Question

How high moisture content in food grains affect the storage of food particles?
a. It increases the rate of physical and chemical changes brought about by the action of microorganism and enzymes.
b. It increases population and activity of insects, bacteria and other microorganisms.
c. The respiration of a large population of insects releases large amounts of heat which may raise the temperature of the stored food grains.
d. All of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: The process of pest control is subject to numerous elements, for example, a wellspring of crawling insects, accessible food, temperature, dampness, air, state of the feed-stuff, presence of different life forms, and the endeavors to bar or execute the nuisances. The central point influencing their growth is temperature, relative mugginess, and moisture substance of the feed fixing.

Complete answer:
- The vital activities of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, protozoans are generally promoted in the presence of moisture. The rate of physical or chemical reactions occurring in the storing environment is increased by their action.
- The growth of these microorganisms is found to be more rapid in the areas of high moisture content or dampness.
- Also, the insects, algae, fungi and microorganisms respire in the stored grains which results in the generation of heat.
- The process of respiration is somehow responsible for exhaustion of heat energy which is found in high amounts due to the growth of various life forms.
- The majority of the significant bugs are exotic species with an ideal temperature of about 28°C. It is, in this manner, apparent that misfortunes from insect invasion will be most prominent in the jungles.
- The dampness substance of feedstuff is firmly identified with the relative moisture.
- All these factors are associated with the storage of food particles and contribute to the spoilage of stored food grains.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: The most important factor determining the effectiveness of a storage system for feed ingredients is Climate. This is because of the close relationship between insect growth and ambient climatic conditions. There is an important relationship between insects and micro-organisms in stored feedstuffs. Infested material should be kept separate until fumigated in order to totally eradicate the pests.