A WINCHESTER technology firm has been awarded a government grant to develop a biological mixture which stops insects from infesting European grain stocks.

Exosect was awarded £180,000 by the government’s Agri-Tech Catalyst fund to create a grain admixture which would control insects and mites in grain storage.

The firm, based at Leylands Business Park, Colden Common, will use its Entostat technology to insert a fungus which kills insects directly into grain cells before they are stored.

Exosect director Rob Cannings said: “We have developed a significant amount of know-how in delivering this biological admixture. This award will help us in our commitment to further develop a much needed, new form of pest control technology for the commodity storage sector.”