Measure grain spoilage before you see the mold.
The incredible conundrum of grain production is that even while you can’t see it, micro-organisms are at work spoiling your hard-earned efforts, creating grain spoilage and loss that’s hard to recoup. The Solvita® Fungal Spoilage Test for grain gives you the tools to change all that, by detecting mold even before it’s visible – it’s like an early warning signal for fungal activity. This revolutionary grain spoilage test measures grain respiration, a unique measurement that helps predict spoilage before it happens.
Grain storage studies have shown that testing grain respiration – the release of carbon dioxide (CO2 from incubated grain) – can accurately predict the remaining grain storage life and the grain’s susceptibility to spoilage. Solvita® combines these findings with modern technology in a reliable, simple-to-use process that you can perform quickly and economically. It can monitor and alert you to unusually high fungal spoilage. Use the Solvita® grain test to:
- Reduce the likelihood of harmful spoilage of grain
- Predict the storage life remaining at current conditions
- Detect spoilage
- Measure the extent of spoilage
- Identify where spoilage occurs so grain can be quickly used
- Evaluate the quality of on-farm grain storage
- Test with no extra lab equipment required
- Provide information to develop an effective grain management strategy.
How does the Solvita® grain test work?
- Simply collect a grain sample. (Be sure moisture content is at least 14%)
- Fill the cup to the fill line.
- Insert the Solvita® paddle and seal the container.
- Allow the container to incubate for 24 hours.
- Read the results.
At all points of the grain process – pre-harvest, harvest, storage, processing and export, the Solvita® grain test gives you valuable info on spoilage potential to help you leverage your grain for maximum value:
- Measure fungal levels in the field
- Check grain at harvest
- Test stored grain for signs of spoilage
- Determine grain suitability for export – test loaded rail cars or barges
In early stages of grain spoilage (left) you may not be able to see mold, but enhanced CO2-respiration will be evident – and the Solvita® grain test will detect it. By mid term spoilage (center) grain dry matter loss has exceeded 0.5%. Terminal spoilage (right) follows quickly, and the grain will be a total loss.
To learn more about the grain test, see published papers below or contact us via email.
To order a Grain Test Kit, visit our store.
Publications demonstrating Solvita® Grain Storage Test
Institution |
Study Period |
Outcome |
Iowa State University | 2015 | Physical and Chemical Properties of Whole Stillage, Thin Stillage and Syrup, Presentation at the 2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting, New Orleans, July 26-29, 2015 |
Purdue University | 2015 | The Effect of Storage Temperature and Percentage of Condensed Distillers Solubles on the Shelf-Life of Distillers Wet Grains Stored Aerobically, Ileleji, K.E.; McClurkin, J.D., Journal of Stored Products Research, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2015.03.002, request by email |
Woods End Laboratories | 2002-2013 | Research Summary; Solvita CO2 Test Kit to Detect Grain Fungal Spoilage, Woods End Laboratories, 2013. |
Purdue University | 2008-2010 | Fungal Susceptibility at Four Temperature-Moisture Combinations and Carbon Dioxide Kit Color Reader Evaluation, Moog, D.J.P. et al, Journal of Cereal Chemistry, 2010: 87(3):182–189, 2010, doi:10.1094/CCHEM-87-3-0182 |
Purdue University | 2007-2008 | Relationship of Shelled Corn Fungal Susceptibility to Carbon Dioxide Evolution and Kernel Attributes, Strohshine, R.L. et al, Journal of Cereal Chemistry, 2008: 85(1):19–26, doi:10.1094 / CCHEM-85-1-0019 |
Iowa State University | 2006-2007 | Quantifying Corn Deterioration Due to Fungal Growth by Use of CO2-Sensitive Gel, Bern C.J. et al, Journal of Applied Engineering in Agriculture, Vol. 22(1): 81-86, 2006, doi: 10.13031/2013.20174 |
Purdue University | 2002-2006 | NC213 Reports; Ph.D. Thesis |
Titus Grain Inspection Service | 2006-2008 | Refinement of spreadsheet predictor for 0.5% dry matter loss (one grade debit) due to fungal spoilage |