Post-harvest Grain Research Articles

Occupational Risks of Agricultural Workers Exposed to Heat: Literature Review

Proposal: The aim of this study is to conduct a literature review on the occupational hazards of agricultural workers exposed to heat while carrying out their activities. Theoretical Framework: Heat exposure poses a serious occupational risk for agricultural workers, increasing the incidence of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves a literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology. Data collection was carried out through a bibliographic survey from the period 2005 to 2024 in the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The search used keywords such as "risks," "workers," "agriculture," and "heat." Results and Discussion: The results revealed the selection of 109 articles, and after reading the abstracts, those that did not align with the research proposal were excluded. After filtering, 07 articles remained, whose topics showed affinity with the research. The literature points to a growing trend of studies addressing thermal discomfort as an occupational hazard, prevalent in open and semi-open environments. Specific studies for certain agricultural operations, such as groups of workers dealing with grain dryers and furnaces, are scarce and have limited conclusions. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practical aspects in the field of occupational heat exposure for agricultural workers. These implications can encompass various sectors of post-harvest grain processing. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by gathering information published in different databases on occupational heat exposure. The significance and value of this research are highlighted by a limited number of works in the literature, stressing the need for further research in the field. Based on this premise, more studies on agricultural work in heat-prone environments and consequent thermal discomfort should be encouraged to stimulate discussions on actions to eliminate the risks involved in these operations.

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.

Citrus limon Wastes from Part of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Medicinal, Sustainable Agricultural, and Bio-Resource Potential.

The fruits of Citrus limon are often purchased for their vitamin C-rich juice, while the fruit peel and the tree leaves are discarded as wastes. This study obtained the chemical profiles of the essential oils (EOs) of C. limon wastes (the peel and leaves), evaluated their medicinal value as antioxidants, their potential for sustainable use in agriculture as an insecticide for post-harvest preservation of grains, and their potential as a bioresource in livestock feed formulations. The EOs were isolated from C. limon leaves and peel using a hydro-distillation method on a Clevenger apparatus. The oil constituents were identified using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) hyphenated technique. The oils were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power methods. An insecticidal study was conducted using contact toxicity, fumigation, and repellence bioassay methods against Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevils). Finally, the predicted income from using lemon peel as an alternative or substitute ingredient for maize in livestock feed formulations was obtained through a conventional simulation method. Chemically, limonene was found to be present in all the EOs analyzed (12-52%), while α-pinene was only found in the fresh leaf and peel oils (13.3% and 10.6%). Caryophyllene oxide was identified as the major component of the dried leaf oil (17.7%). At 20 µg m, the dry peel oil exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (52.41 ± 0.26%) against the DPPH radical, which was comparable to L-ascorbic acid (a standard antioxidant) at 54.25 ± 3.55%. The insecticidal study revealed that the dry peel oil is a better insect repellent (73.33 ± 6.95% at 10 µL) and fumigant (LC50 = 0.17 µL g-1 after 48 h) natural agent compared to the peel oil. Conversely, the dry peel oil showed a better contact activity (LC50 = 1.69 µL g-1) against the maize weevils compared to the dry leaf oil. The simulation study showed the cost of using dry lemon peel as an alternative to maize in livestock feed formulation to be ZAR 2.8 billion, compared against the higher cost of feed formulation with maize, which currently stands at ZAR 24.9 billion. This study has shown that C. limon wastes (the peel and leaves) contain EOs with unique chemical profiles, valuable medicinal properties as free radical scavengers, and considerable insecticidal properties for agricultural use in post-harvest grain preservation, presenting a cost-effective and promising bioresource for livestock feed production.

Sources of fungal infection of winter wheat grain in the forest-steppe of Samara region

Relevance. Among the pathogenic microflora of cereals, seed infection occupies the most important place, in this regard, the search for any ways to reduce it is very relevant.Methods. The research was conducted at the VSRISSG — Branch of SamSC RAS on seeds of 3 varieties of winter soft wheat of 2020 harvest, selected at different stages of harvesting and post-harvest grain processing: from ears before harvesting, from the harvested crop from under the combine and after grain processing on the seed cleaning machine Petkus К-531. Seed infestation was determined according to GOST 12044-93. After identification of phytopathogenic fungi, their percentage frequency of occurrence and relative abundance were calculated.Results. Seed infestation after combine harvesting increased for all varieties on average by 9.2%, and after grain treatment on Petkus — by 6.2% compared to seeds sampled from ears. The saturation of crop rotations with cereals from 30 to 50% lead to an 8.7% decrease in the number of healthy seeds in the samples (from 37.0 to 28.3%). Seeds were most often infected by fungi causing moulds with the frequency of occurrence from 32.9 to 39.1% and relative prevalence from 40.8 to 55.2% depending on the stage of harvesting. Moreover, the content of this group of mushrooms decreased during harvesting (compared with grain from ears) by 6.2% after harvesting by a combine harvester and by 3.4% after grain processing. During combine harvesting, the frequency of occurrence of fungi Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. it increased by 4.7–4.8% on seeds, and after cleaning it decreased again, but it was still 1.5–2.4% higher than on seeds from ears.

