Stored Corn Research Articles

Study on Rapid Non-Destructive Detection Method of Corn Freshness Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology.

(1) Background: To achieve the rapid, non-destructive detection of corn freshness and staleness for better use in the storage, processing and utilization of corn. (2) Methods: In this study, three varieties of corn were subjected to accelerated aging treatment to study the trend in fatty acid values of corn. The study focused on the use of hyperspectral imaging technology to collect information from corn samples with different aging levels. Spectral data were preprocessed by a convolutional smoothing derivative method (SG, SG1, SG2), derivative method (D1, D2), multiple scattering correction (MSC), and standard normal transform (SNV); the characteristic wavelengths were extracted by the competitive adaptive reweighting method (CARS) and successive projection algorithm (SPA); a neural network (BP) and random forest (RF) were utilized to establish a prediction model for the quantification of fatty acid values of corn. And, the distribution of fatty acid values was visualized based on fatty acid values under the corresponding optimal prediction model. (3) Results: With the prolongation of the aging time, all three varieties of corn showed an overall increasing trend. The fatty acid value of corn can be used as the most important index for characterizing the degree of aging of corn. SG2-SPA-RF was the quantitative prediction model for optimal fatty acid values of corn. The model extracted 31 wavelengths, only 12.11% of the total number of wavelengths, where the coefficient of determination RP2 of the test set was 0.9655 and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 3.6255. (4) Conclusions: This study can provide a reliable and effective new method for the rapid non-destructive testing of corn freshness.

Investigation of the presence and enzymatic activity of fungi in stored corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] grains

Soy [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] and corn (Zea mays L.) are important crops in Brazilian agribusiness. When stored improperly, these grains are susceptible to insects and microorganisms. Among the microorganisms capable of causing grain deterioration, fungi stand out. Despite the harm associated with fungi, they are biotechnologically appreciable due to their potential ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes, such as cellulases and proteases. Fungal hydrolytic enzymes have been applied in various processes in the food, textile, and detergent production industries, among others. The objective of this study was to verify the presence of fungi in samples of corn and soybean grains under storage conditions and characterize them regarding the production of cellulolytic and proteolytic enzymes. Among the results, there was a greater quantity and variety of filamentous fungi (35 morphotypes) in association with the grains evaluated, than of yeasts (three morphotypes). Representatives of the genera Aspergillus spp., Curvularia sp., and Penicillium spp. were detected, corroborating previous reports in the literature. Filamentous fungi that tested positive for cellulase production had an enzyme ratio index (ERI) varying between 1.06 and 2.57 (mean ± standard deviation = 1.37 ± 0.48), while for proteolytic activity, only the fungi isolated from soybean tested positive, with ERI (mean ± standard deviation) = 1.21 ± 0.01. Although the taxonomy of the isolates in this study has not been completely elucidated, it is possible to state that these fungi are promising for producing hydrolytic enzymes, with potential for use in the development of products and/or biotechnological processes.

Storability and Brewing Quality of Corn Grits: Impacts of Storage Temperature, Particle Size and Key Compositional Factors

Across international brewing operations corn grits from different suppliers vary substantially in terms of their physical properties and chemical composition. Present research aimed to highlight the key factors determining the brewing quality of stored corn grits. Six grits samples were sourced with different particle sizes (that ranged from 0% to 74% of particles ≤0.355 mm) and stored at 10 °C, 20 °C, or 30 °C for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 months. Samples were analysed for moisture, extract, lipid, trihydroxy fatty acids (THFA) and pro-oxidant metal ion contents. Particle size range was measured using sieve analysis. Increasing levels of THFA occurred on storage due to lipid oxidation and are negative indicators of brewing quality. PLS-R modelling of THFA levels (R 2 = 0.83) revealed particle size (hence surface area for oxidation) was the most important factor (∼60% of the total R 2) followed by storage time (∼25%) and temperature (∼7%). Metal ion content and lipid content of grits were minor contributors. Results showed that coarser milling of grits offers protection against lipid oxidation even after 8 months at 30 °C. These insights into key factors determining the rate of lipid oxidation in stored corn grits will help to develop better supply chain management and storage practices with which to assure their brewing quality.

