Advances in Grain Respiration Detection

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?

1. Simply collect a grain sample. (Be sure moisture content is at least 14%)
2. Fill the cup to the fill line.
3. Insert the Solvita® paddle and seal the container.
4. Allow the container to incubate for 24 hours.
5. 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