous
seed. Species associated with stored
products are exclusively pests of dried
and ripening seeds of legumes. They
are most important pests of these
commodities. However, Bruchids do
not attack cereal grain and cereal based
products (Rees 2004).
Rees (2004)
Callosobruchus phaseoli
Cowpea weevil
Main Hosts: Cajanus cajan (pigeon
pea), Cicer arietinum (chickpea),
Glycine max (soyabean), Len culinaris
(lentil), Vigna mungo (black gram),
Vigna radiata (mungbean), Vigna
unguiculata (cowpea) (CABI 2008).
It is a major pest of legumes.
Callosobruchus phaseoli feeds on
ripening pea and bean crops in the field
and continues breeding on the dried
seeds in storage. The females lay their
eggs on pea and bean seeds or pods.
Only the larvae feed inside the seed
and the adults do not feed on the plants
or seeds (Rees 2004).
PaDil (www.padil.gov.au)
Corcyra cephalonica (Staint.)
Comments
products (dried), Vigna radiata
(mungbean), Vigna unguiculata
(cowpea) (CABI 2012).
It is a major pest of legume seeds.
Rice moth
Main Hosts: Vigna radiate, V.
angularis (Messina and Jones 2009).
It is a major pest of rice.
Many stored foods such as cereals,
cereal products, oilseeds, pulses, dried
fruits, nuts, and spices, are known to
support infestations of C. cephalonica.
However, it is especially a major pest
of rice and rice products. It is also a
major pest in flour mills in the tropics,
and is common on sorghum and millet
(CABI 2008).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Main Hosts: Oryza sativa (rice),
Panicum miliaceum (millet),
Pennisetum glaucum (pear millet),
Sorghum bicolor (sorghum), Triticum
aestivum (wheat), Vigna radiata
(mungbean), Vigna unguiculata
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Cryptolestes ferrugineus
Cryptolestes pusillus
Cryptolestes pusilloides
Common name
Flat grain beetles
PaDil (www.padil.gov.au)
Comments
(cowpea), Zea mays (maize) (CABI
2008).
The Laemophloeidae are small
flattened beetles and the majority of
these live under the bark of trees and
are of very little importance. However,
Cryptolestes spp. are important pests of
cereals, cereal products and dried
processed foods of vegetable origin.
When infesting cereal-based products,
Cryptolestes spp. breed most rapidly
on milled produce or on grain
previously damaged by insects or
mechanically damaged during
harvesting, storage and handling
processes (Rees 2004).
Larvae feed preferentially on the germ
of the whole kernels, but they also feed
on the endosperm and sometimes
hollow out the entire kernel. Growth of
mould in the endosperm renders it
more suitable as larval food.
Cryptolestes species are apparently
unable to feed on sound grain, but they
can feed on kernels with very slight
imperfections or injuries (DAFWA
date unknown).
Ephestia cautella (Walk.)
Tropical warehouse
moth
Image source unknown
Major Hosts: Cryptolestes species
have been found feeding on grain and
cereal products and on a variety of
other materials. They have been
recorded in wheat, corn, rice, barley,
flour, oilseeds, cassava root, dried
fruits and chillies (DAFWA date
unknown).
Members of genus Ephestia are
important pests of a wide range of
stored products, especially milled,
processed and manufactured produce.
However, E. cautella is capable of
infesting both bulk and bagged stored
grain. Bulk grain infestation is
normally restricted to surface layers
(Rees 2004).
Carda cautella (synonym of Ephestia
cautella) is one of the serious pests of a
wide range of commodities, especially
cereals such as maize, rice, wheat,
sorghum, millet, oats, cereal flours,
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Common name
Comments
cereal products but also dried cassava,
groundnuts, cocoa beans, dried mango,
dates, nutmeg, mace, cowpeas, etc.
(CABI 2011).
Ephestia elutella (Hubn.)
Cacao moth/warehouse
moth
Major Hosts: E. elutella can infest a
wide range of commodities, especially
cereals, cereal products, dried fruit,
cocoa beans and nuts. It is a wellknown pest in chocolate factories and
tobacco warehouses (CABI 2008).
Members of genus Ephestia are
considered important pests of a wide
range of stored products, especially
milled, processed and manufactured
produce (Rees 2004).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Ephestia kuehniella (Zell.)
Mediterranean flour
moth
PaDil (www.padil.gov.au)
Oryzaephilus mercator
(Fauv.)
Merchant grain beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Major Hosts: C. carda is a major pest
of a range of stored product including
cereals such as maize, rice, wheat,
sorghum, millet, oats, cereal flours and
other cereal products, dried cassava,
groundnuts, cocoa beans, dried mango,
dates, nutmeg, mace, cowpeas and
other dried stored products (CABI
2011).
Members of genus Ephestia are
important pests of a wide range of
stored products, especially milled,
processed and manufactured produce
Rees 2004).
Major Hosts: E. kuehniella is
considered a pest of many cereals,
including wheat (grain, bran, flour,
meal, semolina), maize, rice, sorghum,
oats and barley. It also attacks nuts
such as almonds, date palms, carob
pods, fruits and flowers, pollen, leaves,
roots (dried), biscuits, human food and
animal feed (CABI 2012).
Oryzaephilus species attack a wide
range of stored products and are ranked
the most important stored products
pests. It is more often found on
commodities such as dried fruit and
oilseeds rather than cereals. However,
the status of O. mercator is considered
to be significant but not as major as O.
surinamensis (Rees 2004).
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Oryzaephilus surinamensis
(L.)
Common name
Comments
Saw-toothed grain beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Major Hosts: Oryzaephilus mercator
is primarily a pest of oilseeds or
products with a high oil content, but
may also infest processed cereals, dried
fruit, nuts and a range of stored
products (PaDil 2012). Some of the
other recorded hosts include coconut,
dates, maize, Palm kernel, melon seed,
cocoa, wild mango, bitter melon and
groundnut (Dudu et al. 1998). In New
Zealand it has been intercepted on
imports of a wide range of products
including chocolate, coffee,
confectionary, coriander, corn meal,
curry, dates, dried fruits, dried seafood,
dried plant material, grain, herbs, meat
meal, milk powder, nuts, pepper,
pulses, raisins, rice, spices, and
walnuts, and has become established in
parts of the North Island (Archibald
and Chalmers 1983).
