Abstract
The effect of moisture content on the physical properties of three of the most popular Nigerian cowpea varieties namely Ife 98-12, IT90K-277-2 and Ife Brown was determined with a view to obtain data useful for the design of handling and processing equipment for the crop. Physical properties such as linear dimensions, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, bulk density, true density, projected area, porosity and 1000 grain mass were studied in the moisture range of 8 to 18% w.b. which covers the moisture range from harvesting to storage. The length of the grains ranged from 9.36 to 9.74mm, 7.70 to 8.49mm and 8.01 to 8.49mm for the three varieties respectively. The width ranged from 6.34 to 6.53mm, 6.08 to 6.45mm and 6.01 to 6.46mm while the thickness ranged from 5.24 to 5.33mm, 5.00 to 5.24mm and 4.42 to 4.75mm respectively for the three varieties. The results show that variety and moisture content had significant effects (p≤ 0.05) on all the physical properties studied except aspect ratio on which the effect of moisture content was not significant. Regression equations that could be used to express the relationships existing between the physical properties and grain moisture content were established.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Natural Sciences Engineering and Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
