Abstract
In Burkina Faso, the availability of Acacia macrostachya “Zamnè” seeds throughout the year is threatened by the attacks of pests. So, the effectiveness of airtight (hermetic) storage for the preservation of these seeds was evaluated using 20-litre plastic jars and 50 kg PICS bags as hermetic containers with 50 kg polypropylene bags as controls. Seeds of Acacia macrostachya (17.5 kg) were stored in each of these storage devices for six months under ambient conditions in the laboratory. The number of storage pest Bruchidius silaceus increased significantly in polypropylene bags from 235 to 715 individuals on average/500 g of seeds. But in PICS bags and plastic drums, the number of this pest did not vary significantly (191 and 239 individuals on average/500 g of seeds for plastic jars and PICS bags respectively). In both hermetic devices, we found few individuals of another major storage pest Caryedon furcatus. However, polypropylene bags, haboured more pests’ in addition high numbers of C. furcatus and Oryzaephilus mercator which were not found in the hermetic devices. Seeds damage and weight loss increased significantly in polypropylene bags from 7.40% to 20.23% and 0.50% to 3% respectively compared to PICS bags and plastic jars. The germination rate of A. macrostachya seeds decreased significantly in PICS bags, plastic jars and polypropylene bags with average percentages of 14%; 11% and 15% respectively compared to the initial average of 27%. PICS bags and plastic jars are therefore effective in preserving the quality of A. macrostachya seeds, but the effects of these hermetic devices on seed viability need to be explored further.
Highlights
In Burkina Faso, Acacia macrostachya Reichenb. ex DC
Seeds damage and weight loss increased significantly in polypropylene bags from 7.40% to 20.23% and 0.50% to 3% respectively compared to Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags and plastic jars
Our results have shown that plastic jars and PICS bags can be used to effectively store A. macrostachya seed grains showing no differences in their efficiencies in comparison to the control
Summary
“Zamnè” is a wild legume whose seeds are a very important non-timber forest product (NTFPs) for rural and urban population. A recent survey conducted in rural areas in Burkina Faso [5], showed that insect pests cause damages by perforating and reducing germination rate of the grains. Several hermetic containers have been successfully tested for storing of leguminous seeds such as triple-bagging technology named Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS)’s bags. This technology has already proven to be effective in storing several crops including cowpea, bambara groundnut, mung bean, pigeonpea and sorghum [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]. This present study was undertaken firstly to assess the hermetic storage of A. macrostachya seeds in plastic jars and PICS bags for controlling insect pests; and secondly to demonstrate the effectiveness of these hermetic storage systems on seeds viability and germination rates
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