Oryzaephilus species attack a wide
range of stored products and are ranked
as most important stored products
pests. It is an important pest of stored
cereals, particularly milled and
processed products. It also occurs on a
very wide range of other commodities
such as dried fruit, nuts and soil seeds
(Rees 2004).
Major Hosts: O. surinamensis is a
common secondary pest of cereals
including oats, barley, rice, millet,
sorghum, wheat, maize, and cereal
products. It may also be found on
copra, spices, nuts and dried fruit. It is
prevalent on white milled rice (CABI
2012). O. surinamensis has been found
feeding on cereals, dried fruit, bran,
rolled oats, brown rice walnuts,
breakfast foods, macaroni, sugar,
drugs, fried meats, chocolate and
tobacco. It is unable to attack perfectly
sound grain, but can feed on slightly
damaged grain. Thus, it is often found
in whole grain in association with other
insects. It has also been observed
feeding on eggs and dead adults of
stored-product moths (Agriculture
Western Australia).
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Plodia interpunctella (Hubn.)
Common name
Indian meal moth
UKMoth (ukmoth.org.uk)
Comments
O. surinamensis is considered a
secondary pest. However, heavy
infestations can taint grain and reduce
germination of seed. It is, however, the
contamination of export grain which is
the major problem. No grain insects
whatsoever are permitted in grain
shipments and this position is
vigorously defended by inspection and
fumigation (Emery 2000).
The Indian meal moth, Plodia
interpunctella (Hubner) is one of the
most commonly reported pests of
stored grains in the United States. The
larvae feed upon grains, grain products,
dried fruits, nuts, cereals, and a variety
of processed food products. The Indian
meal moth is also a common pantry
pest (Jacobs and Calvin 2001).
Major Hosts: P. interpunctella infests
all types of dried produce of plant
origin including grain products, dried
fruit, oilseeds and products, pulses,
citrus pulp, fallen fruits, nuts, dried
vegetables, dried milk, spices,
chocolate, pet foods, flaked fish food,
bird seed, drugs, and dead insects. In
grain, larvae feed primarily on the
embryo (Mason 2003; Cranshaw
2008).
Rhizopertha dominica (F.)
Lesser grain borer
P. interpunctella attacks stored grain
(oats, sunflower, barley, rice, maize,
wheat, etc.), milled products, nuts,
spices, peas, beans, lentils and other
commodities (CABI 2011).
It is one of the most important pests of
stored grain. Newly hatched larvae
either bore into grain or feed amongst
the matrix of damaged grain and flour
produced by adults (Rees 2004).
Major Hosts: The lesser grain borer
attacks a wide variety of stored foods
including cereals, seeds and dried fruit;
almost all grains, particularly wheat,
barley, sorghum and rice, commodities
such as seeds, drugs, cork, timber and
paper products (Canadian Grain
Commission 2009). R. dominica is a
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.)
Common name
Comments
Angoumois grain moth
major pest of wheat and other cereal
grains in storage in typically dry warm
conditions found in temperate regions
of Australia (PaDil 2012).
Sitotroga cerealella is an important
pest of whole cereal grain. Females lay
eggs on the outside of grain in cracks
and crevices. Newly hatched larvae
burrow into the grain.
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Sitophilus granarius (L.)
Granary weevil
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Sitophilus oryzae (L.)
Rice weevil
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Major Hosts: S. cerealella is a pest of
stored products including grains and
oats, barley, rice, sorghum, wheat and
maize are considered the main hosts of
this pest (CABI 2011).
The Sitophilus female chews a small
hole on the surface of grain and lays an
egg into it. The hole is then plugged
with waxy secretion. Larvae develop
within the grain. Pupae also develop
inside the grain and adults feed on
grain as well. Sitophilus species are
major pests of whole cereal grains
(Rees 2004).
Major Hosts: S. granarius is a
frequent pest of wheat and barley. It
can attack other cereals such as maize,
sorghum and rice, but it does not
compete well with the other two
Sitophilus species on these grains
(CABI 2011). Three species of
Sitophilus including S. granarius, S.
oryzae and S. zeamais are seed
parasites of cereal crops such as wheat,
corn, rice, and sorghum and are
important economic pest species in
stored grain. The species share the
same life history but do have a number
of differences in their seed exploitation
strategies (Longstaff 1981).
The Sitophilus female chews a small
hole on the surface of grain and lays an
egg into it. The hole is then plugged
with waxy secretion. Larvae develop
within the grain. Pupae also develop
inside the grain and adults feed on
grain as well. Sitophilus species are
major pests of whole cereal grains
(Rees 2004).
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.
Common name
Maize weevil
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)
Rust-red flour beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Comments
Major Hosts: Rice, wheat, maize and
sorghum are considered as the main
hosts S. oryzae (CABI 2011). Three
species of Sitophilus, S. granarius, S.
oryzae and S. zeamais are seed
parasites of cereal crops such as wheat,
corn, rice, and sorghum and are
important economic pest species in
stored grain. The species share the
same life history but do have a number
of differences in their seed exploitation
strategies (Longstaff 1981).
The Sitophilus female chews a small
hole on the surface of grain and lays an
egg into it. The hole is then plugged
with waxy secretion. Larvae develop
within the grain. Pupae also develop
inside the grain and adults feed on
grain as well. Sitophilus species are
major pests of whole cereal grains
(Rees 2004).
Major Hosts: Rice, sorghum, wheat
and maize are considered as the main
hosts of this species (CABI 2012).
Three species of Sitophilus, S.
granarius, S. oryzae and S. zeamais are
seed parasites of cereal crops such as
wheat, corn, rice, and sorghum and are
important economic pest species in
stored grain. The species share the
same life history but do have a number
of differences in their seed exploitation
strategies (Longstaff 1981).
