Evaluation of different grain storage technologies against storage insect pests over an extended storage time

Abstract

Grain crops are the dominant source of nutrition for the majority of the world's population, particularly in developing nations. However, mainly in traditional storage methods, significant grain losses are incurred due to rodents, insect pests, and environmental conditions. To meet the food demand for the ever-increasing world population, it is necessary to address the issue of grain loss to pest damage in storage. In line with the potential of different hermetic storage technologies (PICS bags, Metal Silos and Polypropylene bags + low-density Polyethylene bags) and conventional Jute Sacks and Polypropylene bags in maintaining the quality of the grain over 7months of storage were evaluated. Compared with traditional jute sacks and Polypropylene bags, all hermetic storage methods showed better storage performance in retaining germination capacity, nutritional composition and reduced the percentage of seed damage. Of all storage methods, Metal silos and PICS bags were the most effective in reducing both quantitative and nutritional losses of the grain. They reduced the percentage of seed damage below 3.8%, but the percentage of grain damage in Jute sacks was as high as 61.2%. It is recommended that smallholder farmers can use either metal silo or PICS bags to store their grains.