Question Bank • QB_APE_STOR_009 MSQ • 2 Marks

Section 6: Agricultural Process Engineering

Storage Systems

Subtopic: Godowns, bins and grain silos

Question Statement:

In hermetic grain storage bags (e.g., triple-layer Purdue Improved Crop Storage - PICS bags), insect pest mortality is primarily caused by:

Options:

  • (A) Rapid biological depletion of oxygen ($O_2 < 3\text{--}5\%$) through grain and insect respiration
  • (B) Concomitant accumulation of respiratory carbon dioxide ($CO_2 > 10\text{--}15\%$), producing toxic hypercapnia
  • (C) Metabolic desiccation and cessation of water production in insects
  • (D) High-voltage electrostatic shock discharged through the polymer lining

Answer Key:

A, B, C

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

In airtight hermetic storage, biological respiration rapidly consumes $O_2$ and generates $CO_2$. Depletion of $O_2$ asphyxiates insects, elevated $CO_2$ causes narcosis/hypercapnia, and dry conditions prevent insect water conservation (A, B, C). Option D is absurd.
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