Abstract
Seven methods for storing maize were tested and compared with traditional storage of maize in polypropylene bags. Twenty farmers managed the experiment under their prevailing conditions for 30 weeks. Stored grain was assessed for damage every six weeks. The dominant storage insect pests identified were the Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) and the Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). The moisture content of grain in hermetic conditions increased from 12.5 ± 0.2% at the start of storage to a range of 13.0 ± 0.2–13.5 ± 0.2% at 30 weeks. There was no significant difference (F = 87.09; P < 0.0001) regarding insect control and grain damage between hermetic storage and fumigation with insecticides. However, the insecticide treatment of polypropylene yarn (ZeroFly®) did not control the insect populations for the experimental period under farmers' management. Grain damage was significantly lower in hermetic storage and fumigated grain than ZeroFly® and polypropylene bags without fumigation. No significant difference in grain damage was found between airtight treatment alone and when combined with the use of insecticides. During storage, S. zeamais was predominant and could be of more economic importance than T. castaneum as far as maize damage is concerned. At 30 weeks, the germination rate of grain stored with insecticides or in hermetic storage (68.5 ± 3.6% to 81.4 ± 4.0%) had not significantly reduced from the rate before storage (F = 15.55; P < 0.0001) except in ZeroFly®, also in polypropylene bags without treatment. Even though such bags did not control storage pests, farmers still liked this cheap technology. Hermetic storage techniques can be recommended to farmers without the use of insecticides provided they are inexpensive, and the proper application of technologies is ensured.
Highlights
Postharvest loss, the quantitative and qualitative loss of food value in food crops until they reach the consumer, is a leading cause of food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (Chigoverah and Mvumi, 2016)
According to the cause(s), damaged grain (DG) was further separated into different categories; (i) Insect damage: insects only, insects and fungi only, (ii) Fungal damage: fungi only, germination and fungi only, rodents and fungi only, other damage and fungi only, (iii) Grain breakage: broken grain only, (iv) Stunting: stunted grain
The results suggest that the high Weight loss (WL) in PP bags without treatment and ZeroFly® resulted from insect DG to the kernel during storage and that hermetic storage alone was adequate to prevent DG and WL and maintain maize quality
Summary
Postharvest loss, the quantitative and qualitative loss of food value in food crops until they reach the consumer, is a leading cause of food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (Chigoverah and Mvumi, 2016). In Eastern and Southern Africa alone, postharvest loss (PHL) of grain can be valued at US$1.6 billion/year, or about 13.56% of the total value of grain production in the region, and could potentially reach nearly US$4 billion/year in SSA out of an estimated annual value of US$27 billion (Zorya et al, 2011). Maize is grown on an average of 2 million ha or about 45% of the cultivated land in Tanzania and is a staple food for the majority of the population (FSD, 1996; Kimanya et al, 2008) It provides about 60% of their dietary energy intake and about 50% of their digestible protein intake (Katinila et al, 1998). Abass et al / Journal of Stored Products Research 77 (2018) 55e65
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