Reduce Storage Losses Research Articles

Continuous Ozonation Coupled with UV-C Irradiation for a Sustainable Post-Harvest Processing of Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Fruits to Reduce Storage Losses

Ozonation and UV irradiation are promising sustainable methods for extending the shelf life of stored fruits. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the constructed system, enabling simultaneous ozonation and UV-C irradiation of cranberry fruits in extending their shelf life. The effectiveness of this solution was determined by analyzing the properties of fruits subjected to the processes. The impact of these processes on the shelf life of fruits was assessed during 42 days of storage at a temperature of 8 °C and 80% humidity. It was demonstrated that applying the ozonation process to fruits, as facilitated by the developed solution’s throughput, led to a reduction in microbiological load (fermentation bacteria count reduction by 3.4 log cfu−1), resulting in an extension of their shelf life and a reduction in storage losses (8.98% by mass). The implementation of the developed solution, by reducing water loss and limiting fruit losses (approximately 5% less compared to the control group) during storage, contributes to tangible benefits for the producers and distributors of these fruits. The proposed modification has a positive environmental effect by reducing waste and makes the cultivation of cranberries more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

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.

A Design Method for an SVM-Based Humidity Sensor for Grain Storage.

One of the crucial factors in grain storage is appropriate moisture content, which plays a significant role in reducing storage losses and ensuring quality. However, currently available humidity sensors on the market fail to meet the demands of modern large-scale grain storage in China in terms of price, size, and ease of implementation. Therefore, this study aims to develop an economical, efficient, and easily deployable grain humidity sensor suitable for large-scale grain storage environments. Simultaneously, it constructs humidity calibration models applicable to three major grain crops: millet, rice, and wheat. Starting with the probe structure, this study analyzes the ideal probe structure for grain humidity sensors. Experimental validations are conducted using millet, rice, and wheat as experimental subjects to verify the accuracy of the sensor and humidity calibration models. The experimental results indicate that the optimal length of the probe under ideal conditions is 0.67 m. Humidity calibration models for millet, rice, and wheat are constructed using SVM models, with all three models achieving a correlation coefficient R2 greater than 0.9. The measured data and model-calculated data show a linear relationship, closely approximating y = x, with R2 values of all three fitted models above 0.9. In conclusion, this study provides reliable sensor technological support for humidity monitoring in large-scale grain storage and processing, with extensive applications in grain storage and grain safety management.

Assessing Germinating Seeds of Legume and Cereal Crops to Enhance Oxygen Depletion: A Novel Approach in Hermetic Storage

Hermetic storage systems are used around the world to reduce stored product losses. Scavenging residual oxygen in hermetic containers can further enhance their effectiveness in minimizing stored commodity losses. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of germinating seeds of soybeans, rice, cowpeas, and corn in scavenging oxygen. There were six germination stages: seeds soaked for 24 h and allowed to grow for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 days (T1 to T6). Oxygen consumption was monitored for 30 h. Root length, the weight of mobilized seed reserve, and visual fungal growth were also assessed. The results showed that cowpeas in their fourth (T4), fifth (T5), and sixth (T6) germination stages were the most effective in scavenging oxygen to below 5% after only 12 h. Corn in its fifth (T5) germination stage took twice the time (24 h) of cowpeas (T4–T6) to reach 5%. Hypoxia affected the growth of radicle length and seed reserve mobilization in all crops except soybeans. Very minimal fungal growth was observed on germinating cowpea seeds under hermetic conditions. The fourth stage (T4) of germinating cowpeas has more potential as an oxygen scavenger because it requires less time to grow, and the seeds are easy to handle. Further research is needed to understand the role of seed weight and sizes, crop varieties, and genetic mechanisms that govern rapid oxygen consumption by germinating seeds among crops. Harnessing seeds as oxygen scavengers to reduce storage losses holds the promise of advancing the sustainable utilization of resources on smallholder farms.

