Chortoglyphus arcuatus

Systematic position. Chortoglyphus arcuatus is an acarid mite belonging to the order Acariformes and the family Chortoglyphidae. This species is widely recognized as a major pest of stored products, particularly thriving in environments where agricultural commodities are kept in storage for extended periods.

Crops affected. The pest primarily infests stored grains such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, and maize. In addition to cereals, Chortoglyphus arcuatus is known to feed on legumes, oilseeds, flour, bran, mixed animal feeds, dried fruits, and accumulated debris or dust within storage facilities, making it a highly adaptable species in human-built environments.

Biology and life cycle. The development of this mite is highly sensitive to the moisture content of the substrate and ambient temperature. Under optimal conditions, typically involving temperatures between +20°C and +25°C and relative humidity above 70%, the lifecycle from egg to adult is completed in approximately 15 to 20 days. This rapid reproduction enables the mite population to colonize grain stocks very quickly.

Damage and economic significance. The mites mainly feed on the embryo of the grain, which leads to a significant decrease in germination rates. Beyond direct consumption, the presence of mites causes severe contamination of grain stocks with feces, shed skins, and dead mites. This contamination often causes musty odors, clumping, and promotes the growth of storage fungi, rendering the affected grain unfit for food or feed purposes.

Control measures. Effective management depends on physical and chemical control strategies.

• Reducing grain moisture content to below 13% to inhibit mite development.
• Regular cleaning and sanitization of warehouses and equipment to remove food sources.
• Monitoring of storage temperature and implementation of grain cooling systems.
• Use of aeration to maintain uniform temperature and humidity throughout the bulk.
• Application of approved chemical fumigants when heavy infestations are detected.