Fungi associated with small wheat bulks during prolonged storage in Manitoba

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Abstract
Two bulks of wheat of 13.5 metric tons with an initial 13.5% moisture content were used to determine the microbial factors governing long-term spoilage of wheat. During 5 yr, data for moisture, temperature, seed viability and fungi were collected at monthly intervals at different depths and locations. During summer, moisture accumulated at the center of the bins at 61 cm below the surface. At this time there was a 15.degree. C variation in temperature between the surface and bottom of the bulks. In autumn, loss of moisture occurred at all depths below the surface, but the temperature variation was small. After 3 yr, grain at the center at the 61-cm depth became infected by fungi; loss of seed viability occurred with no heating. A small damp pocket in a bin of dry grain caused a hot spot, but this had little subsequent effect on the rest of the grain. As the grain aged, seasonal changes in temperature and moisture caused an increase in Penicillium spp. each autumn and a decline of Alternaria alternata each spring and autumn. Other fungi recorded were Rhizopus spp., Gonatobotrys simplex, Cladosporium spp., Chaetomium dolicotrichum, Cochliobolus sativus, Nigrospora oryzea, Aspergillus versicolor, A. flavus, A. candidus, A. glaucus, Absidia spp. and actinomycetes.

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