Jute Sacks Research Articles

Effect of Trichoderma harzianum in the Protection of Wheat Grains from Infestation with Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab) During the Store

Abstract: Currently, the economic losses generated by the attack of pests on the storages constitute a severe problem. Conventional grain protection methods based on the application of chemical pesticides to control these undesirable insects have also formed to represent an annoyance since the excessive usage of these compounds is linked to contamination problems and serious harm to consumers' health. This research aims to possibility of creating a means to protect the grain stores from infestation with Rhyzopertha dominica through testing for the efficiency of Trichoderma harzianum with three concentrations (7x104, 7x106, 7x108 and spores /ml) in the protection of grains in jute sacks from infection by this pest after three months of storage period and the effect of T. harzianumon . The results showed that the high efficiency of T. harzianumon in protecting the grain stores from infestation by these insect sacks was measured when treated in the bags with the highest concentration of 7x108 spores/ml of fungi, and the total weight loss was 2.0269. while the control treatment gave 6.4012-gram weight losses. also shows the total weight loss was 4.054 when the grains were treated with the highest concentration of 7x108 spores/ml of fungus. in contrast to 8.0629-gram weight decreases with the control treatment. and treated the bags and grains with 7x108 spores/ml of fungi, the total percentage of weight losses was 1.7033 after three months from storage. while the control treatment gave 11.475 grams of weight loss.

Effect of packaging materials and storage duration on the functional quality of red hot peppers (Capsicum annum L.) pods

The preservation of the functional quality of red pepper requires appropriate packaging materials, storage duration, and condition. This study evaluated the effect of the packaging materials and the storage duration on the functional quality of the red hot pepper pod for ten months at ambient storage temperature (25±2 °C) in four packaging materials: Jute sacks, Fertilizer Liner Sheet (FLS), Fertilizer Woven Polypropylene + Liner Sheet (FWPP + LS), and PICS bags (Purdue Improved Crop Storage) using two-factor factorial designs. The samples were analyzed at two-month intervals for water activity (aw, extractable color, total phenolic compounds, pungency index and oleoresin content. Except for aw, other functional qualities of red hot pepper degrade with advanced storage in all packaging materials. At the end of storage, the maximum values of aw (0.76) and the minimum values of aw (0.38) were recorded in jute sacks and PICS bags. Extractable color (ASTA units) decreased from 225.42 to 133.11, 228.71–139.09, 274.29–171, and 288.91–218.98 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS, and PICS bags, respectively. Phenolic compounds (GAE mg/g dry samples) degraded from 2.32 to 1.02, 2.33–1.37, 2.4–1.35, and 2.59–1.85 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS and PICS bags, respectively. The pungency index (Abs/g dry samples) of the samples changed from 4.55 to 2.56, 5.49–4.00, 5.00–3.49, and 4.74–2.72 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS, and PICS bags, respectively. The oleoresin content (%) decreased from 12.88 to 7.18, 12.92–7.78, 13.19–8.45 and 13.58–9.88 in jute sacks, FLS, FWPP + LS and PICS bags, respectively. The study revealed that the PICS bags retained the highest functional qualities compared to other packaging materials.

Evaluation of the performance of maize storage facilities for control of storage insect pests in Ethiopia

Maize plays a vital role in Ethiopia's food security, supporting the lives of millions of people. However, postharvest grain deterioration due to insect infestation is a significant issue. To address this and improve food availability, reducing storage losses is essential. The experiments were carried out in both indoor and outdoor settings, where the indoor experiment evaluated the effectiveness of different storage facilities (jute sack, PICS bag, fertilizer bag, AgroZ® bag, and polypropylene bag) over varying durations (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 months) in three replications. In the outdoor experiment, traditional and modified gombisa constructed in an open field at the Jimma University Research Site (Eladale), along with different storage duration (initial loading, 2, 4, 6, and 8 months after storage), were evaluated in three replications. The data collected included grain damage percentage, weight loss, seed germination, and proximate analysis. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in grain damage, weight loss, and seed germination of grains stored in different storage types. Jute sacks showed the most severe damage to grains and weight loss, while PICS and AgroZ® bags had the lowest values. The PICS and AgroZ® bags exhibited the highest seed germination, while the Jute bags had the lowest. In particular, traditional gombisa storage resulted in more significant grain damage, weight loss, and reduced germination than modified gombisa. As storage duration increased, grain damage and weight loss increased significantly in Jute sacks, Polyethylene bags, and traditional gombisa. Furthermore, the proximate analysis showed that storage periods and facilities significantly affected the characteristics of the quality of the maize grain. The moisture content, the crude protein, and the crude fat decreased with longer storage durations in all storage types, while the crude fiber and the ash content increased. The results confirmed the effectiveness of PICS, AgroZ® bags, and modified gombisa in reducing the qualitative and quantitative losses caused by the infestation of storage insect pests. These storage methods can be recommended to protect maize grain for eight months.

