Jute Bags Research Articles

Aflatoxin levels in seeds of commonly grown groundnut varieties (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Ghana as influenced by storage method

Quality seeds of improved local genotypes is an important input for increasing the productivity of groundnut in Ghana. The existing means of meeting groundnut seed requirements, especially by smallholder farmers, have serious challenges with timely supply and access to these improved genotypes as a result of the limited participation of the private sector and the self-pollinated nature of the crop. Smallholder farmers who take the initiative to store their own seeds, have challenges with storage fungi and aflatoxin contamination. Farmers’ groundnut seed stocks have shown that improvement in seed quality and farmers’ seed management requires maintaining healthy seed stock. Toxicogenic fungi and mycotoxins have been reported in several human and animal health disorders and are major contaminants of groundnut seeds during storage. Some level of success has, however, been achieved from earlier studies to evaluate the efficacy of some plant botanicals for preserving shelled groundnuts. However, for smallholder on-farm safety, such phyto-based preservation methods rather reduce groundnut seed embryo vigour and germination rates. Designing and developing economically appropriate storage solution (practices) for maintaining seed integrity for use requires evidence-based research and an eco-friendly approach. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of using jute bag (JB) and interlaced polyethylene jute bag (IPJB) combinations for the storage of groundnut seeds (varieties) against fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination under ambient storage conditions. The study was undertaken at the Department of Biochemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. Seeds were packaged and stored either in jute bags (JB) or interlaced polyethylene jute bags (IPJB) at ambient conditions over four months’ period. All seeds of groundnut varieties were partly colonised by a range of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Rhizopus spp of fungi. Aflatoxins were detected in only Nkosour (148.21 ppb) while Adepa and Kwame Danso recorded elevated levels of aflatoxin B1 (45.918 ppb) and B2 (410.974 ppb) at four months after storage (MAS). Results indicate that, the IPJB packaging was effective for short-term storage only, while the level of pathogen infection and aflatoxin contamination recorded was low. However, none of the packages evaluated proved exceptionally efficient. Irrespective of the storage package used, Mireku, Konkoma, Nkate Broni, Kumawu Local, Shitaochi, Azizivi, and Jenkaah recorded biologically and economically insignificant levels of aflatoxins. Thus, planting these groundnut varieties by smallholder farmers may offer them some level of security from aflatoxin contamination and loss of seed quality.

Effect of Germination Duration on the Chemical Composition, functional and Pasting Properties of Acha Flour and its Potential for Biscuit Production

Germinated acha flour was prepared by washing the acha grain (with tap water), soaking(for 6hours), drained, spread evenly on jute bag to germinate for varied duration(0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h). The varied germinated grains were dried in a hot air oven at 60oC, milled, sieved and packaged in high density polyethylene. The functional, proximate, pasting, mineral and vitamin properties of the germinated flour were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Biscuit produced from the germinated acha flour were also analysed for physical and sensory properties. Biscuit with 100% wheat flour (WF) serves as a reference sample. The proximate results of the flour showed an increase in protein (15.38% to 12.93%), ash (3.54% to 0.58%), fat (8.08% to 5.12%), crude fibre (0.32% to 0.22%), but decrease in moisture (11.46% to 10.15%), carbohydrate (69.19% to 64.56%) content with increase in germination duration. The pasting properties of the flour, peak viscosity, trough, breakdown, final viscosity, set back, peak time and pasting temperature decreased from 1457.01 to 348.01, 1147.07 to 152.02, 310.01 to 164.02, 3306.02 to 569.01, 2159.02 to 417.02, 5.60 to 5.08 and 1397.44 to 289.17 RVU, respectively, with increase in germination duration. There was remarkable increase in the iron, zinc, vitamin B1and B2 content from 22.02 to 93.24, 49.01 to 69.01, 0.615 to 1.633 and 0.163 to 0.483mg/100g, respectively, and a decrease in the calcium and phosphorus content from 24605.53 to 18498.55 and 1124.94 to 894.960 mg/100g, respectively, with increase in germination time. The weight and spread ratio of the baked germinated acha flour increased from 11.73g to 11.43g and 4.80 to 4.27, respectively, while the break strength and the volume of the same, increased from 2.47 to 2.83kg and 60.43 to 61.58cm3 respectively, with increase (1-5days) in germination duration. All the sensory parameters of the biscuits assessed with exception of taste were accepted and compared favourably with the control (100% wheat biscuit).