Molecular identification and management of mycotoxigenic fungi in stored corn Grains

Mycotoxin-producing molds which considered as common maize grains contaminants are the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium. There are natural and safe ways to protect grains from mold contamination as the use of essential oils and chemical treatments. A total number of 25 samples were used to study the natural frequency in five governorates in Egypt, Molecular identification indicated that the most frequent fungi were Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus niger, Talaromyces verruculosus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus. The in vitro studies have been done to determine mycelial growth and spore germination inhibition of the two A. flavus; isolated and reference isolates. Thyme and acetic acid were tested in direct contact assay to study their effects on mycelial growth. Treatments showed significant impact on mycelial growth and spore germination inhibition of both A. flavus isolates. In the postharvest application treatments: as vapour and carrier contact assay, Thyme and Acetic acid were tested to determine their influence on growth and aflatoxin production in A. flavus isolates by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS). Results indicated that both treatments were effective in inhibition of aflatoxin production in both vapour and carrier assays as they succeeded in reducing AFB1 while they inhibited completely the production of AFB2. The extent of the inhibition of aflatoxin production was dependent on the concentration and storage duration of treatments applied.

Characterization and Detection Classification of Moldy Corn Kernels Based on X-CT and Deep Learning

Moldy corn produces aflatoxin and gibberellin, which can have adverse effects on human health if consumed. Mold is a significant factor that affects the safe storage of corn. If not detected and controlled in a timely manner, it will result in substantial food losses. Understanding the infection patterns of mold on corn kernels and the changing characteristics of the internal structure of corn kernels after infection is crucial for guiding innovation and optimizing detection methods for moldy corn. This knowledge also helps maintain corn storage and ensure food safety. This study was based on X-ray tomography technology to non-destructively detect changes in the structural characteristics of moldy corn kernels. It used image processing technology and model reconstruction algorithms to obtain the 3D model of the embryo, pores and cracks, endosperm and seed coat, and kernels of moldy corn kernels; qualitative analysis of the characteristic changes of two-dimensional slice grayscale images and 3D models of moldy corn kernels; and quantitative analysis of changes in the volume parameters of corn kernels, embryos, endosperm, and seed coats as a whole. It explored the detection method of moldy corn kernels based on a combination of X-ray tomography technology and deep learning algorithms. The analysis concluded that mold infection in maize begins in the embryo and gradually spreads and that mold damage to the tissue structure of maize kernels is irregular in nature. The overall volume parameter changes of corn kernels, embryos, endosperm, and seed coats in the four stages of 0 d, 5 d, 10 d, and 15 d showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The ResNet50 model was enhanced for detecting mold on maize kernels, achieving an accuracy of over 93% in identifying mold features in sliced images of maize kernels. This advancement enabled the non-destructive detection and classification of the degree of mold in maize kernel samples. This article studies the characterization of the characteristic changes of moldy corn kernels and the detection of mildew, which will provide certain help for optimizing the monitoring of corn kernel mildew and the development of rapid detection equipment.

Determination of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Total Aflatoxins in Stored Corn from Sites of Puebla and Tlaxcala, Mexico

This paper aimed to evaluate the contamination with mycotoxigenic fungi and total aflatoxins in stored corn from different sites in Puebla and Tlaxcala, Mexico. Methodology. The study was conducted at two sites in Puebla (San Salvador El Seco and Junta Auxiliar La Resurrección) and two sites in Tlaxcala (Tlaltepango and Nativitas). A total of 80 samples of stored corn were collected. Identification of Aspergillus flavus was performed by microculture techniques and specific taxonomic keys (macromorphological and micromorphological). Then, samples of contaminated corn were selected, and aflatoxin production was confirmed using a direct solid-phase ELISA kit. A total of 25 A. flavus strains were identified. Other possible mycotoxin-producing fungi were Penicillium (n=52) and Fusarium (n=19). Regarding total aflatoxin contamination, all samples were contaminated within a range of 1.589 to 11.854 μg/kg, and the average concentration was 6.3 μg/kg corn. Implications. The detection of mycotoxigenic fungi in the samples tested and of aflatoxins in corn highlights the importance of monitoring these fungi. Since food safety is at risk, it shows the need for methods to control these fungi and their metabolites.