Tribolium castaneum is one of the
most important pests of stored grain
worldwide. It is tolerant of low
humidity (Rees 2004).
Major Hosts: Hosts of T. castaneum
include cereals, millet, wheat bran,
flour, grain spillage, broken grains,
grain products, mixed feeds, beans,
peas, lentils, butter beans (Phaseolus
lunatus), lucerne seed, groundnut seed,
flax, flax seed, rubber seed, cotton
seed, cottonseed meal, safflower seed,
sunflower seed, soybean meal, ginger,
mustard, chillies, cinnamon, nutmeg,
cocoa, copra, copra meal, yams,
tapioca, raisins (including sultanas),
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Tribolium confusum Jacq. du
Val
Common name
Confused flour beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Trogoderma granarium
Everts
Khapra beetle
(Absent from
Australia)
Shea et al. 2000
Trogoderma variabile
Warehouse beetle
Comments
dried figs, dried fruit, areca nuts, brazil
nuts, walnuts, almonds, snuff, derris
root, oilseed cakes, cakes, cotton gin
trash, lac (USDA/APHIS-PPQ 1980).
Tribolium confusum is one of the most
important pests of stored grain
worldwide. It is tolerant of low
humidity (Rees 2004).
Major Hosts: T. confusum is an
important pest of many commodities,
especially cereals and cereal products,
but also dried fruits, nuts, spices
(Sauer, 1992) and oats, rice, sorghum,
wheat and maize are considered as the
main host of this pest (CABI 2012).
T. granarium is one of the most serious
pests of stored grain especially when
stored under hot, dry conditions. It is a
frequent pest of storage structures,
packaging and transport vehicles, and
is a regulated quarantine pest in many
countries (Shea et al. 2000).
Major Hosts: Lucerne, almond,
barley, bean, corn/maize, chickpea,
cowpea, dried fruit peanuts, oats,
pecans, rice, walnuts, wheat as well as
miscellaneous foodstuffs such as
powdered milk, dried blood along with
their packaging (Shea et al. 2000).
Trogoderma variabile was first
detected in Southern NSW in 1977. By
1981 it had spread to Queensland and
Victoria. An outbreak was recorded in
WA in 1979. It was later recorded in
SA in the early 1990s. Despite
numerous attempts at eradication, it
has become established in Australia
(Wright 1993). It is now a frequent
pest of storage structures and is
becoming a pest of bulk-stored canola
in Australia. It is now widely
distributed from northern NSW to SA
east of Port Augusta and only has
limited distribution in QLD and WA
(Rees et al. 2003).
The physical appearance and lifestyle
is similar to that of T.granarium. The
larvae can diapause for two years or
more under favourable conditions.
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Major pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Common name
Comments
Their natural habitat is in nests of
native bees and wasps, or under tree
bark. The larvae are scavengers on
insect and other animal remains. They
have been found in packaged grocery
commodities, particularly rat and snail
bait pellets, dead flies in shop
windows, rodent carcases and muddauber wasp nests and occasionally in
grain stores as scavengers.
Trogoderma inclusum (Le
Conte)
Larger cabinet beetle
(Absent from
Australia)
ANIC - CSIRO
Major Hosts: T. variabile has a broad
range of hosts (Beal 1954; Strong and
Okumura 1958). It is most common
pest of cereals and cereal products such
as rice, wheat, maize, barley, oatmeal,
pasta and breakfast cereals, but has
been found on pulses, fruit and nuts
(CABI 2008).
Major Pest of stored grains
Major Hosts: Larvae are usually
found within infested, stored items
such as cereals, dried plant products,
cocoa, corn meal, milk powder, dried
soups, wheat, rice, seeds, dried insects
and wool (PaDil 2012).
Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Acarus siro L.
Common name
Comments
Flour mite
Acarus siro is one of the most common
mite species found in stored grain, flour
and other commodities where
microclimate is suitable. It is partly due
to its effect on germination and the
nutritive value of grain, but also for its
potential to introduce fungi spores and
other pathogenic organisms onto clean
produce. It has been recorded in
various foodstuffs - fresh, dried and
mouldy, cheese, flour, grains, hay,
soils, and bird nests (PaDil 2010).
Acarus siro on wheat grain
(www.spike-internationalagencies.com/grainmit.jpg)
A. siro is one of the most serious pests
of stored foodstuffs (Griffiths 1970).
Under favourable conditions, they
moult again (Lyon 1991).
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Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Lasioderma serricorne (F.)
Common name
Comments
Tobacco beetle/cigarette
beetle
Lasioderma serricorne is frequently
found infesting a wide range of stored
product. Newly hatched larvae are
unable to attack undamaged grain.
They search for cracks and crevices in
commodities for an entry point.
However, in grain storage, it is
unimportant as it is primarily
associated with residues (Rees 2004).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Psocoptera
Lasioderma serricorne has a very wide
host range and feeds on many kinds of
dried plant and animal material,
including spices, flour, cereals, dog and
cat food, tobacco, leather, wool, meal,
seeds, and dried fruits. In addition, they
will check through non-food material
such as paper and fabric to get to a food
source. They are said to feed "upon
almost anything except cast iron" (Day
2010).
Minor Pest of grain except Liposceli
which is a Major Pest of stored grain.
Psocids or book lice
Species that are associated with stored
products mostly belong to four
families: Lachesiilidae, Liposcelididae,
Psylliposcidae and Trogiidae.
Liposcelididae is considered the most
important family of all the four
mentioned above (Rees 2004).
QDPI (dpi.qld.gov.au)
Aglossa caprealis (Hubn.)
It is a major pest of dried processed
food and a minor pest of grain.
Murky meal caterpillar
Liposceli species eat almost any stored
product of animal or plant origin. They
are traditionally thought to be only
minor pests of stored grain and grain
products. However, some recent
research suggested that L.
bostrychophila, L. decolor, L.
entomorphila and L. paeta, are
considered the most important species
infesting stored products. Huge
populations have been found infesting
stored grain in warm temperate and
tropical areas (Rees 2004).