Effect of Germination Duration on the Chemical Composition, functional and Pasting Properties of Acha Flour and its Potential for Biscuit Production

Germinated acha flour was prepared by washing the acha grain (with tap water), soaking(for 6hours), drained, spread evenly on jute bag to germinate for varied duration(0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h). The varied germinated grains were dried in a hot air oven at 60oC, milled, sieved and packaged in high density polyethylene. The functional, proximate, pasting, mineral and vitamin properties of the germinated flour were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Biscuit produced from the germinated acha flour were also analysed for physical and sensory properties. Biscuit with 100% wheat flour (WF) serves as a reference sample. The proximate results of the flour showed an increase in protein (15.38% to 12.93%), ash (3.54% to 0.58%), fat (8.08% to 5.12%), crude fibre (0.32% to 0.22%), but decrease in moisture (11.46% to 10.15%), carbohydrate (69.19% to 64.56%) content with increase in germination duration. The pasting properties of the flour, peak viscosity, trough, breakdown, final viscosity, set back, peak time and pasting temperature decreased from 1457.01 to 348.01, 1147.07 to 152.02, 310.01 to 164.02, 3306.02 to 569.01, 2159.02 to 417.02, 5.60 to 5.08 and 1397.44 to 289.17 RVU, respectively, with increase in germination duration. There was remarkable increase in the iron, zinc, vitamin B1and B2 content from 22.02 to 93.24, 49.01 to 69.01, 0.615 to 1.633 and 0.163 to 0.483mg/100g, respectively, and a decrease in the calcium and phosphorus content from 24605.53 to 18498.55 and 1124.94 to 894.960 mg/100g, respectively, with increase in germination time. The weight and spread ratio of the baked germinated acha flour increased from 11.73g to 11.43g and 4.80 to 4.27, respectively, while the break strength and the volume of the same, increased from 2.47 to 2.83kg and 60.43 to 61.58cm3 respectively, with increase (1-5days) in germination duration. All the sensory parameters of the biscuits assessed with exception of taste were accepted and compared favourably with the control (100% wheat biscuit).

Effects of source materials, fineness and curing methods on the strength development of alkali-activated binder

This study has investigated the strength development of alkali-activated binders (AAB) fabricated from slag, fly ash (FA), rice husk ash (RHA), and palm oil fuel ash (POFA). Materials being used as singular, binary and ternary compositions while Ca(OH)2, KOH and NaOH were used separately as a chemical activator. All the test results of AAB for 10 numbers of different mixes have been compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortar. Test result reveals that compressive strength of slag activated mortar with 5% NaOH (by weight of binder) achieves 88.2% compressive strength of OPC at 28 days. Among the 10 mixes, AAB4 containing 40% slag, 30% POFA and 30% RHA with 5% NaOH shows a significant compressive strength of 41.7 MPa at 28 days. Flexural strength of alkali-activated mortar with 5% NaOH seems to be acceptable compared with that of OPC mortar at 28 days. It is clearly observed that the strength development of AAB-mortar is greatly influenced by the types and fineness of materials and blending of materials. In contrast, the compressive strength of AAB-mortar is comparatively less influenced by employing different curing methods like water, wetted jute bag and air curing.

Evaluating different hermetic storage technologies to arrest mold growth, prevent mycotoxin accumulation and preserve germination quality of stored chickpea in Ethiopia

Chickpea is an economically important pulse produced by millions of smallholder farmers as a source of food, income and nutrition in Ethiopia. Mold infection and mycotoxin production can potentially lead to significant losses of chickpea during storage. Under laboratory conditions we tested comparative effects of hermetic and traditional storage structures on mold infection, germination and mycotoxin levels of chickpea. Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags, Super GrainPro (SGP) bags, and small metal bins were compared to the traditional and popularly used chickpea storage structures such as polypropylene (PP) bags and jute bags over a six-month storage period. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, chickpea temperature and moisture, seed infection with molds and percentage germination and mycotoxins levels were determined every two months for six months. In PICS bags, SGP bags and metal bins chickpea temperature and moisture changed very little during storage, whereas in jute and PP bags significant temperature and moisture increases were observed. Oxygen levels in PICS and SGP bags decreased from 20% to 8–10% in six months and carbon dioxide levels increased from 0.4% to 10% in PICS bags and from 0.1% to 17% in SGP bags. In jute and PP bags, oxygen levels were around 20% but carbon dioxide levels increased from 0.05% to 0.1–0.2%, perhaps due to mold activity. Mold infection decreased over time in chickpea stored in PICS bags, SGP bags, and metal bins, and seed germination was high (82–92%). Mold infection increased and seed germination decreased in chickpea stored in jute and PP bags. Increases in levels of aflatoxin, fumonisin, deoxynevalenol, and ochratoxin were observed only for chickpea stored in metal bins, and in jute and PP bags. Our study showed that PICS and SGP bags can effectively arrest mold growth, mycotoxin accumulation and preserve germination of chickpea during six months of storage.