The Fall Armyworm and Larger Grain Borer Pest Invasions in Africa: Drivers, Impacts and Implications for Food Systems.

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major biosecurity threat affecting globalisation and the international trade of agricultural products and natural ecosystems. In recent decades, for example, field crop and postharvest grain insect pests have independently accounted for a significant decline in food quantity and quality. Nevertheless, how their interaction and cumulative effects along the ever-evolving field production to postharvest continuum contribute towards food insecurity remain scant in the literature. To address this within the context of Africa, we focus on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), two of the most important field and postharvest IAS, respectively, that have invaded Africa. Both insect pests have shown high invasion success, managing to establish themselves in >50% of the African continent within a decade post-introduction. The successive and summative nature of field and postharvest damage by invasive insect pests on the same crop along its value chain results in exacerbated food losses. This systematic review assesses the drivers, impacts and management of the fall armyworm and larger grain borer and their effects on food systems in Africa. Interrogating these issues is important in early warning systems, holistic management of IAS, maintenance of integral food systems in Africa and the development of effective management strategies.

The Baking Quality of Wheat Flour (Triticum aestivum L.) Obtained from Wheat Grains Cultivated in Various Farming Systems (Organic vs. Integrated vs. Conventional)

The quality of flour is influenced by various factors including genotype, environmental and agronomic conditions, post-harvest grain storage, and milling technology. Currently, the EU focuses on reducing mineral fertilization and promoting less intensive agrotechnology (organic and integrated farming). This research aimed to assess the baking value of flour obtained from four spring wheat cultivars cultivated in three farming systems: organic (ORG), integrated (INT), and conventional (CONV). The wheat grains were sourced from a three-year field experiment (2019–2021) conducted at IUNG-PIB in Pulawy, Poland. Results indicate that the CONV generally yielded more favourable qualitative parameters for the flour, including significantly higher protein content, wet gluten, falling number, and farinographic characteristics such as dough development, stability time, and quality number. Nevertheless, most flours from the ORG system met the quality requirements for the baking industry, showing adequate protein content, wet gluten, and falling number. However, flours from the INT system stood out due to significantly higher water absorption, resulting in increased dough and bread yield. Additionally, bread baked from these flours exhibited a significantly higher bread volume. In sensory evaluation, bread from CONV flours received the highest scores, although the differences in the overall acceptability were not significant.

Digital Technologies, Sustainability, and Efficiency in Grain Post-Harvest Activities: A Bibliometric Analysis

Post-harvest grain processes play a crucial role in food supply chains. Recent research focuses on how digital technologies can minimize grain losses, enhance food safety, and reduce their environmental impacts. The relationship between technologies and efficiency and sustainability needs more clarity, particularly concerning critical control points in post-harvest activities. The purpose of this article is to establish a connection between digital technologies used in food supply chains and critical control points within post-harvest systems. The research method is a bibliometric analysis. A literature survey identified thirteen digital technologies. The most published technologies are simulation, automation, and artificial intelligence. The least is augmented reality. Previous research identified nine critical control points in post-harvest engineering solutions, responsible for most losses in efficiency and environmental impacts. A framework using a sample of recent case studies was constructed to relate digital technologies and critical control points. The primary contribution of the study is a categorized list of the most influential technologies corresponding to each control point. The significance and novelty lie in providing managers and practitioners in engineering solutions for post-harvest systems with a practical guide for decision-making in the selection of technologies for future projects. Ultimately, this aids in reducing losses and environmental impact.

