How can lowering the humidity of stored grains reduce damage from mold?

Lowering the humidity of stored grains is an effective method for reducing damage from mold primarily through physical and environmental modification. Mold thrives in moist environments, and by decreasing humidity, the conditions become less favorable for mold growth. This practice involves controlling the moisture level in storage facilities, which can be achieved through various means such as using dehumidifiers, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining appropriate temperatures.

When moisture levels are kept low, the likelihood of mold spores germinating and developing into harmful growth on the grains diminishes significantly. This physical alteration of the environment plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of the grain and preventing economic losses associated with mold damage.

Chemical pesticides, while they may also be utilized in some contexts for pest management or mold prevention, do not directly influence humidity levels and thus are not the primary method for reducing mold damage in stored grains. Similarly, introducing new pests would likely exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it, and heat treatment, while effective against certain pests and pathogens, does not specifically address mold growth under typical circumstances where moisture levels are the issue. Therefore, the approach of modifying the physical and environmental conditions by lowering humidity stands out as the most effective strategy in this situation.