EFFECTS OF STORAGE METHODS AND MYCOFLORA ON PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF AFRICAN YAM BEAN (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochust ex Rich ) SEEDS

One of the limitations of African yam bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis sternocarpa) is poor storage ability due to the adverse effect of seed-borne fungi. This study was conducted to examine the effects of storage methods on nutritive composition of AYB seeds stored in three types of storage materials viz; jute bags, polypropylene bags and plastic bowls. Freshly harvested AYB seeds were stored in all the storage materials for 6 months using 2 × 3 factorial (2 AYB cultivars and 3 storage methods) in 3 replicates. The proximate analysis of the stored AYB seeds was carried out at 3 and 6 months after storage using standard methods. The temperature and relative humidity of the store room were recorded monthly. Seeds stored in jute bags gave the best values for crude protein (24.87%), ash (5.69%) and fat content (6.64%) but recorded least values for crude fibre (2.55%), carbohydrate (50.86%) and moisture content (12.68%) at the 6th month of storage. Temperature of the store room decreased from 32.9 ºC - 28.3ºC, while the relative humidity increased from 78% - 86%. Decreased incidence of field fungi namely: Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Geotricum candidum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucor meihei was accompanied by increase in storage fungi viz: Apergillus niger, Mucor hiemalis, Penicillium espansum and Penicillium atrovenetum with prolonged storage. The study showed that out of the three storage materials, jute bag was more effective in preserving AYB seeds.

Effects of different packaging materials coated with aloe vera extract on the microbial quality of African breadfruit flour (treculia africana) during storage

Antimicrobials in food packaging are used to enhance quality and safety by reducing surface contamination of processed food. This study investigated the effects of Aloe vera-coated packaging materials on the microbial quality characteristics of breadfruit flour. Breadfruit flour was packaged in Jute bag (JB), Cali-co bag (CB), low-density Polyethylenein Brown paper (LDPEBP) and they were compared with control. Samples were analyzed for changes in microbiological(total colony count and total fungal count) and moisture content, stored at an ambient temperature of 25 ± 2 ℃ duringstorage at intervals of 12 weeks. Packaging significantly (p < 0.05) affected the moisture content and microbiologicalof breadfruit flour during storage. The moisture content, total colony count, and total fungi count significantly (p < 0.05)increased as the storage time increased. The sample packaged in Brown paper (BP) were more acceptable than those inother packaging materials.

The central bacterial community in Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae 'Chachiensis'.

The dried and aged pericarps of Citri Reticulatae are condiments and medicinal products in southeast and eastern Asia for hundreds of years, among which Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae 'Chachiensis' (PCR-C) is the premium one with obvious health benefits. In order to explore the microbiota in PCR-C and their relationship with the chemical components during aging, culture-independent methods were applied to investigate PCR-C microbiota for the first time. Here in different PCR-C samples, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed common central bacterial community, which were absent or only accounted for small proportion in fresh pericarps or jute bag controls. Bacillus and Lactococcus were the top two dominant genera in PCR-C with acidic pH (4.06-4.51) and low moisture (11.48%-19.13%). Several OTUs were found to closely relate with specific compositions in essential oils and phenolics, such as d-limonene and nobiletin, which contributed to PCR-C flavor and quality. As the first study to reveal the central bacterial communities in PCR-C, it provides new insights to improve the quality and aging process of traditional Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, and lays foundation for functional characterization of the microbes within.