Assessment of handling practices and microbial contamination of raw and cooked African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) fruit snacks in Abuja Nigeria markets

Microbial contamination of walnut fruits can be of health risk concern. This study assessed the handling practices and the microbial contaminant of raw and cooked African walnuts (Tetracarpidum conophorum Mull. [Arg]), fruits in Abuja, Nigeria. An initial market survey involving the administration of 120 semi-structured questionnaires was conducted. Seventy-two raw walnuts and 72 cooked walnuts samples were collected from Gwagawlada, Bwari and Abuja municipal area councils and bulked separately into 24 composite samples and examined for the total bacterial count. Fifty-two (52.0%) of the traders, preserve the cooked walnuts by submerging them in cold water overnight. The raw ones were preserved by shade-drying monthly for 4-5 hrs and bagging jute sacks by (68.0%) traders. The bacterial colony count in the raw walnut sample ranged from 1.13 x 105- 2.30 x 106 and 1.53 x 105- 6.80 ×106 in the cooked samples. Three Gram-negative bacteria - Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Shigella sonnie, and two Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. were identified biochemically. Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli had the highest incidence of 42.0% and 25.2% in both the cooked and raw samples respectively. Thirty-three (67%) of the raw samples were in the satisfactory level while 83% of the cooked samples were in the satisfactory category when compared to the ICMSF food standard. Since some ready-to-eat cooked samples contained notable pathogenic microbes that are harmful to humans, this indicated a health risk concern.

Rice farmers' preferences for seed quality, packaging, and source: A study from northern Bangladesh.

The use of quality seeds is crucial to improve rice yield, food security, and farmers' livelihoods. The large informal seed system, limited access to quality seeds, and low seed replacement rate challenge increasing rice yield. Despite robust government initiatives to support the seed system, progress has been slow. Besides, the need for farmers' behavioural change, enhanced coordination, and communication at the local level has not received adequate attention. We investigate rice farmers' preferences for quality seed, packet sizes, types, and sources, and assess the impact of utilizing good quality seed. We collected quantitative data from 1196 rice farmers in northern Bangladesh in 2019. To identify major factors influencing farmers' preferences regarding quality seed, packet sizes, packet types, and seed sources, we employed ordered logit and multinomial logit models. Additionally, we used the propensity score matching procedure to assess the impact of good quality and formal seed sources on the rice yield. The findings revealed that farmers strongly prefer using seeds from formal sources despite limited accessibility. Of the total farmers, 34% use public source seeds, 33% use private source seeds, and the rest rely on their own saved seeds. The use of good quality seeds increased rice yields from the base yield by 0.07-0.28 t/ha. We found about a 48% gap in accessing good-quality seeds, indicating significant potential for scaling up the seed systems. Farmers using formal seed sources yielded 0.03-0.15 t/ha more than informal seed users. Farmers strongly prefer 5 kg packets due to their cost-effectiveness, easy storage, and handling convenience. Additionally, farmers prefer polycoated jute sacks for their versatility, multi-purpose applications, and resistance to pests. The econometric model results showed that farmers' preferences were significantly influenced by gender, farm type, crop yield, seed price, market distance, various stakeholders' advice, and seed supply systems' constraints. The government should implement policies and programs to strengthen a well-connected seed network in rural areas, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing rice productivity. Besides, farmers' needs and preferences should be considered in designing and implementing seed-related initiatives to foster sustainable agricultural development.