Reducing Storage Losses of Organic Apples by Plasma Processed Air (PPA)

The consumer demand for organic food including apples is increasing worldwide. Despite favorable environmental and health benefits, organic farming bears also disadvantages like high amounts of fruit losses due to storage rot. A novel treatment with plasma-processed air (PPA) to sanitize organic apples is investigated. The plasma source for the generation of PPA was operated at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, a power output of 1.1 kW and a gas flow of 18 standard liters per minute. The antimicrobial efficiency of the PPA was tested on the natural load of organic apples (cultivar Natyra) with a load ranging from 104 to 106 CFU/mL in an experimental laboratory setup. A larger application was applied on artificially inoculated (Pseudomonas fluorescens~108 CFU/mL and Pezicula malicorticis~106 CFU/mL) organic apples to test the up-scalability of the PPA treatment. The apples were photographically documented and their texture was analyzed during the 26-day storage phase to investigate the influence of the PPA treatment on the appearance of the apples. The laboratory experiments resulted in a log10-reduction of one to two log10 levels compared to untreated and compressed-air-treated apples. For apples inoculated with P. fluorescens, the up-scaled procedure resulted in up to four levels of log10 reduction. In apples inoculated with P. malicorticis, the up-scaled procedure resulted in no reduction. This indicates that the application of PPA to organic apples can be effective for bacteria but needs to be optimized for fungi. Therefore, further testing is needed to validate the results.

Effects of biopesticides extracted with a homemade solvent on stored maize protection

Abstract Synthetic chemicals continue to play an important role in reducing storage losses attributable to insect pest activities. However, the adverse effects associated with some patented chemicals make synthetic pesticides less attractive and have given the drive to search for alternative methods of pest control. This study evaluated the effects of a traditional gin, akpeteshie crude extracts made of four timber species, neem (Azadirachta indica), mahogany (Khaya senegalensis), teak (Tectona grandis) and cedrela (Cedrela odorata) on the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais on stored maize grains in the laboratory. Home-made extracts of the test tree plants at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2% were tested as grain protectants or as insect poisons. All tested extracts in their respective concentrations performed well in the reduction of live insects during maize storage as compared to a non-extract treatment. The mode of action of all the extracts was generally concentration and time-dependent. On average neem extract was the most effective followed by mahogany, teak, and cedrela in that order. Neem and mahogany extracts performed well in reducing grain damage at a concentration of 2% and at 0.5% concentration of cedrela extract respectively. All extracts reduced progeny emergence and acted both as a repellent or a toxicant. The extracts performed better as compared to the untreated control in the viability of maize seeds leading to germination, and subsequent seedling emergence. The relatively low weight loss of the stored grains treated with these crude extracts during the 90-day experimental period at a maximum concentration of 2% is predictive that they can be adopted as safe and alternative grain protectants against weevils in store. The unknown phytochemicals in these akpeteshie hardwood extracts may be responsible for the insecticidal properties against the weevils. For some concentrations of the extracts, germination was inconsistent which led to the suspicion of allelopathy.

Blockchain-Enabled Model for Minimizing Post Harvest Losses

Post-harvest loss (PHL) leads to both decline in quantity and quality of food processing output from harvest to consumption. They can be caused by a wide range of circumstances, from growth conditions to retail handling. As storage loss is considered one among the detrimental factors, in this study, 25 data units were collected from a cold storage facility to analyze and focus specifically on post-harvest losses of vegetables. Various data analysis was carried out using SPSS tool. It was found that majority of losses were due to pest infection, weight losses due to climatic conditions, and transportation losses. On the other hand, blockchain is a trendsetter in the recent technology evolution, which is providing fruitful outcomes in all the integrated fields. We have chosen the same for obtaining a better solution for the afore mentioned problem. Integrating blockchain technology into the structure can significantly reduce storage losses and support producer-consumer lines.

Analysis of Marketing Facilities available for Tomato Growers of Haryana

Market plays crucial role in the economic life of farmers, and essential in the chain of commodity distribution. Postharvest losses in tomato are a matter of concern for all tomato growers, therefore a need for farmers to sell their produce instantly after harvesting is felt. Provision of better marketing facilities would assist in better handling of the produce and reduce storage losses, thereby offering higher and remunerative prices to the growers. The present study was conducted during 2020-21 in four districts of Haryana, namely Nuh, Sonipat, Gurugram and Palwal. The investigation was focused on the marketing facilities available for the farmers, their knowledge and adoption level regarding post-harvest management practices. A total sample of 160 respondents were selected and personally interviewed. The results indicated that farmers had medium degree of mass media exposure, extension contact and extension participation. To test the adequacy of sample, factor analysis using KMO and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was applied and yielded 10 factors and explaining a total of 69.58 per cent of the variance for the entire set of marketing facilities.