Evaluation of Purdue Improved Crop Storage Triple Layer Hermetic Storage Bag against Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Hermetic technologies are being promoted in Africa as safer and more effective methods of grain storage on smallholder farms. However, farmers and policy makers lack knowledge of their efficacy in controlling major stored grain pests. An on-station study was conducted to evaluate the triple layer Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) airtight bags against two major storage insect pests. Two sets each of PICS, jute and polypropylene bags were filled with 50 kg maize grain per bag. Each set was replicated four times. One set of PICS bags was each infested with 50 insects each of the larger grain borer P. truncatus and the maize weevil S. zeamais; while the other set was not. One set of jute and polypropylene woven bags was treated with a cocktail of 1.6% Pirimiphos methyl and 0.3% Permethrin, serving as positive controls; while the remaining sets with untreated maize grain formed negative controls. Gas analysis in the PICS bags followed the expected trend with oxygen levels falling sharply below 10% and carbon dioxide increasing to almost 10% after 12 weeks hence resulting in insect death. After 16 weeks, increase in oxygen levels may be attributed to perforation of the bags from outside by the P. truncatus. Results showed that PICS bags were significantly (P < 0.05) superior to treated and untreated controls of polypropylene and jute bags in suppressing insect development, maize grain damage and weight loss during storage. Weight loss in polypropylene and jute bags reached 40% and 41%, respectively, at 24 weeks after storage compared to PICS (2.4–2.9%). These results demonstrate that PICS bags can be used to store maize against P. truncatus and S. zeamais attack.

Analysis of FARO 44 Rice Technologies Adoption among Farmers in Nigeria of Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria

The study examines the adoption of FARO 44 rice among Fadama project particpants.A multistage sampling technique was used to select 336 Fadama project farmers from three agricultural zones. Data collected were analysed using adoption scale and factor analysis as well as frequency and percentages. Majority of males were within the active age of 19-36years; married with farming experience of 16-20 years having 0.5-1ha of rice plot. Technologies such as improved seed recommended spacing; seed per hole; use of granular fertilizer were adopted by male respondents. Processing technologies adopted by male were only threshing and bagging. For storage technologies male respondents had adopted jute bags; rhumbus and silos while female respondents used only jute bags because it is cheaper and easy to handle. Factors constraining adoption were communication gap between farmers and facilitators; untimely delivery of inputs; transplanting too tedious and high cost of false bottom. It was concluded that majority of the technologies were at evaluation and trial stage for both male and female respondents.

Sensory analysis and fatty acid profile of specialty coffees stored in different packages.

The conservation of the quality of special coffees depends on the storage conditions. Therefore, new technologies for the packaging of grains need to be studied. This work was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of different packages on the quality of the stored coffee. The free fatty acid profile, fat acidity and sensory characteristics of the grains were analyzed during storage. The coffees were stored for 12months in 8 packaging types. Coffee stored in jute bags differed mainly due to the higher values of fat acidity and lower scores in sensory analysis. The high-barrier packages were more efficient in the storage of the coffee beans since they presented the lowest deterioration indicators, represented by the low values of fat acidity, free fatty acids and higher scores in the sensorial evaluation.

A Review on Status of Production of Large Cardamom in Nepal and its Marketing in National and Global Scenario

Abstract The study mainly focuses on the status of production and marketing of large cardamom in Nepal and also compares these dimensions in the context of different countries. For the study mainly secondary data were collected from research articles, reports, publications and news articles. Large cardamom is the third most expensive crop and one of the major cash crops of Nepal. Nepal is the largest producer of large cardamom in the world followed by India and Bhutan. Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar and Illam are the four major districts that contribute more than 80% of the national production. Cardamom produced in Nepal is graded according to tail cutting after drying and packed in jute bag or plastic to export it to foreign countries. Nepal exports almost 90 percentage of its total cardamom production to India. In the global scenario, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom (small and large combined) followed by India, Nepal, Singapore and Indonesia respectievly. It was found that the production of cardamom is declining in Nepal due to price fluctuation and viral diseases such as Chirkey, Furkey. Problem such as absence of unique HS code for large cardamom and ‘duplicate large cardamom’ are also seen in the market.

Banning Plastic Shopping Bags: Raising Environmental Consciousness on National Level

This paper is centered around social learning theory principles and intends to demonstrate the use of these principles through a proposed ban of single-use plastic shopping bags. The ban would be an effort to raise environmental awareness in U.S. society. This paper explores the current literature across several connected topics: the harm that plastic shopping bags cause to our environment; the way in which a ban of these bags could improve environmental awareness, and as a by-product, raise efforts; and the best alternative to these single-use bags: jute bags. Furthermore, this paper explores how these efforts could become realized through the use of governmental incentives designated for corporations who implement these changes. Lastly, this paper explores possible positive long-term effects of this implementation and potential problems within these proposals.

