Effect of drying and storage of corn seeds (Zea mays L.) on postharvest insect pest control in laboratory scales

Abstract

Corn is one of the word’s most essential carbohydrate-producing food crops. In addition to being used as a staple food for most of the world’s population, corn seeds are also an essential component of animal feed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of drying and storage time on the presence of warehouse pest populations. The research method was carried out by drying corn seeds under sun exposure for 6 hours/day. The experiment consisted of four treatments, namely drying time repeated three times. Observations consisted of weight loss of corn seeds, the population of warehouse pests, and damage intensity. The results of the observations were then analyzed by statistical tests followed by a real difference test. The results showed that the weight of corn seeds decreased with the length of the drying process. Drying for 18 hours was effective in suppressing the presence of warehouse pests such as S. zeamais (197.67 adults) and T. castaneum (1.67 adults). Drying time in addition to affecting the presence of warehouse pests, also significantly affects the intensity of the attack. Drying for 24 hours has a lower damage rate (13.05%) when compared to other drying times.