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Aluminum Phosphide Fumigations in Grain

6/2022 Issue: Aluminum Phosphide Fumigations in Grain

By: Jeff Waggoner, ACE

Wheat harvest is upon us in 2022. What an interesting backdrop to this year’s event.  As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, it is sure to put a strain on global wheat supplies. What does the US market look like this year? According to the May 12, 2022, Crop Report from USDA, winter wheat is forecast at 1.17 billion bushels, down 8% from last year. Hard Red Winter down 21% at 590 million bushels, Soft Red Winter, at 354 million bushels is down 2% while White Winter is up 38% over 2021. Hard White and Soft White are at 15.7 and 214 million bushels respectively.

What does this mean for global markets and prices? Farm prices for 2022/2023 is projected to reach a record $10.75 per bushel brought on by tight domestic stock. Most of the wheat that was in storage 3 years ago has been sold so inventories are low. The stocks-to-use ration is projected to be the lowest since 2013, almost a decade ago.

Why do I mention all this? Well, if you are holding on to wheat, it puts a lot of emphasis on protecting it from insect damage and loss. How do you do that? Well, there are a lot of things you can do but for this post, we are going to discuss fumigation. Specifically, we are going to look at the most widely used method of fumigating bulk grains and that is a Restricted Use Pesticide called Aluminum Phosphide. Aluminum Phosphide or AlP is known by many names and terms, but it all works in a very similar fashion.

AlP is the most cost-effective way to fumigate your grain. Fumigation is the only way to get effective control of an existing insect infestation. That being said, fumigation should not be a substitute for proper prevention. Sanitation efforts, pre-binning treatments, grain protectants, monitoring and aeration together can help reduce your dependency on fumigation. Now, insects and to a lesser degree, rodents pose a major threat to the quality and quantity (weight) of your stored commodity and over time WILL find their way in and in some cases WILL cost you significant amounts of money. Given the right conditions, an insect’s ability to reproduce can turn your grain into a shell of its former self.

            Test:  Approximately how many insects in 90 days at optimum conditions for reproduction (starting with 1 female and ½ of the offspring are reproducing females).

  • Indian Meal Moth = approximately 14.9 Billion
  • Rice Weevil = approximately 3.3 Billion
  • Flour Beetle = approximately 76.9 Billion
  • Lessor Grain Borer = approximately 31.3 Million

I’m biased, but I strongly suggest you seek professional help when electing to perform a fumigation. The hazards posed by the fumigant, the structure, and the environmental hazards (confined spaces, hot and dusty conditions, etc.) are enough to convince even the most senior elevator manager to hire this work out. You manage your grain, that’s hard enough given the circumstances. Give us a call to discuss your unique situation and how we might be able to help you protect your assets.

There are many steps to a successful application of aluminum phosphide.  First, consider the properties. AlP reacts with atmospheric moisture and produces phosphine gas through a chemical reaction (AlP + 3H2O ---> Al(OH)3 + PH3). If you have time, more on how this works can be found in the product label and associated SDS located on our website at www.FSSZone.com/labels-and-sds. Here are the recommended steps to perform a successful fumigation using AlP.

  • Assessment – Bin, Silo, Flat Storage, Ship, Container, Chamber, etc. Volume, half-loss, temperature, proximity to bystanders must all be considered in developing a successful plan that is both safe and effective. This is where you create a draft version of an FMP (Fumigation Management Plan) in accordance with the product label.
  • Preparation – Sealing the targe structure is a requirement and often the most challenging part of any fumigation
  • Monitoring – If you’re not monitoring, you’re not fumigating. You MUST monitor.  It is your responsibility as an applicator to be a good steward of the very limited products we must protect the world’s food supply. Phosphine works very well and is cost effective but also has exhibited signs of resistance when not properly managed.
  • Aeration – Completing a fumigation includes the removal of spent material and or ensuring the product has been properly cleared of gas before offering to the end user for processing.
  • Documentation – Any reputable fumigation company will provide you with a complete set of usage documentation, completed FMP, licensing, insurance and monitoring data.

I have not covered specifics on how to use this product as this article is not a substitute for the product label but merely a guide to get you introduced to the product and support the need for such treatments in the markets it serves so well.

For more information, please visit us at FSSZone.com or email the author at j.waggoner@fsszone.com.