Effects of raising the receival moisture content on the storability of Australian wheat

Abstract

The receival moisture content of wheat was raised experimentally from 12 to 13% (w/w, wet basis) at sites near Cowra and Forbes (New South Wales) and Port Giles (South Australia) that were fitted with cooling (aeration), during the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons. At Cowra and Forbes, no wheat was received above 12% moisture content. At Port Giles, large quantities of wheat were received in the range 12.1-13.0% moisture content, reaching a maximum of 56% of receivals in 1 bin. However, the average moisture content in each bin did not exceed 12.0% and changed, on average, only 0.01% during aerated storage. No significant effect on quality was detected from studies on viability, bread-making quality, and mycotoxins. All wheat was successfully passed for export, meeting all normal standards including the 'nil tolerance' for live insects.