Safe Storage of Corn using different types of Hermetic Bags

Safe Storage of Corn using different types of Hermetic Bags

Household grain storage decision in a transitory economy: Market liberalization and off‐farm employment

AbstractThe grain storage held by rural households, given its significant quantity and crucial role in household operations, plays a vital role in ensuring food security. This paper constructs a theoretical framework that encompasses household decisions regarding off‐farm employment, savings, and consumption, as well as the production, selling, and storage of grain. The theoretical model, driven by motivations of risk aversion and temporal price arbitrage, highlights the importance of market liberalization and off‐farm employment in shaping rural household grain storage decisions. Utilizing household‐level panel data from 2003 to 2020, we empirically validate that both market liberalization and off‐farm employment contribute to the reduction of household grain storage. However, these effects exhibit heterogeneity depending on the scale of household grain production and the specific crops cultivated. Significant impacts of market liberalization are observed among large‐scale producers who have greater exposure to the market. Furthermore, the storage of rice and corn decreases with an increase in off‐farm employment.

Mechanical properties and integrity of stored corn grains after continuous and intermittent drying

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of continuous and intermittent drying during the storage time on mechanical properties and integrity of corn. For intermittent drying, five rest times (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h) and four storage times (0, 90, 180, and 270 days) were used. The corn grains harvested at a moisture content of 0.34±0.001 kg kg-1 dry basis (db) were dried in a fixed-layer experimental dryer set at a temperature of 100 °C and an air flow rate of 1.5 m3 min-1 m-2 until they reached a moisture content of 0.16±0.03 kg kg-1 db. For intermittent drying, the process was interrupted at a moisture content of 0.22±0.02 kg kg-1 db and resumed after resting. Tests for electrical conductivity, rupture force, deformation, energy required for rupture, and modulus of toughness and hardness were conducted. Grain integrity is better maintained when the grain has been dried with a longer rest time and stored for short periods; compressive strength exhibits the same behavior as integrity, but hardness, energy for rupture, and the modulus of toughness are not influenced by storage time, and grain deformation was not affected by the rest and storage times.

The effect of intermittent drying with variable resting times on quality parameters of corn obtained after storage

This study aimed to assess the effect of continuous and intermittent drying with different rest times on the quality parameters of stored corn grains. The grains were collected at a moisture content of 25.37 g/100 g and subjected to drying at a temperature of 373 K and air flow rate of 1.5 m3/(min m2). Drying was carried out using five different rest times (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 h) and continued until the grains reached a final moisture content of 14 ± 0.3 g/100 g. After drying, the grains were stored under laboratory conditions and assessed at 0, 90, 180 and 270 d. The following conclusions were reached: the rest technique reduced grain damage after drying and during storage without substantially compromising proximal composition; longer rest times resulted in darker grains, while storage decreased the hue and increased the colour intensity of grains. Storage diminished the positive effect of intermittent drying on the arrangement, size and agglomeration of starch granules.