Performance indicators of flat sieve with oblong holes located at an angle

Increase in the productivity of domestic grain cleaning machines produced by traditional methods has exhausted itself. Therefore, the country's agricultural enterprises of various forms of ownership need high-performance innovative grain cleaning machines for post-harvest grain processing. The article presents various methods and ways to improve the performance of grain cleaning machines. The results of studies are presented to determine the completeness of separation and the sieve capacity of grain cleaning machines with oblong holes located at an angle, when interacting with a long edge, which makes reciprocal oscillations. Theoretically, rational values of inclination angle of the sieve holes are determined equal to α’ = 10… 15°, which increases the probability of a particle passing into the sieve hole by 1.7 times. The results of the production inspection of the sieves of the proposed design showed that the capacity of the grain cleaning machine increased by 23%, and the quality of cleaning the grain mixture meets the agrotechnical requirements.

Antifungal effects of carvacrol, the main volatile compound in Origanum vulgare L. essential oil, against Aspergillus flavus in postharvest wheat

Plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antimicrobial activity could potentially be extremely useful fumigants to prevent and control the fungal decay of agricultural products postharvest. In this study, antifungal effects of volatile compounds in essential oils extracted from Origanum vulgare L. against Aspergillus flavus growth were investigated using transcriptomic and biochemical analyses. Carvacrol was identified as the major volatile constituent of the Origanum vulgare L. essential oil, accounting for 66.01 % of the total content. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of carvacrol were 0.071 and 0.18 μL/mL in gas-phase fumigation and liquid contact, respectively. Fumigation with 0.60 μL/mL of carvacrol could completely inhibit A. flavus proliferation in wheat grains with 20 % moisture, showing its potential as a biofumigant. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that carvacrol treatment caused morphological deformation of A. flavus mycelia, and the resulting increased electrolyte leakage indicates damage to the plasma membrane. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that the carvacrol treatment caused a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and DNA damage. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with fatty acid degradation, autophagy, peroxisomes, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and DNA replication in A. flavus mycelia exposed to carvacrol. Biochemical analyses of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion content, and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase activities showed that carvacrol induced oxidative stress in A. flavus, which agreed with the transcriptome results. In summary, this study provides an experimental basis for the use of carvacrol as a promising biofumigant for the prevention of A. flavus contamination during postharvest grain storage.

Food Irradiation - An Effective Technology for Food Safety and Security

This review will look at the irradiation-based food preservation method. A country’s ability to successfully adopt new technologies hinges on the availability of a suitable infrastructure. Irradiation has a low operating cost and utilizes minimal energy, but it requires significant capital investments and a minimum output volume to be economical. Over a specific threshold concentration, off tastes might develop and organoleptic changes can occur. At low quantities, however, not all pathogens and their poisons will be eliminated. Radiation therapy can be difficult to standardize because the results vary. How effectively the therapy works depends on several factors, including the commodity and cultivar, radiation dose, level of maturity, physiological status, temperature and environment before and after treatment, pre-and post-harvest treatments, and the sensitivity of the microorganisms to be controlled. Tolerance varies with the maturity level. Depending on public perception, regulatory actions, economics, and logistics associated with specific conditions, irradiation as a method of reducing foodborne diseases will be used. Not all foods can be irradiated in all situations due to technological and financial restrictions. Irradiation cannot indefinitely extend the shelf life of fresh food because the enzymes in foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, shellfish, meat, and poultry are still active and resistant to even high-dose radiation. If foods are exposed to too much radiation, they may lose flavor, especially if they are high in fat. Irradiated grains and legumes must be packaged carefully to prevent insect infestations because irradiation does not leave behind any harmful residue that would deter insects. Irradiation produces very little chemical changes in food, and the changes are similar to those by other preservation methods like heat. The application of irradiation technology will benefit farmers whose post-harvest grain lost value as a result of food spoilage, consumers who experience health problems as a result of virus exposure, exporters of such cereals, and ultimately the government, which gains economically from the hard cash generated. It will also benefit firms that package food, extension agents, technical assistants, and researchers. Radiation processing of food has been approved by various international statutory bodies and organizations to ensure ‘Food Security & Safety’, and overcome ‘Technical barrier to International Trade’ and currently is being practiced in more than 60 countries worldwide.

Using Artificial Intelligence-Based Approach for Detecting Insects-Induced Grain Damage

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, around 30% of global food production is wasted each year. Prevention strategies during post-harvest grain storage may reduce food waste and help distribute food surpluses more fairly globally, ultimately reducing global hunger. Insect damage is a major cause of post-harvest storage losses, resulting in both quality and nutritional loss to the grain. Recently, data-driven approaches have been used to enhance proper and efficient storage. The aim of this project is to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to detect insect-induced grain damage during storage. This project used barley grain to test the experimental hypothesis that insect-related damage during grain storage can be detected by simultaneous imaging and AI-based analysis. An AI approach was developed using Python to build a prediction model. Data was collected by acquiring images of insect-induced damaged and undamaged grain. The AI-based model was highly (90%) accurate in identifying the damage caused by the insect based on the parameters defined in the algorithm. In summary, this innovative approach allowed us to identify grain damage, which, in the future, will help take necessary intervention(s) to prevent insect-induced grain damage and ultimately prevent loss during post-harvest storage.