The larvae feed in a silken tube or
gallery amongst hay or wheat stacks
and on associated vegetable matter
(UKMoth).
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Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Common name
Comments
It is a minor pest of residue and is
associated with maize seed (DAFF
1999).
Ahasverus advena (Waltl.)
Foreign grain beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
It is a minor secondary pest of a wide
range of commodities including cereal
grain, oilseeds, copra, peanuts, dried
fruit, dried herbs and cocoa beans. It
does not persist in dry clean grain.
Large populations and persistence is an
indicator of poor storage conditions and
the presence of mouldy grain. The
females lay eggs in cracks and crevices
in grain. The larvae move free among
the foodstuff and pupate within
cocoons made from small grain or food
particles (Rees 2004).
Hosts
Main: Stored products, Theobroma
cacao (cocoa) (CABI 2012).
Carpophilus dimidiatus (F.)
Dried fruit beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Carpophilus hemipterus (L.)
Dried fruit beetle
Unknown: Avena sativa (oats), Coffea
(coffee), Hordeum vulgare (barley),
Oryzae sativa (rice), Triticum aestivum
(wheat), Zea mays (maize) (CABI
2012).
A number of genera of Nitidulidss have
been recorded on stored products and
Carpophilus is by far the most
important and frequently found on
stored products. However, C.
dimidiatus and C. hemipterus are two
of the most important pests of stored
products. In general, Carpophilus spp.
feed on a wide range of damp and
decomposing vegetative matter. They
are considered as a minor pest of stored
grain, Carpophilus spp. are common
inhabitants of ripening cereal crops
especially maize and are found
primarily on mouldy grain residues
(Rees 2004).
A number of genera of Nitidulidss have
been recorded on stored products and
Carpophilus is by far the most
important and frequently found on
stored products. However, C.
dimidiatus and C. hemipterus are two
of the most important pests of stored
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Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Carpophilus ligneus Murray
Common name
Comments
products. In general, Carpophilus spp.
feed on a wide range of damp and
decomposing vegetative matter. They
are considered as a minor pest of stored
grain, Carpophilus spp. are common
inhabitants of ripening cereal crops
especially maize and are found
primarily on mouldy grain residues
(Rees 2004).
Dried fruit beetle
PaDil (www.padil.gov.au)
Carpophilus obsoletus Erich.
Dried fruit beetle
PaDil (www.padil.gov.au)
Endrosis sarcitrella (L.)
White-shouldered house
moth
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
A number of genera of Nitidulidss have
been recorded on stored products and
Carpophilus is by far the most
important and frequently found on
stored products. However, C.
dimidiatus and C. hemipterus are two
of the most important pests of stored
products. In general, Carpophilus spp.
feed on a wide range of damp and
decomposing vegetative matter. They
are considered as a minor pest of stored
grain, Carpophilus spp. are common
inhabitants of ripening cereal crops
especially maize and are found
primarily on mouldy grain residues
(Rees 2004).
A number of genera of Nitidulidss have
been recorded on stored products and
Carpophilus is by far the most
important and frequently found on
stored products. However, C.
dimidiatus and C. hemipterus are two
of the most important pests of stored
products. In general, Carpophilus spp.
feed on a wide range of damp and
decomposing vegetative matter. They
are considered as a minor pest of stored
grain, Carpophilus spp. are common
inhabitants of ripening cereal crops
especially maize and are found
primarily on mouldy grain residues
(Rees 2004).
Moths of Oecophoridae are concealed
feeders on dried and growing plant
material in a wide range of
environments. However, Endrosis
sarcitrella is associated with stored
products, primarily as a scavenger.
Presence of this species in large
number suggests poor hygiene (Rees
2004). Minor pest of damp grain.
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Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Gnatocerus cornutus (F.)
Common name
Comments
Broad-horned flour
beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Latheticus oryzae Waterh.
Long-headed flour beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Mezium affine Boield
Spider beetle black
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Mezium americanum (Lap.)
Spider beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Members of genus Gnatocerus are
found under the bark of trees as
scavengers. However, G. cornutus is
considered a minor pest of stored
products of both plant and animal
origin. Although they are a minor pest
of flour and feed mills they are
scavengers on grain debris (Rees
2004).
Latheticus oryzae is a generalist feeder
and a minor pest of whole grain and
milled products including wheat,
barley, corn, oilseeds, flour, oatmeal,
pasta macaroni, cassava and beans. One
sign of infestation is a disagreeable
odour in the commodity caused by
quinones secreted from abdominal
glands (Rees 2004).
It is generally considered a minor pest
of stored grain and grain products in
temperate conditions as it is unable to
compete with Tribolium spp unless the
temperature is high. It can readily infest
wheat or other grains damaged by
primary insects or harvesting
operations (PaDil 2010).
Spider beetles including M. affine are
minor pests typically associated with
residue in a storage structure. In bulk
commodities infestation remains near
the surface (Rees 2004).
Spider beetle larvae infest dry animal
and vegetable matter including grain,
spices, fish meal, dog biscuits, dried
fruit and a wide variety of
miscellaneous debris (PaDil 2012).
Spider beetles including M.
americanum are minor pests typically
associated with residue in a storage
structure. In bulk commodities
infestation remains near the surface
(Rees 2004).
Mezium americanum is reported to feed
and reproduce on a wide variety of
foodstuffs, including almonds, animal
skins, beans, books, bones, brushes,
cacao, cereals, chocolate powder, corn
meal, dates, dead insects and insect
collections, dried fruits, dried
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Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Nemapogon granella (L.)
Common name
Comments
mushrooms, dried soup, drugs derived
from powdered leaves, excrement
(dried), feathers, figs, fish meal, flour,
ginger, grains, hair, herbarium
specimens, hops, leather, maize,
nutmeg, old wood in houses, paprika,
rye bread, rye, seeds, silk, stuffed birds,
textile fabrics, various spices, wheat,
and wool (Jacobs 2006).