Symbolic Study- Representation in Nyongsong Dance

Nyongsong dance tells of the activities of clove harvesting farmers in the Anambas Islands. Harvesting cloves includes climbing, picking, crushing, and drying cloves. This research is qualitative. The data collection technique was carried out by researchers through participatory observation, and the data analysis stage used qualitative descriptive methods. The presentation of the Nyongsong dance consists of three rounds, act 1 presents the farmers climbing and picking cloves symbolized by up and down movements exploring the clove tree setprop, act 2 presents the activity of crushing cloves symbolized by female dancers exploring the movement of ukel and exploring the properties of the jute sack by male dancers, and in act 3, the activity of farmers drying cloves is presented, symbolized by seven dancers exploring brown cloth together. This Nyongsong dance used corrective makeup with brown and green clothes. The props used in this dance are inspired by the tools farmers use when harvesting cloves, such as bags, winnowing, and burlap sacks. Danced by seven dancers, including two male dancers and five female dancers. The accompanying music is created life using Malay musical instruments such as selondang, serunai, violin, mong, gong, bebano, darbuka, flute, multiped percussion, and sequencer. This research aims to examine the Nyongsong dance from the perspective of representational symbols as enriching knowledge about the study of choreography through symbols and representations.

Analisa Implementasi Manajemen Proyek pada Pengembangan Karung Goni Menjadi Tas yang Bermanfaat

TasGon is a product made from jute sack waste which is then processed into a useful product. In this project the burlap sack is processed into a bag called TasGon. This TasGon has many benefits, namely it can reduce the waste of burlap sacks that are wasted everywhere. In this study the authors used qualitative and descriptive research methods. This research is continued by analyzing project management, namely Project Integration, Project Scope Management, Project Time Management, Project Cost Management, Project Quality Management, Project Human Resource Management, Project Communication Management, Project Risk Management, Project Procurement Management, Project Stakeholder Management. The results of this study indicate that TasGoni has many benefits that can be felt by many people. Therefore the project undertaken must be in accordance with the quality of the product produced. Keywords: Project Management, Gunny Sack, Waste

Enhancing photovoltaic efficiency through evaporative cooling and a solar still

The efficiency of photovoltaic panels decreases with the increase in panel temperature while converting light into electricity. The issue of temperature rise and the associated decrease in efficiency has been widely analysed by active and passive cooling methods. In those processes, normally water is used as a cooling medium, and it results in water loss along with power loss due to circulating or compensating for the lost water. The current study aims to address both efficiency as well as water loss by combining an evaporative cooling technique with a solar still. A Photovoltaic panel with rear-side evaporative cooling is attempted by using a jute sack dipped in water at both ends. As a result of capillary action, the water from a solar still rises through the sack and cools the panel’s rear side. Solar still operation is ensured by an extended portion of glass. During desalination, the evaporated vapour from the solar still condenses on the back cover of the glass surface and is collected in a collection trough. As a result, the output power increased by 5.6 % and the electrical efficiency increased by 14.51 % and the surface temperature are reduced by 8°C. After seven hours of sunshine, the proposed PV panels and solar still system produced approximately 550 ml of water.

Optimizing phosphine fumigation efficiency in hazelnut industry: Determining optimal exposure time for stored product pest control

Hazelnut, as with many other stored products, are susceptible to infestation by a variety of stored insect pests. Phosphine fumigation is a widely used method to control pests in stored products, including hazelnut kernels. This study aimed to determine the optimal exposure time for phosphine fumigation for management of stored product pests in hazelnuts. Four treatments with different exposure times (3, 4, 5, and 6 days) were conducted using various development stages of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), Tribolium confusum Jaqcquelin du Val, (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) together with the control group. The trials were conducted in a commercial chamber of a hazelnut processing facility. The insects were placed in plastic containers within jute sacks filled with hazelnuts, fumigations were done under gas-proof sheet and the survival rate was assessed after treatments. The results showed that a 3-day exposure period was sufficient to fully eradicate the pupal and adult stages of O. surinamensis. For T. castaneum, 100% mortality was achieved in both larvae and adults from 3 days of exposure, but the pupal stage required at least 5 days. For T. confusum, all larvae and adults died in all exposure periods, but the pupal stage required at least 4 days. In the case of the moth species, a 100% mortality rate was achieved in the larval and pupal stages of both E. kuehniella and P. interpunctella at all exposure periods. The mortality rate of E. kuehniella eggs was 99% after 3 and 4 days of exposure, and a fumigation period of 5 days was required to control the entire population. However, only 67% of P. interpunctella eggs were controlled after 3 days of exposure. The time and stage factors were found to be significant in the egg stage of P. interpunctella. The results suggest that a 5-day exposure period is the most effective for controlling tested stored product pests in hazelnuts.

