As an outcome of the NovIGRain project funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the research team developed the NovIGRain Decision Making Tool — a practical, evidence-based tool designed to support farmers, grain store operators and other professionals in making informed decisions about pest management in stored grain. Developed using extensive research from the Czech Agrifood Research Center (CARC), the tool translates complex scientific data on pest resistance into practical, user-friendly insights, see Press release.
The tool translates key scientific and agronomic knowledge into a simple decision-support process. By entering basic information about storage conditions, grain temperature, pest presence and species, storage duration and phosphine resistance, users receive a tailored recommendation for their specific storage situation.
The tool is intended to support professional decision making and the application of integrated pest management (IPM) principles, helping users select appropriate control strategies while reducing unnecessary pesticide use and associated risks.
How does the tool work?
The decision-making process consists of three main steps:
- Enter the storage conditions
Users provide basic information about their current storage situation, including:
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- storage duration — short- or long-term storage,
- grain bulk temperature,
- presence and species of storage pests,
- available information on phosphine resistance.
No specialist knowledge is required to complete the initial assessment.
- Assessment of the situation
The tool compares the information provided by the user with a structured decision framework based on validated criteria for grain-storage pest management.
The assessment considers, among other factors:
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- the temperature threshold relevant to pest development and control,
- pest species and their classification,
- phosphine resistance,
- expected storage duration,
- the resulting level of pest-management risk.
- Tailored decision support
Based on the information entered, the tool provides targeted professional guidance on the appropriate pest-management strategy. Depending on the situation, the recommendation may indicate that no treatment is required or provide guidance towards appropriate treatment and fumigation procedures.
The recommendations also highlight relevant safety, regulatory and product-use requirements.
Evidence-based guidance and supporting resources
The Decision Making Tool is complemented by a set of supporting resources covering key aspects of stored-grain pest management:
Testing and sampling
Reliable decision making starts with reliable information. The guidance explains appropriate grain sampling and testing procedures for assessing pest presence and infestation.
Integrated pest management
Preventive measures, monitoring, mechanical methods and chemical control can be combined to reduce pest risk and minimise unnecessary pesticide use.
Phosphine resistance
Phosphine resistance can vary between pest populations and geographical regions. Understanding resistance is an important element of effective and sustainable fumigation management.
Who can use the tool?
The NovIGRain Decision Making Tool is intended as a general decision-support resource for:
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- farmers and agricultural producers,
- grain store and silo operators,
- grain traders and storage professionals,
- agricultural advisers and consultants,
- professionals involved in stored-grain pest management.
The tool is designed to support, rather than replace, professional judgement and applicable national regulations.
Access the NovIGRain Decision Making Tool
The online tool is available here:
NovIGRain Decision Making Tool
Users can enter their storage conditions and obtain evidence-based guidance relevant to their particular situation.
Important: The tool provides decision support and general professional guidance. Before applying any pesticide or fumigant, users should verify that the product is authorised for the intended use in their country and consult a suitably qualified or certified professional. All applicable national legislation, product labels and safety requirements must be followed.
Assoc. prof. Václav Stejskal, Ph.D.
head of CARC research team Protection of stored products against strage pests