Keanekaragaman serangga hama pala (Myristica fragrans) dan tingkat kerusakannya di penyimpanan

Hama biji pala merupakan penyebab kerusakan utama biji pala baik di lapangan maupun di penyimpanan. Informasi mengenai keanekaragaman serangga hama di penyimpanan dan metode pemanenan biji pala yang baik perlu diketahui untuk mengurangi tingkat kerusakan biji pala. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keanekaragaman serangga hama dan persentase kerusakan biji pala akibat berbagai perlakuan pascapanen. Biji pala setiap perlakuan dikemas dalam karung goni dan disimpan selama empat bulan pada kondisi gudang. Setiap karung berisi biji pala dengan perlakuan berdasarkan asal buah pala (dipetik dari pohon atau dipungut di tanah), metode pengeringan (bantuan sinar matahari atau pengasapan), dan bercangkang atau tanpa cangkang sehingga terdapat delapan perlakuan dengan setiap perlakuan dibuat tiga ulangan. Setelah disimpan, dilakukan pengambilan sampel biji pala untuk menghitung jumlah setiap spesies serangga yang ditemukan, menentukan populasi serangga, dan penentuan persentase biji rusak. Empat spesies serangga ditemukan pada biji pala dari hampir semua perlakuan, yaitu Araecerus fasciculatus (Degeer) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae), Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), dan Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). A. fasciculatus merupakan serangga yang paling dominan dibandingkan dengan spesies lain. Persentase biji rusak pada biji pala berasal dari buah pala yang dipungut di tanah, dikeringkan baik dengan bantuan sinar matahari maupun menggunakan pengasapan, bercangkang dan tanpa cangkang lebih tinggi daripada biji pala yang berasal dari buah pala yang dipetik dari pohon dengan berbagai perlakuan. Rekomendasi dari hasil penelitian ini adalah buah pala yang telah masak sebaiknya dipetik dari pohon, kemudian biji pala bercangkang dikeringkan baik dengan bantuan sinar matahari maupun pengasapan dan disimpan beserta cangkangya.

Prospects of entomopathogens in post-harvest integrated pest management:

In these exploratory experiments, entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi were investigated for the management of the populations of postharvest insect pests. Nematodes were screened for pathogenicity to Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), while nematodes and fungi were investigated for virulence to the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky). Adults and larvae of P. interpunctellea were screened for susceptibility to the following six nematodes: Heterorhabitis bacteriophora Poinar (HP88, Lewiston and Oswego strains); H. indica Poinar, Karunakar and David (Homl strain); H. marelatus Liu and Berry (Point Reyes strain); H. megidis Poinar, Jackson, and Klein (UK211 strain); and H. zealandica Poinar (NZH3 strain). The nematodes that had the highest virulence to larvae and adults of P. interpunctellea were H. indica, H. megidis, and H. marelatus. Six strains of nematodes were studied, namely H. bacteriophora, H. indica, H. georgiana (K22), Steinernema feltiae SN and S. carpocapsae. All strains of fungi, Beauveria bassiana (GHA) and Metarhizium brunneum (F52) were evaluated for infectivity to adults of S. zeamais. The two strains of Steinernematidae nematodes and a strain of fungus, B. bassiana were found to cause significant mortality of the weevils compared to the rest of the entomopathogens and the control. To demonstrate the practical application of entomopathogens, wettable dust of B. bassiana were dispensed on jute bags after which weevils were exposed to the treated surfaces for 30 min. The exposed weevils recorded between 90 to 100% mortality 14-d after exposure. Additional study demonstrated that the parasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) could be integrated with entomopathogenic nematodes. These experiments demonstrate the potential usefulness of entomopathogens in the management of stored product Lepidopteran and Coleopteran pests.

Effects of different packaging materials coated with aloe vera extract on the microbial quality of african breadfruit flour (treculia africana) during storage

Antimicrobials in food packaging are used to enhance quality and safety by reducing surface contamination of processed food. This study investigated the effects of Aloe vera- coated packaging materials on the microbial quality characteristics of breadfruit flour. Breadfruit flour was packaged in Jute bag (JB), Kalico bag (KA), low-density Polyethylene-lined Brown paper (LDPEBP) and they were compared with control. Samples were analyzed for changes in microbiological (total colony count and total fungal count) and moisture content during a storage period of 12 weeks interval during storage at ambient temperature of 25 ± 2oC. Packaging significantly (p&lt; 0.05) affected the moisture content and microbiological of breadfruit flour during storage. The moisture content, total colony count, and total fungi count significantly (p&lt; 0.05) increased as the storage time increased. The sample packaged in Brown paper (BP) were more acceptable than those in other packaging materials.