Nemapogon granella is found in
association with dried material of
vegetable origin and is considered as a
minor pest of stored grain (Rees 2004).
Mottled grain moth
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Palorus ratzeburgi Wissm.
Small-eyed flour beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Palorus subdepressus Woll.
Depressed flour beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Ptinus fur (L.)
White-marked spider
beetle
The larvae feed on grain and other
stored vegetable products indoors, as
well as various bracket fungi out of
doors (Kimber 2012).
Members of genus Palorus live under
the bark of tree and in rotten wood.
Several species including Palorus
ratzeburgi are considered minor pests
of stored grain. Moreover, Polarus spp.
are primarily associated with residues
or slightly damp grain, heated grain,
mill machinery or grain that has been
damaged by other insects and is
contaminated with faeces. They are
quite often found in on-farm grain
storage facilities, especially in the
tropics (Rees 2004).
It is classified as minor pest of stored
grain (DAFF 1999).
Members of genus Palorus live under
the bark of tree and in rotten wood.
Several species are considered minor
pests of stored grain. Moreover,
Polarus spp. are primarily associated
with residues or slightly damp grain,
heated grain, mill machinery or grain
that has been damaged by other insects
and is contaminated with faeces. They
are quite often found in on-farm grain
storage facilities, especially in the
tropics (Rees 2004).
It is a minor pest of damp grain.
It has been recorded in NSW, Tasmania
and WA (CSIRO 2004).
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Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Common name
Comments
Spider beetles including Ptinus fur are
scavengers and primarily feed on
materials of plant origin such as seeds,
grain debris, herbs, dried fruit and
fungi along with animal matter such as
feathers and dead insects (Colostate
University).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Spider beetles including Ptinus fur feed
and reproduce on a wide variety of
foodstuffs, including almonds, animal
skins, beans, books, bones, brushes,
cacao, cereals, chocolate powder, corn
meal, dates, dead insects and insect
collections, dried fruits, dried
mushrooms, dried soup, drugs derived
from powdered leaves, excrement
(dried), feathers, figs, fish meal, flour,
ginger, grains, hair, herbarium
specimens, hops, leather, maize,
nutmeg, old wood in houses, paprika,
rye bread, rye, seeds, silk, stuffed birds,
textile fabrics, various spices, wheat,
and wool (Jacobs 2006).
Ptinus tectus Boield.
Australian spider beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Pyralis farinalis (L.)
Meal moth
It feeds on almost any organic matter of
vegetable origin including stored food,
paper, old fabrics, cork, decayed wood,
sawdust or wood shaving. Infestation
often starts in birds' nests in and around
buildings (H + R 2005).
It is a minor pest of damp grain.
The larvae feed on almost any type of
dry, stored food, as well as carpets and
furs. In dwellings, the beetles live on
food and other organic debris,
frequently hiding between floorboards,
and sometimes emerging in large
numbers. Mainly confined to towns (H
+ R 2005).
It is a minor pest of mills and storage
residue (Rees 2004).
The larvae feed on flour and stored
grain (University of Alberta 2001).
The Australian Museum
Tenebrio molitor L.
Yellow mealworm
Members of genera Tenebrio normally
live under the bark of tree and in rotten
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Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Common name
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Tenebrio obscurus F.
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Tenebroides mauritanicus
(L.)
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Typhaea stercorea (L.)
Dark mealworm
Cadelle
Hairy fungus beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Comments
wood. However, two species T. molitor
and T. obscurus are considered as
minor pests, primarily of aged residues
of stored grain. Tenebrio spp. are minor
pests and scavengers of a wide range of
cereals and cereal products, especially
if damp and in poor conditions such as
aged residues (Rees 2004).
Members of genera Tenebrio normally
live under the bark of tree and in rotten
wood. However, two species T. molitor
and T. obscurus are considered as
minor pests, primarily of aged residues
of stored grain. Tenebrio spp. are minor
pests and scavengers of a wide range of
cereals and cereal products, especially
if damp and in poor conditions such as
aged residues (Rees 2004).
Tenebrio spp. are minor pests and
scavengers of a wide range of cereals
and cereal products, especially if damp
and in poor conditions such as aged
residues (Rees 2004).
It is a minor stored product pest. It can
breed and feed on grain under
favourable conditions.
It feeds on a wide range of material of
vegetable origin, including grain and
grain products, especially if slightly
damp. It is considered a minor pest of
freshly harvested or slightly damp
grain. In Australia, it is frequently
found on hay presented for export.
Presence of large or persistent
populations in stores is key indicator of
poor storage conditions (Rees 2001;
Rees 2004).
Typhaea stercorea is most often
referred to as a pest of stored products
from warmer climates (Hinton 1945;
Brower and Press 1992; Dowdy and
McGaughey 1994; Hagstrum et al.
1994; Throne and Cline 1994). T.
stercorea has been found in connection
with compost (Hansen 1951) and
poultry farms (Funder et al. 1992).
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Minor pests of stored grain (Injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Common name
Comments
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Table 2: Common field pest species associated with stored product and tolerances apply for
detection of these pests in inspected samples
Field Species (Non injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Anobium punctatum (Deg.)
CSIRO Division of Entomology
Anthrenocerus australis
(Hope)
Common name
Anobium punctatum is regarded as one
of the most destructive pests of timber.
It attacks the dead parts of trees and
fallen timber and logs. It breeds in a
variety of coniferous and hardwood
timber. Overall, it attacks a very wide
range of wood and wood products
(Pinniger and Child 1996).
Australian carpet beetle
Anthrenocerus australis is primarily a
museum pest and it has been found
attacking dried artefacts of organic
origin and woollen goods. In has
occasionally been found in grain
storage mainly infesting residue. It is
mainly associated with material of
animal origin and infestation typically
occurs in nests of birds, bees, ants and
wasps, and dead birds and rodents.
(Rees 2004).