Development of a Monitoring System to Assess the Internal Environment of Bagged Grain in Storage

HighlightsA temperature and relative humidity monitoring system for bagged grain was developed.Continuous monitoring of condition of bagged corn and paddy was done for four months.Temperature and relative humidity within bagged grain followed the ambient conditions.Equilibrium moisture content of the stored grain increased by 1.2% during storage.Abstract.Most farmers in African countries produce small amounts of grain per season and use polypropylene bags for grain storage. Little published information is available on the temperature and moisture change of bagged grain even though high losses are observed. Commercially available moisture meters are expensive and not suitable for providing real-time information on the condition of bagged grain. A monitoring system was developed to assess the internal environment of bagged grain stored in warehouses. The system has eight on-board integrated temperature and relative humidity sensors connected to a custom Arduino-based data acquisition system which recorded a time stamp, temperature, and relative humidity onto a microSD card. Four units were deployed in two warehouses in Nigeria from 3 May 2019 to 9 September 2019. There were 54 bags of corn in Ilorin, and 4000 bags of paddy rice in Tede. Average monthly temperatures recorded at various locations in the warehouse were significantly different (p<0.05). The errors in temperature and relative humidity measurement were 0.2°C and 3.7%, respectively. Equilibrium moisture content of bagged corn and paddy increased by 1.1 and 1.2 percentage points (wet basis), respectively. Data acquired by the system can be used to monitor the condition of bagged grain and detect potential spoilage. This system would help warehouse managers make informed decisions to reduce storage losses. Keywords: EMC, Grain bag storage, Loss management, Moisture, Resilience, Temperature.

Adoption and Profitability of the Purdue Improved Crop Storage Technology for Grain Storage in the South-Central Regions of Niger

Cowpea is a food security crop and a main source of income for farmers in Niger. However, postharvest storage remains a major challenge due to insect pest attacks. Since 2008, the Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags were disseminated in Niger to reduce storage losses. This study was conducted to assess the adoption of the PICS technology in the Dosso, Maradi, and Zinder regions of Niger. We interviewed 600 households selected from villages that did and did not benefit from PICS extension activities. A logit regression model was used to assess the decision of farmers to adopt the PICS technology. The overall adoption of the PICS bags among farmers was 48.4%. PICS adoption was 69.7% in Dosso, 41.3% in Zinder, and 31.2% in Maradi. Farmers who attended PICS training were 5 times more likely to adopt the technology than those who did not. Variables that affected the adoption of the PICS technology included the region, participation in PICS training, and information source. Beyond cowpea, PICS bags were used to store a variety of crops including Bambara nuts, hibiscus seeds, peanuts, millet, and sorghum. Storing 100 kg of cowpea in a PICS bag generated a cash flow of $70.38 per respondent and a net return of $21.50. Revenues generated from sales of cowpea stored in PICS bags were mostly used for health expenditures and to purchase agricultural inputs. Results of this study demonstrate that pest management technologies such as PICS bags can also contribute to improving the livelihood of family farms.

The Effects of Storage Technology and Training on Postharvest Losses, Practices, and Sales: Evidence from Small-Scale Farms in Tanzania

We analyze the impact of a new storage technology and training on postharvest losses, sales and the timing of sales, farmgate prices, maize quality, and storage protection costs among small-scale maize farmers in rural Tanzania. The analysis is based on data collected by means of a randomized controlled trial in which farmers were randomized into one of three groups: a control group and two treatment groups. Farmers in the first treatment group received training on postharvest management practices, and farmers in the second treatment group were provided with hermetic (airtight) bags for storing maize as well as the training administered to the first treatment group. Both interventions had a significant effect in reducing storage losses, and the intervention with hermetic bags improved the quality of maize grain, raised the likelihood of selling maize, increased the farmgate price of maize, enabled farmers to shift some of their sales to the lean season, and reduced the cost of storage protection. Both interventions are economically feasible.