Review on Post-Harvest Grain Treatments (Filter Cake, Triplex Powders and Eucalyptus Tree Powder)

Grains are harvested seed and edible dry seeds from plants cereals. They are the basis of daily diets for many populations worldwide. In addition, they are fundamental in the regular foods of many people and used for the production of different popular food. Grain losses due to insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa especially in Ethiopia are very high. Therefore, to get those daily diets and reduce loss occurred by insects, treatment of grain is very important. The objective of this review is to review studies made by various researchers and reviewers on grain treatments (filter cakes, triplex and powder eucalyptus tree leaves). Application of chemical pesticides is important to protect stored grain from insect pests. However, most of smallholder farmers challenged with many problems related to unsafe handling and use of pesticides due to improper training in safe use of pesticides, and inadequate infrastructure to regulate safe use of pesticides. Filter cake and Triplex powders applied to different grains to determine effectiveness against the grains. Filter cake is products of aluminum sulfate and Triplex is products of soap factories. Defense of stored grain from insect pests using Filter cake, Triplex powders and eucalyptus leaves tree has been practiced in Ethiopia. Filter cake and Triplex have a higher atomic percentage of silicon and oxygen in the form of silicon dioxide. Generally, grain treatment is very important through filter cake and triplex as well as by using eucalyptus tree powder, due to they have properties of toxic against insects and no health problems on humans. Therefore, Filter cake Triplex and eucalyptus leave recommended for protecting and managing grain stored by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia to discourage farmers from using dangerous chemical insecticides.

Effects of drying conditions on grain quality: a review

Post-harvest grain drying reduces water activity, which reduces the rates of chemical reactions responsible for grain deterioration and which are essential for maintaining their quality. Most studies on grain drying are performed on the laboratory scale to study the factors that determine the quality of grains on a large scale. Such factors include air temperature and flow, grain layer thickness, raw material composition, and drying system employed. This review describes the effects of drying systems and their variations on grain quality, focusing on the physicochemical properties, mycotoxin levels, and bioactive compounds and components of grains.

Protection of postharvest grains from fungal spoilage by biogenic volatiles

Fungal spoilage of postharvest grains poses serious problems with respect to food safety, human health, and the economic value of grains. The protection of cereal grains from deleterious fungi is a critical aim in postharvest grain management. Considering the bulk volume of grain piles in warehouses or bins and food safety, fumigation with natural gaseous fungicides is a promising strategy to control fungal contamination on postharvest grains. Increasing research has focused on the antifungal properties of biogenic volatiles. This review summarizes the literature related to the effects of biogenic volatiles from microbes and plants on spoilage fungi on postharvest grains and highlights the underlying antifungal mechanisms. Key areas for additional research on fumigation with biogenic volatiles in postharvest grains are noted. The research described in this review supports the protective effects of biogenic volatiles against grain spoilage by fungi, providing a basis for their expanded application in the management of postharvest grains.

Predictive Assessment of Mycological State of Bulk-Stored Barley Using B-Splines in Conjunction with Genetic Algorithms

Postharvest grain preservation and storage can significantly affect the safety and nutritional value of cereal-based products. Negligence at this stage of the food processing chain can lead to mold development and mycotoxin accumulation, which pose considerable threats to the quality of harvested grain and, thus, to consumer health. Predictive models evaluating the risk associated with fungal activity constitute a promising solution for decision-making modules in advanced preservation management systems. In this study, an attempt was made to combine genetic algorithms and B-spline curves in order to develop a predictive model to assess the mycological state of malting barley grain stored at various temperatures (T = 12–30 °C) and water activity in grain (aw = 0.78–0.96). It was found that the B-spline curves consisting of four second-order polynomials were sufficient to approximate the datasets describing fungal growth in barley ecosystems stored under steady temperature and humidity conditions. Based on the designated structures of B-spline curves, a universal parameterized model covering the entire range of tested conditions was developed. In the model, the coordinates of the control points of B-spline curves were modulated by genetic algorithms using values of storage parameters (aw and T). A statistical assessment of model performance showed its high efficiency (R2 = 0.94, MAE = 0.21, RMSE = 0.28). As the proposed model is based on easily measurable on-line storage parameters, it could be used as an effective tool supporting modern systems of postharvest grain treatment.