Analisa Implementasi Manajemen Proyek pada Pengembangan Karung Goni Menjadi Tas yang Bermanfaat

TasGon is a product made from jute sack waste which is then processed into a useful product. In this project the burlap sack is processed into a bag called TasGon. This TasGon has many benefits, namely it can reduce the waste of burlap sacks that are wasted everywhere. In this study the authors used qualitative and descriptive research methods. This research is continued by analyzing project management, namely Project Integration, Project Scope Management, Project Time Management, Project Cost Management, Project Quality Management, Project Human Resource Management, Project Communication Management, Project Risk Management, Project Procurement Management, Project Stakeholder Management. The results of this study indicate that TasGoni has many benefits that can be felt by many people. Therefore the project undertaken must be in accordance with the quality of the product produced.
 Keywords: Project Management, Gunny Sack, Waste

Do Post-harvest Losses Affect the Farmers’ Income? - Post-Harvest Loss Estimation for Major Vegetables in South India

Over the last two decades, India’s food system with population surge has been undergoing a transformation with increase in demand for high value fruits and vegetables. However, farmers are not benefitted from these transitions as the post-harvest losses are fairly high due to poorly developed post-harvest management practices. The present study aims to estimate the nature and extent of losses and also analysed the determinants of post-harvest losses for major vegetables (gourds) in South India. Palakkad district of Kerala was chosen for the study as it contributes the most, for the state’s vegetable area and production. Multi-stage random sampling techniques were adopted and the vegetables selected were based on their annual production in the study area. The total loss observed in bitter gourd at farm level was about 12.46 percent (34.53 qtl/ha). At trader level, the physiological loss contributed to almost 45 percent of the total losses. Hence, the total loss in bitter gourd was observed to be 21.88 per cent. Likewise in snake gourd, the extent of losses at farm level was found to be 9 percent (26.1 qtl/ha), where the highest losses (4.74 percent) were due to biotic factors like pests and diseases prevailing in the study area. Therefore, the total loss estimated in snake gourd was 13.89 percent which included 4.89 percent loss at trader level. Regression analyses delineated that in bitter gourd, area under cultivation, unfavourable weather conditions, pests and diseases and use of packing materials like jute sacks and wooden baskets were found as major determinants for losses. Whereas, area under cultivation, experience in farming and prevailing pests and diseases in snake gourd were found to affect the volume of post-harvest losses at farm level. The study found that adoption of proper post-harvest handling practices by farmers would help minimizing the losses to a remarkable extent. Besides, analysis of farmers’ perception, brought out the fact that the farmers aware of losses incurred only to a limited extent.

Present Pasts of Colonial Modernity: Embroideries by Lucie Kamuswekera

Present Pasts of Colonial Modernity: Embroideries by Lucie Kamuswekera

TRAINING IN THE MAKING OF DAYAK CLOTHES FOR STUDENTS OF SMKN 3 PALANGKA RAYA

Environmental issues cannot be separated from issues of the creative industry and the creative economy. Environmental issues have become one of the important issues discussed in the global community. Responding to the issue of jute waste above, it is necessary to have activities that are beneficial to the community, namely providing an understanding of the daers of waste from jute and training on the use of jute. The method of this service activity is in the form of training for students of SMK Negeri 3 in order to reduce jute sack waste in Palangka Raya City. This training does not have to be from the government, but can also be done by other agencies such as universities. Universities have an obligation to serve the community according to the contents of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The conclusion of this study is that this activity is an effort to increase understanding of the dangers of waste, especially inorganic waste, awareness of the importance of preserving the environment to improve physical and mental health, and utilizing skills as business opportunities.