Growth of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) fed on young maize colonized with endophytic fungus Beauveria bassiana from South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Faddilah DR, Verawaty M, Herlinda S. 2022. Growth of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) fed on young maize colonized with endophytic fungus Beauveria bassiana from South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6652-6660. The aim of present research was to evaluate the seed treated effect of endophytic Beauveria bassiana isolated from soil and infected-host cadavers on the growth of S. frugiperda. The three isolates (TaBrPGA, LtApPGA, and TaTtLH) of B. bassiana identified molecularly were used for bioassay. The research confirmed that isolates of B. bassiana isolated from soil and infected-host cadavers of Lepidoptera were endophytic entomopathogenic fungus. All isolates of endophytic B. bassiana caused negative effects on the growth of S. frugiperda larvae. TaTtLH isolate of B. bassiana was the most pathogenic isolate (73% of larvae mortality) among the other isolates. B. bassiana in seed treatment could retard the growth of S. frugiperda larvae, pupae, and adults. The endophytic B. bassiana could also kill the pupae and adults of S. frugiperda, and decrease the pupae and adult emergence. Beauveria bassiana could decrease 86% of adult emergence. Beauveria bassiana applied in seed treatment could protect since the stored corn seeds and the young maize plant against S. frugiperda. So, endophytic B. bassiana could be recommended to protect the stored corn seeds.

Світові тенденції розвитку ринку пшениці і кукурудзи та визначення місця України в ньому

The article examines global trends in the production and export of wheat and corn. Trends that are formed in the world grain market strongly depend on a number of factors, the most important of which are: the sustainable economic development of the country as a whole, in particular the level of development of the agrarian sector of the economy, geopolitical (conflicts in the political arena, wars), demographic (rapid growth of the population in world) changes in the world. The main factors affecting the yield of agricultural crops and the size of the harvested crop were analyzed. The most significant among them are: the number of cultivated areas, yield per hectare, weather and climatic conditions, amount of precipitation, technical equipment of producers, production methods, seed materials, etc. The top wheat and corn producing countries in the world have been determined. The indicators that characterize the world grain market and affect the size of the harvested crop are analyzed, among them the most significant are: the world production and export of wheat and corn, the number of sown areas, yield per hectare. Information on changes in futures prices for grain crops formed on the leading international commodity exchanges: Chicago (ZWZ2), New York (NYMEX), European Euronext (EBMZ2) and the Black Sea was studied. The main problems of the development of the Ukrainian grain market today have been identified and directions for solving them and increasing the export of wheat and corn have been outlined. Outlined state of the world grain market for 2022/2023 MR. The market of wheat and corn in Ukraine was analyzed, the main obstacles and problems of grain export from Ukraine today were determined, directions for their solution were outlined. In order to solve the existing problems on the Ukrainian market, it is necessary: to establish the export of grain crops by rail to European ports and continue its transportation to end consumers, to build grain terminals on the borders with the countries of the European Union (Poland and Romania) to increase cargo flows, simplify the logistics process, and enable the transition to futures trade, which will expand the financial capabilities of our producers. In order to ensure the storage of wheat and corn, it is advisable to use all available warehouses in the country and any other possible options for high- quality storage without losing the properties of the product, in particular, big bags, special bags, polyethylene sleeves, underground elevators, tent storages, etc

Alternative method of maize grain quality maintenance for small farmers through hermetic storage

In many countries, small corn producers generally have technological limitations during storage. hermetic storage with use of PET bottles stands out as an alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hermetic storage of corn in polyethylene silo bags and PET bottles as an alternative for small producers. Maize grains were stored in polyethylene silo bags, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and glass recipients for 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Were used four repetitions for each treatment. Were evaluated the traits: infestation by insect pests (%); water content (% bu.); bulk density (kg 100 L-1); electrical conductivity (µS cm-1 g-1); percentage of germination (%). The insect species that infested the corn kernels under hermetic and non-hermetic conditions was only Sitophilus zeamais. PET bottles presented the lowest percentage of infestation among the storage containers, followed by silo bags, both presented the maximum percentages of 0.65% and 30%, respectively. Water content, bulk density, electrical conductivity e percentage of germination of the maize were preserved in both hermetic storage systems that were tested for 60 days. The use of PET bottles control S. zeamais and preserve the quality of maize for at least 60 days of storage. Our study concludes that hermetic storage in PET bottles can be particularly useful and important for small farmers.