Maize storage losses and its main determinants in China

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to estimate on-farm maize storage losses and to empirically analyse the main determinants of maize storage losses in China.Design/methodology/approachBased on a nationwide survey of 1,196 households in 23 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China, the authors estimated on-farm maize storage losses and used a fractional logit model to analyse the main determinants of maize storage losses in China.FindingsThe results showed that, first, 1.78% of maize was lost during the storage stage in China and that storage loss experienced by smallholders varied across regions. Second, the empirical analysis showed that storage quantities have significant and negative effects on storage losses and that an economy of scale in household storage may exist; the percentage of maize stored for consumption and feed has significant and positive effects on storage losses, which may be related to market requirements and management activities. Third, compared to traditional facilities, silos and warehouses cause lower storage losses, while spraying chemicals and re-drying maize in the storage stage incur higher losses, possibly because to save costs, smallholders conduct loss-reduction activities only when they suffer serious losses, and when taking measures, farmers may sort grains, which also increases losses. Fourth, harvesting maize when it matures is significantly associated with lower storage losses.Research limitations/implicationsTo reduce storage losses, first, farmers' awareness of food saving and loss reduction must be increased. This could be achieved through agricultural training and education regarding food-saving practices. Second, the government could provide subsidies or low-interest credits to encourage farmers to use advanced facilities and promote land transfers to realize economies of scale. Finally, the government should accelerate the construction of smart agriculture systems and the timely monitoring of crop growth to suggest farmers to harvest at the appropriate time.Originality/valueReducing post-harvest loss (PHL) has become an important means of increasing the food supply and reducing resources use in China. This study provides a complete introduction to household maize storage losses and can therefore help characterize the current state of PHL in China, which is of vital importance to food security and food policy.

The effects of calcium fertilizer on anthracnose and Rhizopus tuber rot of yam

Yam (Dioscorea spp) production is beset in the field and in storage by major fungal pathogens, namely Colletotrichum gloeosporioides that causes anthracnose in the field, and Rhizopus stolonifer that causes tuber rot in storage. Alternative control measures are imperative as conventional control of these pathogens is either ineffective or detrimental. This study investigated the effects of calcium fertilizer on the incidence and severity of anthracnose and Rhizopus rot of yam. Calcium nitrate fertilizer was applied to soils naturally infected with C. gloeosporioides, at the rates of 0, 3, and 4kg ha-1. D. rotundata variety Efuru was planted. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Anthracnose disease rating relied on natural endemic infection in the field, while inoculation of harvested yam tubers was carried out using R. stolonifer. There was no significant effect of calcium amendment of the soil on anthracnose severity in D. rotundata or on the agronomic parameters. D. rotundata tubers treated with 3 and 4kg ha-1 calcium soil amendments had reduced infection by R. stolonifer in storage compared to the control treatments. The study concluded that calcium applied to the soil had reduced storage losses by R. stolonifer in D. rotundata but had no influence on anthracnose severity in the field. Therefore, 3kg ha-1 of calcium nitrate applied to the soil can be used to improve D. rotundata tuber resistance to R. stolonifer, and is recommended for high-quality tuber storage.

The potential of calcium hydroxide to reduce storage losses: A four months monitoring study of spruce wood chip piles at industrial scale

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of an alkaline additive on the storage of wood chips from Norway spruce forest residues. Piles of untreated and calcium hydroxide treated wood chips (250 m3) were set up and investigated for four months. It was demonstrated that adding Ca(OH)2 to moist wood chips decreased the dry matter loss by 6%. This was attributed to the increase of the pH to a level of 8, rendering the habitat less suitable for fungal colonisation. The results suggest the set-up storage strategy as a potential alternative method for preserving wood chips when long term storage is required.

