Grain Science and Industry Researchers Receive USDA Funding for Chlorine Dioxide Research

May 27, 2024

Bhadriraju Subramanyam "Subi," university distinguished professor, Kaliramesh Siliveru, associate professor, and E. Xinyi, formerly a postdoctoral research associate in Subi's laboratory, and now a professor of practice in the department of biological and agricultural engineering, received $486,000 from USDA-NIFA funding under the Methyl Bromide Transitions program for their proposal, "Evaluation of chlorine dioxide for managing insects and pathogens associated with wheat flour mills, wheat, and flour."

In this three-year project, the researchers will examine effectiveness of gaseous chlorine dioxide against stored-product insects and microorganisms on food-contact surfaces in flour mills. In addition, aqueous chlorine dioxide will be used to temper wheat prior to milling to determine reduction in microbes on wheat and in flour. This is Subi's fifth Methyl Bromide Transitions grant. The proposed work is an extension of Subi's project supported by the Australian government between 2012 and 2018 of more than $500,000 under the Cooperative Research Centre Plant Biosecurity consortium to explore alternatives like chlorine dioxide for controlling stored-product insects resistant to the fumigant phosphine, a major issue for the Australian grain industry.

Phosphine resistance in stored-product insects is a worldwide issue, including the United States. The researchers showed that chlorine dioxide gas can control phosphine resistant insects, and this research could not have been successful without the donation of a 40-foot trailer by PureLine, Bensenville, Illinois, that generates chlorine dioxide gas electrochemically. The trailer currently sits between the Hal Ross Flour Mill and O. H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center on the Grain Science and Industry Complex.

Source : k-state.edu

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.