Ways of increasing the economic efficiency of the seed preparation process

Implementing the method considered allows to improvement the economic efficiency of the process by reducing the cost of production and improving the purity of the main fraction. With the increase in the gross production of grain crops, as one of the primary sources of human nutrition, the intensification of post-harvest grain processing becomes relevant. It is necessary to use biologically active seed material (SM) to obtain a high yield of grain crops without reducing quality and nutritional characteristics. Separating machines that separate by seed density have the highest efficiency of separating seed material by selecting highly productive and biologically active seeds. The aspect of reducing the economic efficiency of the process during long-term storage is considered, which is the effect of self-heating. This effect occurs when wet material is placed in storage, which begins to release heat and moisture actively during long-term interaction with the environment (high external temperatures). The process of damaging healthy grain can last for weeks. However, in poorly cleaned material with cracks and injuries, the self-heating process occurs slowly and lasts several hours. In a short period, the grain temperature can reach 85 degrees. This process is irreversible and affects large batches of grain. Repeated mechanical interaction of working bodies of machines and equipment implementing the process with SM particles causes micro- and macroinjury of seeds. Macrotraumas may include the reflection of a part of the embryo and a partially or destroyed shell. Microtraumas are internal cracks and injuries from interaction with pests. The number of injured seeds can reach 90%, depending on the culture. The article lists the factors that are decisive for an efficient and economical process of separating seed material by seed density: The frequency of oscillations of the working surface; The amplitude of oscillations of the working surface; Airflow speed, tray angles, and seed density. The hydrodynamics method of multiphase media is optimal for mechano-mathematical modeling of the seed layer. The SM layer was modeled as a multiphase medium consisting of two phases: "discrete" - the SM layer and "continuous" - airflow. This approach effectively links the kinematic and structural parameters of the separating machine with the physical and mechanical properties of the raw material. One of the critical indicators of SM's quality is its main fraction's purity, which has been adopted as a criterion for the efficiency of the separation process using a pneumatic sorting table. The purity of the main fraction of SM is understood as the content of the primary culture in it, expressed as a percentage of the weight. The method makes it possible to predict the process's quality indicators depending on the material's properties that get processed and to reduce the time for setting up the pneumatic sorting table for a specific culture. Keywords: economic efficiency, seed material, biological potential, separation, vibro-pneumatic fluidized bed, multiphase environment, pneumatic sorting table, seed injury, germination.

The effect of volatile compounds of Syzygium aromaticum flower buds against Aspergillus flavus growth on wheat grain at postharvest stage

Reducing the postharvest loss of cereal grains caused by deleterious fungi is critically important for the grain supply chain. Exploring antifungal constituents of plant volatile organic compounds (PVOCs) could promote the development of natural gaseous fungicides in controlling the decay of postharvest grains. In this study, PVOCs were extracted from clove ( Syzygium aromaticum L.) buds and the primary constituents thereof were investigated for their effect on Aspergillus flavus growth in media postharvest grains. Fumigation with clove buds’ volatiles effectively inhibited A. flavus proliferation in 20% moisture wheat grains under simulated storage conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that eugenol and caryophyllene were the two main constituents of clove bud volatiles (49.80% and 36.68%, respectively). An antifungal assay demonstrated that eugenol was responsible for the antifungal activity of clove bud volatiles against A. flavus. Eugenol can completely inhibit A. flavus growth at 0.12 and 0.40 μL/mL in vapor phase fumigation and liquid contact, respectively. The proliferation of A. flavus in 20% moisture wheat grains was completely controlled after fumigation with 600 μL/L eugenol vapor. Eugenol treatment can damage the membrane integrity of A. flavus mycelia, resulting in increased intracellular electrolyte leakage. The 38 metabolites in A. flavus hyphae exposed to 0.40 μL/mL eugenol were markedly differentially expressed and principally involved in the biosynthesis of glycerophospholipids, linoleic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, sugar metabolism, and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Eugenol also causes phosphatidylserine eversion of the plasma membrane, increased reactive oxygen species, decreased ATP production, and damaged DNA in A. flavus . We propose that eugenol treatment can disrupt cell membrane integrity, fatty acid β -oxidation, and induce apoptosis in A. flavus . This study demonstrated the potential application of clove bud volatile organic compounds as biofumigants for postharvest grain management and provided new insights into the antifungal mechanism of the main constituents against A. flavus growth. • Clove volatiles from Syzygium aromaticum , L. could control Aspergillus flavus growth in wheat grains. • Eugenol and caryophyllene are the two main volatile components of clove determined by GC-MS. • Eugenol could inhibit the growth of A. flavus in vapor phase and liquid contact. • The antifungal actions of eugenol on A. flavus were studied by metabolomic and biochemical analyses. • Eugenol could be used as biofumigants for postharvest grain management.