Kajian Perilaku Kuat Geser Tanah Terhadap Penambahan Serat Karung Goni

Soil improvement is a method to improve the physical and mechanical properties of soil that are not good. Soil improvement methods include chemical, mechanical, hydraulic, and reinforcement methods for example by adding geosynthetic sheets/fibers or steel rods. However, the use of these methods is relatively quite expensive from the aspect of the materials used when applied to small-scale volume work. This research tries to examine the behavior of the soil that is given the addition of jute sack fiber, especially to changes in shear strength/soil shear strength parameters. Jute sacks are an alternative material as a substitute for fiber of the Geosynthetic type, jute sacks have a rough texture made of jute fiber, where jute fiber is the second most used natural fiber after cotton. Jute fiber itself can be taken from the bark of the bast fiber tree. Jute itself is an environmentally friendly fabric because it is made from bio-degradable fibers and is included in fabrics made of 100% plant fibers. The percentage of jute fiber used was 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% of the dry weight of the soil with variations in length of 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm and 2.5 cm. The sample of soil tested is sandy type from the permanent residential area of Tondo, Mantikulore sub-district, Palu, Central Sulawesi. The addition of fiber has more effect on changes in the value of the soil friction angle than the value of cohesion. Jute fibers with lengths of 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm at percentages between 0.25% and 0.75% tend to increase, but at 2 cm length tend to decrease the value of shear strength. Fiber length and burlap percentage influence each other in increasing and decreasing the value of soil shear strength

The use of desiccants for proper moisture preservation in green coffee during storage and transportation

Prolonged storage and long-distance transportation of green coffee beans exposes them to undesirable fluctuations in temperature (T) and relative humidity (r.h.), which can change the physical (wet-basis moisture content (MCwb), water activity (Aw), and color) and sensory characteristics of the coffee. High humidity also supports mold growth, decay, and microbial activities. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commercially available desiccants for preserving the moisture content of green coffee between 10-12% MCwb, when stored in either hermetic packages and/or jute sacks, and to assess the corresponding impact on sensory quality. A conventional coffee storage and transportation period from Brazil to Italy with a duration of 42 days was mimicked in environmental chambers. Treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial design consisting of three packaging materials (GrainPro SuperGrain bag, GrainPro TranSafeliner, and/or jute sacks) and desiccants (Drying Beads®, CaCl2, or no desiccants) were evaluated. Additionally, four different mass ratios of green coffee to desiccant ranging from 50 to 300 – g coffee per g desiccant were also evaluated. The MCwb, Aw, and color of all samples were measured approximately weekly over 42 days. In comparison to the control (no desiccant, and only jute sacks), we observed a statistically significant impact for all tested desiccants and hermetic packages for maintaining the proper MCwb, Aw, and color. No significant difference was observed for the different desiccant masses tested when they were placed inside the hermetic packaging, but the desiccants were ineffective without the hermetic packaging. Triangle test and descriptive sensory evaluation yielded no significant differences between the use of hermetic packages with or without desiccants.

Effectiveness of hermetic bag storage technology to preserve physical quality attributes of shea nuts

Shea nuts are a nutritionally and economically important tree crop harvested seasonally in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Storage losses are a major constraint in the shea nut value chain, with substantial amounts lost prior to processing and marketing. Hermetic bags have proven to be a viable technology for the effective storage of grains, oilseeds and pulses in sub-Saharan Africa due to their efficacy, low cost, and commercial availability. However, hermetic bag storage technology has not been investigated for the preservation of shea nut quality. In this study, shea nut storage in hermetic bags was compared to storage in jute sacks and woven polypropylene (PP) bags. Shea nuts had an initial moisture content of 7.3% (w.b.) and insect damage of 28%. Each storage treatment consisted of 12 bags of 20 kg shea nuts with samples taken from 3 bags every 6 weeks over a 30-week storage period. As ambient temperature and relative humidity conditions varied over time, moisture content varied within 1 percentage point in hermetic bags compared to 3 percentage points in the jute sacks and PP bags. Insect damage was maintained below 30% in hermetic bags, compared to 80% and 82% in PP bags and jute sacks, respectively. Weight loss due to insect damage was 4.5% in the hermetic bags compared to 10.1% and 11.6% in the jute sacks and PP bags, respectively. Carbon dioxide concentration in the hermetic bags remained below 6% over 30 weeks, indicating low insect and microbial activity. The results of this study have proven hermetic bag storage technology to be a viable option for the quality preservation of dry shea nuts, which should be strongly considered for adoption in the shea nut value chain.