Development of Modified Starch Coated Jute Fabric

Plastic bags and sacks are suitable for various uses in daily life but those are also responsible for several environmental issues being non-biodegradable in nature. Jute bags and sacks can be a good biodegradable substitute but fabrics can’t be used for carrying wet goods or granular goods. For solving this problem, a biodegradable coating of modified starch was used on one side of jute fabric. Corn starch was modified by using citric acid where esterification and cross linking took place between those. Glycerine was used as plasticizer to make the coating flexible. The amount of glycerine, drying time and temperatures were varied during starch modification to find out the suitable chemical composition and condition for the reaction. Improvements were seen in different tests such as absorbency test, stiffness test, solubility test, etc., but solubility of starch in water still remained to some extent.

The potential for using entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi in the management of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop that is cultivated globally. In storage, maize is infested by the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motchulsky). In sub-Saharan Africa where maize is an important staple crop, infestation by S. zeamais is severe. Chemical pesticides have been the key pest management tools for this pest but these practices come with consequences such as insect resistance to pesticides, food and environmental contamination, and depletion of non-target species. These challenges associated with use of chemical pesticides may be overcome by controlling this pest with natural enemies such as entomopathogens.In the laboratory, this study evaluated the pathogenicity of six entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) – Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Lewiston, and Oswego strains); H. indica Poinar, Karunakar, and David (Homl strain), H. georgiana (K22), Steinernema feltiae (SN), and S. carpocapsae (All), and two fungi namely, Beauveria bassiana (GHA) and Metarhizium brunneum (F52) to adult weevils (S. zeamais). All nematodes used in the study were pathogenic to adult weevils. However, S. carpocapsae was the most virulent to the adult weevils. High doses (1 × 109 conidia/mL) of the fungi application caused significant weevil mortality compared to the control. Subsequently, in a novel approach, this study established the basis for effective storage of maize by treating storage bags (jute bags) with wettable powder of B. bassiana (2.13 × 107 conidia/mm2) and then exposing adult weevils to the treated jute bags. The results showed that adult weevils that walked for 30 min on the treated jute bags recorded 100% mortality at 14 days post-inoculation. Thus, there is the potential for using a wettable powder of B. bassiana to protect maize from S. zeamais during storage in jute bags.

Field dispersal of the parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) following augmentative release against the millet head miner Heliocheilus albipunctella (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Sahel

ABSTRACTPearl millet is one of the major staple food crops in Sub-Sahelian Africa, and the millet head miner (MHM) [Heliocheilus albipunctella] is its major pest, causing serious economic damage in the maturity period. We studied the dispersion patterns of the endogenous ectoparasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), after augmentative releases in pearl millet fields for biological control of the MHM, in 2010 and 2011 in Burkina Faso and Niger. The parasitoids were released using 15 jute bags per release site. Parasitoid dispersion was indirectly monitored through weekly assessments of MHM parasitism by H. hebetor at different distances from release points (0, 3 and 5 km) and in control villages (15 km). Our findings indicate that the jute bags released approximately 900–1000 parasitoids per site over a period of three weeks. This initial parasitoid population led to higher parasitism of MHM larvae at the site of dissemination compared to farms at distances of 3 and 5 km. However, usually after five weeks, successive generations of H. hebetor dispersed up to 3 km, causing high levels of MHM larval mortality, which sometimes is similar to those of the release points. Based on these results, we recommend the release of parasitoids at sites spaced 3 km for timely and more efficient control of MHM populations.

Effect of pretreatment on the proximate composition, physicochemical characteristics and stability of &lt;em&gt;Moringa peregrina&lt;/em&gt; oil

The present research work was intended to study the influence of roasting and germination of the kernel seeds of Sudanese Moringa peregrina on the physicochemical characteristics and the oxidative stability of the extracted oil. Roasting was carried out at 180 ˚C for 25 minutes, whereas germination was done at ambient conditions in a wet jute bag for 5–7 days. The oil was extracted using n-hexane in a Soxhlet extraction apparatus. The results show that the oil contains α-tocopherols (152mg/kg) and oleic acid (above 70%) as the major tocols and fatty acids, respectively. Germination reduced the peroxide value and increased the acid value in a significant way (p &lt; 0.05) whereas the opposite trend was noticed in the case of roasting. It is crucial to note that, with the exception of the acid value of the germinated sample, peroxide and acid values remained below one meq O2/Kg of oil and one mg KOH/g of oil, respectively. The oxidative stability of the oil from the roasted sample was increased almost by 80% compared to the raw one. Roasting of the kernels prior to oil extraction is imperative for improving its oxidation resistance and the physicochemical characteristics.