Alternatives of storage of corn grains for the conditions of the brazilian cerrado

Paulo Carteri Coradi,Fernando França Cunha,Charline Zaratin Alves,Lucas Jandrey Camilo,Taísa Lopes Lacerda Pereira

doi:10.14393/bj-v32n1a2016-29119

Abstract

The storage of grains under technical conditions in favorable environment ensures grain quality and regulates the supply of raw material for food production. For this reason, the objective of this study was to evaluate the different forms of storage (aerated silo, non-aerated silo, silo bags and airtight) of grains produced in the Brazilian cerrado, over time (zero, three and six months), for different physical qualities of maize (normal grains, whole grains and broken grains). The research was conducted at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Chapadao do Sul Campus (CPCS), Grain Postharvest Laboratory. To determine the physical-chemical quality and the physical properties of grains over six months, samples were taken from the stored lots. Analysis of variance and comparison of means by Tukey’s test were conducted at 5% probability. The six-month storage time was the main factor contributing to the reduction of the quality of maize grains. Storage alternatives with aeration, non-aeration, bags and airtight environment did not influence the physical properties of maize grains. The broken maize grains showed the worst physical and chemical quality during storage time, while the batch of whole corn grains differ in quality during storage. It was concluded that airtight storage and storage in aerated silos were the conditions that best preserved the physical and chemical quality of maize grains over time.

Highlights

Brazil is one of the leading maize producers worldwide, and the Midwest region is the main producer
The objective of this study was to evaluate the different forms of storage of grains produced in the Brazilian cerrado, over time, for different physical qualities of maize
The research was conducted at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Chapadão do Sul Campus (CPCS), Grain Postharvest Laboratory

Summary

Introduction

Brazil is one of the leading maize producers worldwide, and the Midwest region is the main producer. Maize is the second most produced grain in Brazil, second only to soybeans (FAO, 2012). It is known that quantitative and qualitative losses of extremely variable magnitude occur both at the harvest and in all stages of postharvest system, transport, handling, drying, storage, processing, marketing and endpoints distribution to consumers. In Brazil, losses in the stages of postharvest of grains range between 25 and 30% of what is produced (FAO, 2012). After the corn grain harvest will be sold, or else stored for a period of time, seeking better market conditions for marketing. It is essential to maintain the quality characteristics of maize grains and minimize quantitative and qualitative losses, as well as choose the best alternative for storage conditions, according to the region and the producer capitalization (ANTUNES et al, 2011)

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Conclusion