The effect of different salt concentrations on corn storage

AbstractThe aim of this research is to determine the protective effects of different concentrations of salt solutions on microbiological degradation, germination, and weevil activity in stored corn. For this purpose; salt solutions are prepared at four concentrations (0% control, 10, 18, and 26%), and grains are dipped into these solutions within four different durations (10, 20, 40, and 60 s). Results of this study indicate that salt application respectively increase the water content and activity values of grains by an average of 1.86% and 0.110 units. The germination loss is determined as 63% during the storage, and amount of weevils reaches 813 counts at the end of 8 months storage duration even though the initial count of weevils is 5. Increasing salt concentration has an inhibiting effect on the yeast and mold growth in corn and the 26% salt concentration caused a three‐log unit decrease in yeast and mold count.Novelty impact statement In this research, the protective effect of salt application as a minimal treatment against mold and insects in corn storage was investigated. It was determined that salt application reduced the number of mold in the sample a three‐log unit without causing a loss of germination in corn, but it was not effective against insects (Sitophilus oryzae). It has been gained insight into that salt application can be more effective with a slightly drying after it is applied as a spray instead of dipping and thus it can be also a restrictive effect on insect activity.

Role of Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum during anaerobic storage of ear-removed corn on biogas production

To optimize the volatile fatty acid production for anaerobic fermentation, the ear-removed corn was ensiled without (control) or with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (LC) and L. paraplantarum (LpP). Inoculation of LpP increased acetic acid content by 40%, and decreased butyric acid content by 38% in relative to control. Moreover, inoculation of LpP decreased the bacterial alpha diversity indices, while inherent species of Lentilactobacillus buchneri and L. hilgardii dominated the anaerobic fermentation. In particular, inoculation of LpP restricted the growth of yeasts and production of propionic acid at the early stage of storage, but continuously stimulated anaerobic fermentation, resulting in a higher maximal cumulative gas emissions of methane (by about 20 %) than that of LP and LC. Therefore, inoculation of LpP during anaerobic storage was favorable to produce intermediate metabolites (acetic acid) for subsequent biogas production of ear-removed corn.

The Effect of Maize Weevil Population Density (Sitophilus zeamais M.) on Maize Weight Loss and The Number of Progeni

The effort of increasing corn production is not only observing the process of the cultivation, but it also needs to observe the handling of post-harvest in order to be able to keep the quality of corn.Post-harvest handling that needs to be considered is when storage. In the storage of corn or other grain can be stored shrinkage of grain weight, this is changed by the presence of fungi, rats and insects. Post-harvest insects that are mostly found in storage are Sitophilus zeamais M. or Maize weevil. The population density of S. zeamais will affect the corn shrinkage, damage, and the number of progeny. This research aims to investigate the effect of S. zeamais population density toward the corn seed damage, shrinkage, the number of progeny, sex ratio, and mortality. This study uses a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments and repeatition for about 3 times. This treatment consists of pest infestations of 3 pairs, 6 pairs, 9 pairs, 12 pairs and 15 pairs.The result shows that the different population density in every treatment impacts the corn seed damage, weight loss, number of progeny, sex ratio, and the mortality. The population S. zeamaisof 15 pairs in the treatment can cause the damage of seeds for about 50,00%, 39,43% of weight loss, and the amount of progeny for about 171,67 and the mortality for about 33,33%. The population S. zeamaisof 3 pairs in the treatment can cause the damage of seeds for about 20,67%, 11,82% of weight loss, and the amount of progeny for about 56,67 and the mortality for about 16,67%.
 
 Keywords :Corn, Population Density, Sitophilus zeamais M., Maize weight loss.