Study of the influence parameters and operating modes of equipment on the degree of grain damage in processing lines for its cleaning

Purpose. To determine the degree (magnitude) of grain damage at different stages of post-harvest grain processing and develop a rapid method for assessing grain damage using any technical means employed in the post-harvest grain processing line. Methods. The analytical research method is based on analyzing the degree of grain damage caused by technical means in the technological lines of post-harvest grain processing. Results. It has been established that the technical means used in technological lines result in different degrees of grain damage, and an analytical dependency has been obtained to determine the percentage of grain damage for each technological tool used in the technological chain of grain processing. Through experimental studies, a dependence of grain damage on the number of passes of grain material has been obtained, based on which an empirical relationship has been established in the first approximation, which expresses the dependence of grain material damage on the number of its passes. Conclusions. The proposed evaluation system allows for a quick assessment of the most significant damage caused by technical means in the grain cleaning line without excluding it from the technological process or disconnecting it from the power supply, taking into account the changing nature of the input grain damage. Keywords: grain damage, technological lines, cleaning of grain material, analytical method, noria, grain cleaning machine.

Post-Harvest Insect Pests and Their Management Practices for Major Food and Export Crops in East Africa: An Ethiopian Case Study.

Ethiopian subsistence farmers traditionally store their grain harvests, leaving them open to storage pests and fungi that can cause contamination of major staple crops. Applying the most effective strategy requires a precise understanding of the insect species, infestation rates, storage losses, and storage conditions in the various types of farmers' grain stores. This study did a complete literature analysis on post-harvest pest and management measures with a focus on Ethiopia. The most frequent insect pests of stored cereals in this study were weevils (Sitophilus spp.), the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica), rust-red flour beetle (Tribolium sp.), sawtoothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus sp.), grain beetle (Cryptolestes spp.), Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), and Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella). Flour beetles (Tribolium spp.), sawtoothed beetles (Oryzaephilus sp.), flat grain beetles (Cryptolestes pusillus), and some moths have been identified as common stored product pests of stored oil seed, while bruchid beetles (Callosobruchus chinensis) and the moths were reported for pulses. Additionally, the storage pests in Ethiopia under varied conditions caused storage losses of 9-64.5%, 13-95%, 36.9-51.9%, and 2-94.7% in maize, sorghum, chickpeas, and sesame, respectively. To reduce the losses incurred, preventative measures can be taken before infestations or as soon as infestations are discovered. A variety of pest population monitoring systems for harvested products and retailers have been developed and recommended. In this context, reducing post-harvest grain losses is an urgent concern for improving food accessibility and availability for many smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and ensuring the nation's long-term food security.

ОСНОВНЫЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИИ РАЗВИТИЯ ЗЕРНООЧИСТИТЕЛЬНОЙ ТЕХНИКИ

The main directions of research concerning post-harvest grain processing have been established: the first category includes cleaning methods, the second separator design, and the third grain cleaning technology. The most frequently used cleaning methods are highlighted. It is established that modern machines for primary grain processing use two-channel aspiration systems and three sieves in one tier of the sieve mill. The differences and advantages of air-sieve machines are shown. The low efficiency of pneumatic separators as independent devices for grain cleaning is shown: when feeding grain material of 7.9 t/h, the purity of the material when using the PS-15 separator increased from 98.16% to 98.70%; when feeding 9.6 t/h from 98.02% to 99.03%; when feeding 13.4 t/h from 97.73% to 98.04%; when feeding 14.9 t/h from 98.12% to 98.77%; when feeding 16.0 t/h from 97.55% to 98.29%. The efficiency of energy-saving gravity separators ZG-5 is shown: the content of the weed impurity when using it decreased to 0.67...0.98%, grain impurity up to 0.87...1.25%. The main objectives of various grain cleaning equipment are outlined: basic cleaning, isolation of difficult-to-separate impurities, obtaining high-quality seeds, energy saving. Two main new technologies of grain purification are given: fractionation and differentiation of grain heaps. Recommendations for developers of grain cleaning equipment are given.