Anthrenus spp are primarily scavengers
of material of animal origin. The
infestation is mainly found in bird nests
and dead birds and rodents (Rees
2004). It is a common pest of
upholstered furniture and feed on hair,
padding and upholstery (Gahlhoff Jr.
1997).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Anthrenus flavipes Le Conte
Comments
Furniture beetle
Carpet beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Anthrenus museorum L.
Museum beetle
No records of its association with grain.
Present in Australia (CSIRO 2004).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Anthrenus verbasci (L.)
Lesser mealworm
The larvae feed on material of dry
organic origin including wool, fur, silk,
felt, dried meat and carcasses. It also
feeds on carpets, rugs, tapestries,
clothes (PaDil).
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Field Species (Non injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Common name
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Comments
Anthrenus spp are primarily scavengers
of material of animal origin. However,
the larvae of Anthrenus verbasci
occasionally feed on a range of stored
foodstuffs such as savoury biscuits,
dried baby food, cakes, peanuts, wheat
and maize. In commercial grain
storages Anthrenus are of minor
importance being associated with bird’s
nests or animal remains. It is a pest of
minor importance for stored grain
(Rees 2004).
Hosts
Attagenus pellio (L.)
Fur beetle
Unknown: Cicer arietinum (chickpea)
(CABI 2008).
The genus Attagenus are mainly
scavengers on dried material of animal
origin. These are primarily pests of
museum and attack dried artefacts or
organic origin including skins, hides
and woollen goods, oilseeds, fish meal
and dog biscuits. In grain storage,
Attagenus are considered as minor
pests or scavengers (Rees 2004).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Attagenus unicolor (Brahm)
Black carpet beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Blaps polychresta (Forskal)
The genus Attagenus are mainly
scavengers on dried material of animal
origin. These are primarily pests of
museum and attack dried artefacts or
organic origin including skins, hides
and woollen goods, oilseeds, fish meal
and dog biscuits. In grain storage,
Attagenus are considered as minor
pests or scavengers (Rees 2004).
Egyptian beetle
Blaps spp. are scavengers of minor
importance. In some parts of southern
Australia Blaps polychresta is a
nuisance pest in and around
homesteads and grain storage facilities,
where it feeds on decaying plant
material and animal faeces (Rees
2004).
German cockroach
Blattella germanica (L.) is one of the
major urban pests in many parts of the
world and is primarily found in hotels,
restaurants and other food outlets (Lee
et al. 1999).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Blattella germanica (L.)
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Field Species (Non injurious Pests)
Scientific name
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Blatta orientalis L.
Common name
Oriental cockroach
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Comments
Blatta orientalis prefers relatively cool
conditions and is most commonly
found in southern parts of Australia. It
feeds on a variety of decaying organic
matter, frequently feeding in garbage
disposal areas. The adult female
produces egg cases that are usually
found glued to surfaces. Outdoors,
oriental cockroaches are found under
leaf litter and bark. They can also be
located in damp subfloors and around
drainage systems.
Members of the genus Dermestes
primarily feed on any material of
animal origin or on commodities of
plant origin with high protein contents.
D. ater is frequently found infesting
copra and also attacks dried fish (Rees
2004).
Members of the genus Dermestes
primarily feed on any material of
animal origin or on commodities of
plant origin with high protein contents
(Rees 2004).
Dermestes ater (Deg.)
Hide beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Dermestes frischii Kug.
Hide beetle
PaDil (ww.padil.gov.au)
Dermestes lardarius L.
Larder beetle
Members of the genus Dermestes
primarily feed on any material of
animal origin or on commodities of
plant origin with high protein contents
(2004).
Common hide beetle
Members of the genus Dermestes
primarily feed on any material of
animal origin or on commodities of
plant origin with high protein contents
(2004).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Dermestes maculatus Deg.
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Ephestia figulilella Greg.
Raisin moth
Members of the genus Ephestia are
important pest of a wide range of stored
products, especially milled, processed
and manufactured produce. E.
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Field Species (Non injurious Pests)
Scientific name
Hofmannophila
pseudospretella (Staint.)
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Lyctus brunneus (Steph.)
Agriculture Western Australia
Necrobia ruficollis (F.)
Common name
Comments
figulilella is a relatively minor pest and
typically attacks dry and drying fruit
(Rees 2004).
Hofmannophila pseudospretella is
associated with stored products mainly
as scavengers. Presence of large
numbers of this species suggests the
presence of aged residue or poor
hygiene (Rees 2004)
Brown house moth
Powder post beetle
It is a pest of timber (Agriculture
Western Australia; Personal
Communication with David Rees).
Red-shouldered ham
beetle
It is found on stored products and
animal parts and commonly found on
the skin and bones of dead animals and
on dead fish (PaDil 2012).
Necrobia ruficollis appears to be
largely associated with materials of
animal origin (Rees 2004).
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Necrobia rufipes (Deg.)
Copra beetle/red-legged
ham beetle
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Periplaneta americana (L.)
American cockroach
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Periplaneta australasiae (F.)
Australian cockroach
Necrobia rufipes is an important pest of
copra and sometimes of oilseeds and
cocoa. It is largely restricted to
materials of animal origin (Rees 2004).
It is found on stored products and
animal parts and commonly found on
the skin and bones of dead animals and
on dead fish (PaDil 2012).
Recorded in NSW, NT, QLD, WA
(CSIRO 2004).
Recorded in NSW and QLD (CSIRO
2004).
Title: Volume 6A: Pests, diseases and contaminants of grain and plant products (excluding horticulture)
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Field Species (Non injurious Pests)
Scientific name
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Piophila casei (L.)
Common name
Cheese skipper
University of Florida
Sitona discoideus Gyll.
Agriculture Western Australia
CSIRO Division of
Entomology
Prietocella barbara (small pointed
snail), Theba pisana (white Italian
snail), Cernuella virgata (vineyard
snail), Cochlicella acuta (pointed
Sitona weevil
Snails
Field Pest
snail)
Comments
Piophila casei generally feed on
overripe and mouldy cheese, and
slightly salted or putrid-smelling meats,
such as ham, bacon, and beef. Larvae
typically feed on high-protein
substrates ranging from salted beef to
smoked fish and animal carcasses
(Smith and Whitman 2003).