Assessment of the effectiveness of storage structures for maintaining the quality of maize seed stored at different moisture levels

One of the main causes of food insecurity is the timely unavailability of quality seeds for smallholder farmers in developing countries. Improved storage technologies are effective in reducing storage losses. Thus, the objective of this research is to assess the traditional and emerging seed storage structures/materials for the maintenance of seed qualities. The effect of different storage conditions (moisture content of seed at the time of storage, i.e. 12±0.15% and 13.5±0.18%; storage containers such as metal bin, earthen pot, Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag, and jute bag) on seed qualities of maize were assessed. The seed was collected from Chitwan, Nepal and a laboratory experiment was conducted at the central seed testing laboratory, seed quality control center (SQQC), Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur. The experiment was done using a two-factor complete randomized design in a four replicates design. Data regarding the seed qualities (seed moisture percentage, germination percentage, root and shoot length, and vigor index) just before store and also at 45, 90, 135, 180, and 240 days after storage (DAS) was performed as per the standard followed by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). The germination percentage, root, and shoot length decreased with increasing storage duration. The seed stored in the higher moisture level had significantly higher seed moisture throughout the storage duration. Seed stored in the traditional structures (jute bag and earthen pot) had lower seed moisture at 120 and 180 DAS. The seed stored at lower moisture resulted in a higher germination percentage, long root, and shoot length. Up to six months of storage germination of maize seeds stored in the earthen pots, PICS bag, and Jute bags were statistically similar. The traditional storage structures are equally effective for the maintenance of seed quality of maize.

EFFECT OF IRRADIATION ON FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY

Numerous processing techniques have been developed to control food spoilage and raise food safety. The traditional methods of preservation include: pasteurization, canning, freezing, refrigeration and use of chemical preservatives. Food irradiation is non-thermal food preservation process. It is a treatment of food exposition on an amount of energy in the form of speed particles or rays. Depending on absorbed radiation dose, various effects can be achieved, resulting in reduced storage losses, extended shelf life, improved microbiological and parasitological safety of foods. The potential application of ionizing radiation in food processing is based mainly on the fact that ionizing radiations damage very effectively the DNA molecules. The application is very diverse, from inhibition of sprouting of tubers and bulbs, to production of commercially sterile food products. At the same time, irradiation-induced chemical changes in food are minimal. Irradiation does not cause any significant loss of macronutrients. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates undergo minimal modifications in nutritional value, which are less significant compared with traditional methods of food preservation. Irradiation offers a potential to enhance microbiological safety and quality of food through extension of its shelf life. The aim of this review paper is to give an overview of the effects of ionizing radiation on microbial contaminants and nutritional characteristics of food. In the paper, the basic concepts of food irradiation, mode of action on microbes and the effects of ionizing radiation on nutritional quality of irradiated food are summarized.

Quince seed mucilage as edible coating for mandarin fruit; determination of the quality characteristics during storage

Today's consumers prefer foods that are practically prepared and ready for consumption. Therefore, global demand for the consumption of minimally processed fruits gained popularity. In this study, the use of quince (Cydonia oblonga) seed mucilage was investigated as an edible coating to extend the shelf life of mandarin fruit ready for consumption. The mucilage obtained from the quince seed extract was used for covering the mandarin slices and samples were stored at 4°C for 10 days. Coating significantly delayed softening, reduced weight loss, and maintained color values of fruits. Sensory characteristics of coated mandarin were preserved. At the end of storage time, the values of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of coated samples were significantly higher than control. The results of this study indicated that the use of quince seed extract preserved the sensory characteristics of mandarin fruits up to 7 days. Practical applications Novel packaging materials and methods to reduce postharvest quality losses in fruits during storage have attracted great interest in recent years. Edible film and coatings are one of the natural, cheap, and easy-to-apply methods that can be an alternative to chemical applications used to reduce storage losses. Edible coating applications combined with low-temperature storage are able to slow down metabolism in fruits and to retard microbial spoilage, while providing quality preservation of fruits. The present study provides information about the effect of quince seed mucilage as an edible coating on the quality characteristics of ready to eat mandarin slices. The quince seed edible coating is environmental friendly and it is a novel edible coating for improving the quality of fresh-cut fruits.

