Heat treatments for improved organic-compatible disinfestation of khapra beetle in stored products -- 1) validating real world heat treatment parameters. 2) mapping movement in heat gradients. 3)…

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service awarded a $145,236 Cooperative Agreement to Kansas State University on August 1, 2026, to validate real-world heat treatment parameters for disinfestation of khapra beetle in stored products, map movement in heat gradients, and assess mortality in colony populations exposed to heat and high nitrogen combinations. The work supports organic-compatible pest management methods for agricultural stored products.

The recipient is Kansas State University operating as Pre-Awards Services. Performance takes place in Manhattan, Kansas, with a period of performance through July 31, 2027. The award falls under USDA's Agricultural Research Basic and Applied Research program (CFDA 10.001), which funds research and development conducted in cooperation with the Agricultural Research Service's in-house research programs.

Heat treatments for improved organic-compatible disinfestation of khapra beetle in stored products -- 1) validating real world heat treatment parameters. 2) mapping movement in heat gradients. 3) assessment of mortality in colony populations with heat and high nitrogen combinations.