Dietary analysis of traditional food cultures in India: An overview of 2600 BCE to the 21st century

Around 415 BC, Hippocrates proclaimed, “let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” A report published in Elsevier’s Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports in 2021 by Archeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, that ‘seven similar big-size brown ‘laddoos’ high protein, multigrain ‘laddoos’ (food balls)’ was found at the Harrapan site in Rajasthan India. Excavation results were surprisingly shocking to the world as many civilizations, sects & religions were not born then. Although India has capacity, if one Jute Sack of food grains is staked over another, they will reach moon and can come back and can still cover more than 1/3rd journey of the moon (2.347 times moon distance capacity). But even in 21st century scientific community are still talking about global hunger. Unfortunately, in the 2021 Global Hunger Index, India ranked 101st out of the 116 countries in 2021 GHI scores and fell under the serious group with a score of 27.5. Poshan Abhiyaan’s convergence mission to address malnutrition must be implemented through ensured community mobilization and participation. Multigrain Ladoos were used in ancient times need to be in the mainstream again to alleviate the hidden hunger. The research concludes that India in the past may have more food security than present India. Hence, ayurvedic foods are recommended for different health disorders as diet plays the most critical role in maintaining health parameters.

Economics of Bulk Storage Techniques: Maize and Cowpea Storage in Ghana

High postharvest loss is one of the major challenges faced by farmers in many African countries in their efforts to achieve food and nutrition security. Several postharvest techniques have been developed and introduced to farmers aimed at reducing food losses. This study evaluated the economic viability of four such grain storage techniques using capital budgeting techniques. Two grain protectants were applied at recommended rates in three treatment combinations to jute sacks, PICS sacks, polytanks, and poly sacks at different treatment levels and at different discount rates. Under maize storage, the net present value of all treatments yielded positive net returns. The polytank technique proved to be the most economically viable storage technique, followed by PICS and then jute sacks. Under cowpea storage, polytank proved to be the most viable, followed by PICS. This is consistent under replacement chain method and equivalent annual annuity under the three different discount rates used. Cowpea is best stored in polytanks and PICS sacks. Polytank is recommended as the most economically viable storage technique for both maize and cowpea storage. PICS is also recommend for both maize and cowpea storage. However, jute sacks and poly sacks are not suitable for cowpea storage even under chemical treatment, especially under long-term storage (over 6 months). The choice of storage technique should consider the commodity under consideration.

Effect of Storage Materials and Duration on Quality of Rice Seed

Storage loss of rice seed in terms of quality parameters is higher in Nepal due to lack of information about the effect of storage materials. Laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of storage materials and storage period on quality parameters of rice seed (Oryza sativa L. cv., Bahuguni dhan-1). Rice seed was stored in seven storage materials (metal bin, plastic bin, super grain bag, PICS bag, plastic bag with jute sack, jute sack and earthen pot) in Completely Randomized Design with three replications at the Seed Laboratory of National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal from March to July, 2021. Seed moisture content and germination percentage were recorded before storage and after one, three and five months of storage. The population of two insect pests rice weevil and maize weevil was recorded after five months of storage. The result revealed that all the seed quality parameters under study were significantly influenced by storage materials. PICS bag followed by super grain bag was found to be superior in terms of seed moisture content, germination percentage and seed health throughout the storage period. Seed in the indigenous storage materials (earthen pot and jute sack) lost their quality significantly throughout the storage period. Future research strategies should focus on seed quality study under several indigenous storage materials found in Rupandehi district of Nepal.

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

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.