Prototype wireless sensor network and Internet of Things platform for real-time monitoring of intergranular equilibrium moisture content and predict the quality corn stored in silos bags

Grain storage in bag silos has increased in recent years, mainly due to the low initial investment cost. However, there is no control of the ecosystem that involves the biotic and abiotic factors of storage. Thus, the objective was to develop and validate a prototype wireless sensor network and Internet of Things (IoT) platform for real-time monitoring of intergranular equilibrium moisture content and predict through neural network algorithms the physical, physical quality-chemical and microbiological mass of corn stored in bag silos. For an evaluation over three months, the experiments were installed with corn grains with two initial moisture contents of 13 % and 18 % (w.b.), three storage environments with temperatures of 17, 23, and 30 °C in bag silos. It was observed during the monitoring of stored grains, variations of moisture balance hygroscopic that indirectly inferred the quality of corn. The prototype and device with temperature sensors and intergranular relative humidity of the grains stored in bag silos were adjusted, obtaining satisfactory results for the determination of the equilibrium moisture content curves of the mass of corn grains stored, in real-time, connected to an IoT platform, for indirect monitoring of the quality of stored corn grains over time. In the moisture contents of 13 % and the storage condition of 17 °C they had the best quality results, while in the storage in bag silos with moisture contents of 13 % and 18 % showed no differences in the condition of 23 °C. However, at a temperature of 30 °C, the grains suffered a high deterioration. Furthermore, the quality prediction results using Artificial Neural Networks algorithms, indicated a high coefficient of determination of the trained models, presenting itself as a promising perspective, mainly in develop embedded technologies for monitoring and predicting qualitative variables of corn stored in bag silos.

Resistência de genótipos de milho a densidades de Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Sitophilus zeamais is one of the main pests of stored corn. The objective of the present work was to identify the resistance of corn genotypes to the attack of different densities of S. zeamais. 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 adult insects were used for infestation in samples of four maize genotypes: Nutricional Embrapa, Milho Roxo, 8 Carreiras and Palha Roxa. The number of emerged insects, grain mass loss, insect weight, longevity and sex ratio were evaluated. Maize Roxo and 8 Rows were the most resistant, as they had the lowest number of emerged insects and the lowest grain mass loss.

Effect of Smoking Application on the Quality of Local Timor Corn

Corn is one of the most widely cultivated plants in Indonesia and is used as a staple food by several people, especially in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. The way to store corn is done by farmers, namely smoking. Fumigation is done by burning wood in the smoking room (kitchen). Fumigation is carried out with the intention of preserving corn by utilizing a heat source that comes from the smoke from burning wood or other materials. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in water content changes during the smoking process using plant materials and to determine the quality of local Timor corn. Based on the results of the study, the average ambient temperature was 30.43ºC, the average RH was 81.76%, with an average initial moisture content of 18.76% wb was able to reduce the water content of local Timor corn to 11% wb (using Schleicera oleosa), 10.5% wb (Hyptis suaveolens), and 10.2 (Chromolaena odorata), average reducing sugars 0.52% wb, average protein content 7.82% wb, average carbohydrates of 7.59% wb, and average fat of 5.35% wb. Keywords: Corn, Nutrition Value, Smoking, Soluble Solid, Timor

Estratégias agroecológicas para el manejo de Sitophilus zeamais en maíz almacenado

Sitophilus zeamais is an economically important pest because it feeds on stored corn, since its control is carried out with increasingly toxic insecticides, the objective of the effect of more ecological alternatives such as the application of CaO (quicklime 2 %), Beauveria bassiana (1.109 espores.mL-1), Ricinus communis powder aqueous (1,5 %), modified atmosphere storage (20 L silo) and airtight environment (in barrel of 20 L) on the incidence and damage of S. zeamais in stored corn, in the municipality of Tlacotepec de Benito Juarez, Puebla. The experiment was carried out under a completely randomized block design with five repetitions, where the five control methods mentioned above were tested and compared with a control treatment (plastic bag). Quicklime, storage in a modified atmosphere and storage in a hermetic environment significantly decreased (Tukey, p <0.05) the number of weevils in corn grains during 247 days of storage and the percentage of damage to the grains remained below from 1 %. Therefore, these results showed that the application of quicklime, airtight environment and storage in a modified atmosphere controlled the damage caused by S. zeamais and are highly favorable for the conservation and protection of stored corn grains.