Assessment of Low-cost Postharvest Techniques to Reduce Storage Losses in Sweet Potato

Sweet potato is now classified among the high-priority crops targeted at reducing food insecurity and malnutrition in many countries. Despite this growing interest, high postharvest losses caused by poor handling, physiological weight loss, sprouting, weevil (Cylas spp.) damage and microbial decay remain a challenge. Decay losses due to tip rot and other pathogenic fungi are a challenge in Ghana. Incidence of tip rot, which is characterized by a dry decay at either or both ends of roots, is severe due to late harvesting of roots which are intended for storage. This study evaluated a series of postharvest techniques which can be integrated to extend shelf-life in small scale storage. These include harvest maturity, root tip coppicing, hot water treatment, honey waxing and sanitizing in postharvest chemicals. Tip coppicing significantly (P<0.001) reduced the incidence of tip rot across the varieties when stored for 8 weeks, but dipping roots in different oils did not significantly (P<0.05) reduce tip rot incidence. Decay losses in the control and hot water treated roots were similar during the first 4 weeks after storage, but later losses were significantly severe in hot water treated roots. The range of fungi genera identified in this study are generally fungal endophytes; often symptomless in roots but become pathogenic when conditions are favourable. Due to the root thin skin, mechanical injuries during harvesting and handling become infection pathways for such pathogens. Therefore, integration of best practices at each step of harvesting and postharvest handling operations can significantly minimize decay losses.

Improved on-farm storage reduces seasonal food insecurity of smallholder farmer households – Evidence from a randomized control trial in Tanzania

Ending hunger is a key goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015. This goal notwithstanding, the prevalence of severe food insecurity of the world’s population has increased. It is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the seasonality of harvests leads to fluctuations in food insecurity, particularly in the lean season, the time before the harvest is brought in. We posit that addressing seasonal food insecurity requires not only increased food production, as is commonly argued, but also consideration of post-harvest losses during storage. Here we present the results of a randomized control trial on the effects of improved on-farm storage on seasonal food insecurity. Our intervention provided farming households from two districts in Tanzania with hermetic storage bags that can help reduce storage losses. Seasonal food insecurity was measured via multiple rounds of SMS-based surveys. The results show that the intervention reduced the proportion of severely food insecure households by 38% on average in the lean season, and by 20% in the full seasonal cycle. These findings demonstrate that a simple and inexpensive technology could contribute strongly to reducing seasonal food insecurity and improving smallholder farmers’ year-round access to food.

Effect of Alfalfa Cultivar and Bale Wrap Type on Dry Matter and Forage Quality of Large Round Bales in Outdoor Storage

HighlightsTime to bind a round bale was longest for twine (56 s) compared to B-Wrap® (28 s) and net wrap (18 s).Alfalfa cultivar had minimal effects on changes in dry matter and forage quality of round bales stored outdoors.Dry matter losses were 7% for twine bales, 5% for net wrap bales, while B-Wrap® bales maintained DM in outdoor storage.Deleterious changes in forage quality were generally observed after =180 days of outdoor storage. Abstract. Large round bales are commonly fed to livestock; however, it has been well documented that outdoor storage can negatively impact dry matter (DM) and forage quality. To reduce storage losses and improve feeding value, new wrap types and alfalfa cultivars have been developed; however, these options have not been extensively investigated. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to evaluate the time required to bind large round bales, determine changes in DM and forage quality, and examine the economics of reduced-lignin and conventional alfalfa hay bound in twine, net wrap, and B-Wrap® while in outdoor storage. Hay was baled into 24 large round bales; 12 bales each of reduced-lignin and conventional alfalfa. Within each cultivar, four replicates were bound with each wrap type. Using stopwatches, the time to bind each bale was recorded. At the time of harvest, and every 90±3 days for 365 days, individual bales were weighed and cored to determine changes in DM and forage quality. Significance was set at P = 0.05. Time to bind a bale was longest for twine, intermediate for B-Wrap®, and shortest for net wrap (P < 0.01). Alfalfa cultivar had minimal effects on the parameters measured; therefore, the interaction between wrap type and storage length was reported. After 365 days in outdoor storage, DM losses were 7% for twine bales, 5% for net wrap bales, while B-Wrap® bales maintained DM. Changes in forage quality were observed at =180 days of storage where nonstructural carbohydrates were decreased and insoluble fiber components were concentrated. B-Wrap® bales had a higher value compared to net wrap and twines bales at 180 and 270 days in storage. These results suggest that B-Wrap® was better able to shed precipitation which preserved forage quality and bale value compared to large round bales bound in net wrap and twine in long term, outdoor storage. Keywords: B-Wrap®, Bale value, Net wrap, Reduced-lignin alfalfa, Twine.