Sitona spp. are pests of clover often
grown under wheat crops. These can be
contaminants of harvested grain in
many temperate regions (Rees 2004).
There are four introduced species of
snails (Prietocella barbara - small
pointed snail, Theba pisana - white
Italian snail, Cernuella virgata vineyard snail, and Cochlicella acuta pointed snail) considered to be pests of
grain crops and pastures in the
Southern Regions of Australia. These
can be divided into two main groups;
round or white snails and conical or
pointed snails. Snails cause damage to
field crops in winter and spring and
contaminate harvested grain in summer
due to their aestivation on the ear of
cereals and pods of legumes. Apart
from damaging harvesting machinery,
grain shipments have been treated due
to the interception of live snails.
Title: Volume 6A: Pests, diseases and contaminants of grain and plant products (excluding horticulture)
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Weed Seeds and other Contaminants
Presence of pests and other regulated articles not constituting an infestation in a commodity,
storage place, conveyance, bulk vessel hold or container are considered as contamination.
Contaminants are defined individually and may include ergot, cereal smut, earth (sand, soil,
etc), foreign seeds, insects (large and small), objectionable material, odour, pickling
compounds or artificial colouring. Contaminants may sometimes be referred to as foreign
material, being all material other than whole or broken seeds or hulls of the grain being
assessed. ISPM 5 confirms that some pests carried by plants and plant products which do not
infest the product are also considered as contaminants. For detailed information on
contaminants and tolerance levels, refer to Table 1 of PEOM Volume 8: Commodity
Inspections - Grain, seeds, nuts and stockfeed. Some contaminating pests may be pests of
quarantine concern to certain countries. Refer to MICoR for individual country listings.
AOs can refer to a range of reference material to assist in identification of these
contaminants, for example the pocket reference guide ‘Seed Impurities of Grain, an
identification kit” published by GrainCorp and PaDil (http://www.padil.gov.au).
Inert Material
AOs are advised that the definition of ‘inert material’ for phytosanitary certification purposes
is restricted to only sand and soil. Inspection for quality issues such as broken grains is not
required.
An importing country authority may require a consignment to be free from inert material.
AOs are to interpret this as the consignment is to be practically free from sand and soil. Refer
to Table 1 of PEOM Volume 8: Commodity Inspections - Grain, seeds, nuts and stockfeed for
tolerances.
AOs should avoid using the term inert material to reject a consignment. In instances where
sand, soil or any other contaminants are clearly detectable, the individual contaminant should
be recorded.
Extraneous Matter
Extraneous matter is defined for the purpose of phytosanitary certification to be sand, soil and
foreign plant debris. Extraneous matter does not include plant matter originating from the
export commodity such as broken grains or seed coats.
DAFF provides certification for phytosanitary requirements and does not certify quality
parameters. Phytosanitary certificates should only include statements that relate to plant
health and mitigate against valid phytosanitary risks.
DAFF cannot include additional declarations on phytosanitary certificates for freedom from
extraneous matter to meet a quality condition. Demonstrating freedom from extraneous
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matter to meet a quality condition is the responsibility of the exporter, and freedom
certification documents can be obtained from commercial organisations.
An exporter may request a Declaration and Certificate as to Condition (EX188) to certify
freedom from extraneous matter. The exporter is required to present testing documentation
supporting the commodities freedom, and pass the DAFF inspection prior to a Declaration
and Certificate as to Condition being issued by DAFF.
Ergot
Ergot is the common name for specialised fungi which parasitises the flowers of grasses and
develops in the place of the seed. No other part of the plant is infected. The disease is caused
by a fungal infection known as Claviceps purpurea, leading to the development of fungal
sclerotia which contain poisonous alkaloids. Ergots are purplish-black or dark grey in colour
and commonly infect ryegrass but is only infrequently observed in cereals.
AOs should inspect for ergot as part of normal inspection procedures for prescribed grains
regardless of whether or not there is an importing country authority requirement.
Exported consignments should be within internationally accepted tolerance levels of 0.05%.
Due to the speed of bulk loading, it is difficult to monitor ergot contamination in terms of
percentages. Hence, the established tolerances (PEOM Volume 8: Commodity Inspections Grain, seeds, nuts and stockfeed Table 1) relate to the maximum number of pieces of ergot in
a defined volume. This enables authorised officers to count the pieces of ergot observed in a
sample to facilitate decision making during inspection with a high level of confidence to
adhere to the internationally recognised standard of 0.05% contamination.
Datura spp.
Datura spp. are also known as thornapples or the false caster oil plant. Datura spp. seeds are
generally kidney shaped with many indentations and pits, appearing pale brown in colour and
are approximately two thirds the size of a grain of wheat. Refer to PEOM Volume 8:
Commodity Inspections - Grain, seeds, nuts and stockfeed Table 1 for established tolerances.
Rodents
Rodents live in burrows in warm locations on gathered nesting materials such as cloth, fur,
paper and feathers. They will often nest within 5m of food sources in well sheltered areas,
typically at ground level. They are usually particularly active at night and include the various
species of rats and mice, Rattus spp. and Mus spp. respectively.
Mice typically have 5 to 10 litters per year. They can jump 30cm vertically and squeeze
through a 6mm opening. Maturity is reached in 6 to 10 weeks. Rats typically have 4 to 6
litters per year and achieve maturity in 3-4 months. Rodents have highly developed taste,
hearing and touch senses but poor eyesight and only live for about 12 months.
Title: Volume 6A: Pests, diseases and contaminants of grain and plant products (excluding horticulture)
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Rodents may contaminate consignments of prescribed goods, either in the form of live
rodents or carcasses and droppings. Refer to PEOM Volume 8: Commodity Inspections Grain, seeds, nuts and stockfeed Table 1 for tolerances.
