Insects controlled

A vast array of insects infest almonds in storage in California. Currently they are controlled using phosphine gas, which acts as a fumigant. We are working with the University of California at Berkeley and Merced to develop an organic solution for controlling these insect pests.

Insects infesting stored almonds in California

Naval orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) is by far the most destructive insect pest of stored almonds in California. Moths lay their eggs into the almonds prior to harvest and they can make their way into storage with the nuts. The larvae hatch after 4 to 23 days and eat the nut meat. This can also lead to fungal infections of the nuts. Mature larvae measure 1/4 to 1/2 inch, while adults are approximately 1/3 to 1/2 inch.

Sawtoothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis)  larvae are approximately 1/8th of an inch long while the adults are approximately 1/10th of an inch. Despite its name the Sawtoothed grain beetle also eats nuts, pasta, dried fruit and even dried pet food.  Eggs hatch in 3 to 5 days and both adults and larvae can survive temperatures as low as 4°F for 24 hours.

Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum )  are much smaller than other storage insect pests of almonds, with  larvae measure around 1/5 of an inch and adults 1/8 of an inch. The United Nations considers them one of the world’s worst most common pests of stored foods, eating cereals, flour, pasta, cookies, beans and nuts. Adults are capable of flight and covering huge distances in search of food.

Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella) larvae measure around 1/2 and inch in length while the adults are slightly smaller at around 1/3rd of an inch. Unlike the other insect pests of stored almonds this is a moth, and so can travel great distances and re-infest stored almonds. Eggs hatch after 2 to 14 days while adults live for around 50 days.