Timber pests
AOs will need to be aware that timber pests and diseases may be present in a range of timber
products including sawn timber, horticulture products, logs, wood chips and dunnage. Refer
to PEOM Volume 8B Commodity inspections - Forest products for more information on
timber pests.
Relevant eLearning Module

Export Inspections: Product Identification, Pests & Diseases
Questions


You can contact your Regional Plant Export Program Manager to clarify any aspects
of this volume in the first instance.
You can also direct a specific question or provide feedback to
[email protected]
Title: Volume 6A: Pests, diseases and contaminants of grain and plant products (excluding horticulture)
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References relating to insects associated with stored food products
Archibald RD, Chalmers I (1983) Stored product Coleoptera in New Zealand. New Zealand
Entomologist 7: 371-397.
Birkinshaw LA, Hodges RJ, Addo S, Riwa W (2002) Can ‘bad’ years for damage by
Prostephanus truncates be predicted? Crop Protection 21: 783-791.
Childers CC, Woodruff RE (1980) A bibliography of the Coffee Bean Weevil Araecerus
fasciculatus (Coleoptera: Anthribidae). Bulletin of the ESA 26: 384-394.
CSIRO (2004) Australian National Insect Collection. http://www.ces.csiro.au/aicn/ Accessed
22 March 2012.
DAFF (1999) Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of feed grain maize (Zea mays) from the
USA. Authorised Pest Risk Analysis. DAFF.
http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/21921/TWGP_1.pdf Accessed 2 April
2012.
Day E (2010) Drugstore and Cigarette beetles. Publication NO. 3101-1526. Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Drees BM, Jackman J (1999) Field Guide to Texas Insects. Gulf Publishing Company,
Houston, Texas, USA.
Gahlhoff Jr. JE (1997) furniture carpet beetle - Anthrenus flavipes (LeConte) (Insecta:
Coleoptera: Dermestidae).
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/fabric/furniture_carpet_beetle.htm University of Florida
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Accessed 21 March 2012.
Griffiths DA (1970) A further systematic study of the genus Acarus L., 1758 (Acaridae,
Acarina), with a key to species. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) (Zoology)
19: 89-120.
Haines CP, Maritime C (1989) Common Insect Pests of Stored of Stored Food Products: A
Guide to their Identification Mound L (ed). British Museum of Natural History.
H + R (2005) Building Pests. Hurron + Restoron Environmental Investigations Ltd.
http://www.handr.co.uk/literature/building_pests.htm#spiderbeetles Accessed 2 April 2012.
Jacobs S (2006) Spider beetles: American spider beetle, Mezium americanum; Whitemarked spider
beetle, Ptinus fur; Shiny spider beetle, Gibbium psylloides. PennState College of Agricultural
Sciences. Entomological Notes. http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/pdf/SpiderBeetles.pdf
Accessed 02 April 2012.
Jacobs SB, Calvin D (2001) Indian meal moth in Stored grain: Plodia interpunctella
(Hubner). College of Agricultural Science, USDA and Pennsylvania Counties Cooperating.
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Kimber I (2012) Corn Moth Nemapogon granella. UKMoth. Ukmoth.org.uk. Accessed 02
April 2012.
Lee CY, Lee C, Ang BH, Chong NL (1999) Insecticide resistance in Blatella germanica (L.)
(Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) from hotels and restaurants in Malaysia. Proceedings of the 3rd
International Conference on Urban Pests (Robinson WmH, Rettich F, Rambo GW (eds.)) pp.
171-181.
Emery R (2000) Insect Pests. In Anderson W, Garling J (eds) The Wheat Book: Principles
and Practices. Bulletin 4443, Agriculture Western Australia.
Manual of the Most Common Pests of Stored Products and wall-charts-Degesch.
McDonald G (1995) Pea Weevil. Victorian Department of Primary Industries.
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/pest-insects/pea-weevil
Accessed 3 April 2012.
PaDil (2010) PaDil Diagnostic Methods for Longheaded flour beetle: Latheticus oryzae.
http://old.padil.gov.au/pbt/index.php?q=node/70&pbtID=292 Accessed 02 April 2012.
PaDil (2010) Diagnostic Methods for Flour mite: Acarus siro. PaDil.
http://old.padil.gov.au/pbt/index.php?q=node/70&pbtID=185 Accessed 03 April 2012.
PaDil (2012) PaDil Species Fact Sheet. PaDil www.padil.gov.au Accessed 22 March 2012.
Pinniger DB, Child RE (1996) Woodworm – A necessary case for treatment? New
Techniques for the detection and control of furniture beetle. Proceedings of the Second
International Conference on Urban Pests. Pp. 353-359.
http://www.icup.org.uk/reports/ICUP746.pdf Accessed 21 march 2012.
Romano CM, Móras A, Oliveira M de, Pereira JM, Gularte MA, Elias MC (2006) Control of
Acanthoscelides obtectus in black beans with diatomaceus earth. Proceedings of the 9th
International Working Conference on Stored-Product Protection, ABRAPOS, Passo Fundo,
RS, Brazil, 15-18 October 2006. pp. 877-882.
Rees D (1994) Insects of Stored Grain: A Pocket Reference (& wall charts). CSIRO,
Australia.
Rees D (2001) Insects of Stored Grain - A Pocket Reference. CSIRO, Canberra.
Rees D (2004) Insects of Stored Products. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood VIC, Australia.
Shires SW (1977) Ability of Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) to
damage and breed on several stored food commodities. Journal of Stored Products Research
13: 205-208.
Smith EH, Whitman RC (2003) Ham/Cheese Skipper. In National Pest Control Association
Field Guide to Structural Pests: Stored Product Pests. Fairfax, VA.
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Stored-Grain Insects USDA Agriculture Handbook Number 500, 1978.
University of Alberta (2001) Pyralis farinalis. University of Alberta.
http://www.entomology.ualberta.ca/searching_species_details.php?c=8&rnd=27030120&PH
PSESSID=e0fa371ff532ee629090efd8d176ef4b&s=29621 Accessed 2 April 2012.
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