Stored Corn Research Articles

Insights into the proteomic profile of newly harvested corn and metagenomic analysis of the broiler intestinal microbiota

BackgroundThe use of newly harvested corn in feed causes wet droppings in broilers and increased feed cost which was termed as “new season grain problem”. The present study was conducted to evaluate the proteomic profile of newly harvested corn and the subsequent influence on intestinal microbiol community for broiler chickens.MethodsNewly harvested corn stored for either half a month (HM) or two months (TM) was used, and the pasting properties, total soluble sugars, and proteomic analysis technology was used to explore the influence of storage on natural aging corn properties. Additionally, seventy-two 7-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicken were fed with different stored corn. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME), digesta viscosity, intestinal morphology and microbiota were examined to explore the influence of feed corn storage on broiler chickens.ResultsPasting properties in the TM corn exhibited decreased viscoelastic properties. Proteomic studies found a total of 26 proteins that were differentially expressed between the two treatment groups. Proteins involved in starch and polysaccharides biosynthesis were upregulated in TM compared with HM. Chickens fed on TM diet had higher relative energy utilization compared to the HM birds. With increased corn storage, the relative digesta viscosity decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05). The total number of goblet cells and lymphocytes was lower in chickens fed the TM diet. The microbiota data showed that the TM chickens had decreased abundance of diarrheal bacteria such as Hungatella hathewayi and Bacteroides fragilis, and increased butyrate-producing bacteria such as Alistipes compared to the HM chickens.ConclusionsStorage of newly harvested corn induced the synthetic reaction of large molecules and changed the solubility of starch and protein with increasing soluble sugars and decreasing pasting properties that may improve the fermentation of intestinal microbiota, improve the energy utilization and protect gut health without the risk of diarrhea.

Evaluation of degradation of organophosphate insecticide residues in stored corn (Zea mays L.) grains

The aims of this work were to monitor the dissipation dynamics of the organophosphate insecticides applied to corn grains stored in supervised experiments, establish the dissipation dynamics and determine the minimum period post application necessary to comply with the established commercial standards. The insecticides dichlorvos (DDVP), hlorpyrifosmethyl+deltamethrin (CPM) and pirimiphos-methyl (PMM) were applied to maize grains, which were then stored for 120 days. The samples were processed and extracted using the QuEChERS technique and the pesticide residues were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Deltamethrin residues were not analized. After 90 days of storage, more than 80 % of the initial residue had been degraded, and after 120 days the residues were below the detection limit (LoD). DDVP, CPM and PMM residues followed a first order degradation dynamics [Ct = C0×e(-kt)], with k values of 0.384, 0.025 and 0.020 and estimated half-lives of 1.8, 27.7 and 34.7 days, respectively. These results show that at recommended dosages, the insecticides CPM and PMM are safe for use on stored maize grains; DDVP results provide additional evidence further reasserting its prohibition, which dates back to 2018.

Vegetable powders in the control of Sitophilus zeamais (Mots.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in stored corn grains: Vegetable powders in the control of weevils

Insect attack during storage is one of the main causes of losses in maize grain production. The purpose of this research was to investigate the insecticidal action potential of nettle and spiked pepper powder on weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) on corn grains. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory, with evaluation of the dry powder of nettle leaves (Urtica urens L.) and spiked pepper (Piper aduncum L.) at 3% in grains infested with 0, 8, 16 and 24 individuals in 80 g of grains. A completely randomized design was used on a 4x3 factorial scheme (four insect densities and three treatments with powders), with four replications. The experiment was evaluated after 50 days of storage using the parameters: number of live weevils, number of dead weevils, reduction of grain weight, number of grains damaged by weevils and grains water content. The powder of Piper aduncum is promising for the control of Sitophilus zeamais in stored corn grains.

ENZYME ACTIVITY OF FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH STORED MAIZE GRAINS OBTAINED FROM SOME SELECTED FARMS NEAR BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Global concern about food safety has led to increased interest in the study of food-spoilage fungi. Contaminated food affects human and animal health when such food items are consumed. This study was carried out to determine the fungi associated with stored corn in a bid to establishing their possible role in deterioration of corn. Using standard procedures, these fungi were isolated: Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, and Rhizopus species. Results revealed the production of enzymes (protease, amylase, and lipase) by the fungi. The activity of these enzymes could play a role in the spoilage of corn by the fungi. In addition, the isolated fungi are known to be associated with postharvest yield losses in stored produce as well as producing toxins. Therefore, the data presented will help in choosing postharvest practices that will reduce contamination by these fungi. Protease activity values of the isolates ranged from 1.426±0.042 – 1.748±0.023µml-1 (in Aspergillus sp.), 1.599±0.018 – 1.990±0.019µml-1 (in Rhizopus sp.), 1.364±0.018 – 1.679±0.012µml-1 (in Trichoderma sp.) and (1.544±0.017 – 1.714±0.013 μml-1 (in Penicillium sp.). Amylase activity was highest in Rhizopus (1.625±0.054 – 1.790±0.013 μml-1), followed by Penicillium sp and lowest in Aspergillus sp. Lipase activity was highest in Penicillium and lowest in Aspergillus. The detection and identification of fungi are crucial to developing appropriate management strategies for stored corn. Postharvest losses due to these fungi will lead to reduced income for the farmers.

Garlic essential oil as an antifungal and anti-mycotoxin agent in stored corn

Corn kernels are highly susceptible to fungal and mycotoxin contamination. This study verified the effectiveness of garlic essential oil (GEO) to inhibit Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium verticillioides, and Gibberella zeae, producers of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B1 (FB1), and zearalenone (ZEA), respectively, in stored corn kernels. The potential of the oil to interact with these mycotoxins and their bioaccessibility after swine simulated digestion was also evaluated. GEO showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for A. parasiticus, G. zeae, and F. verticillioides of 0.0086, 0.069, and 0.0086 mg/mL, respectively, and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) four-fold greater than the MIC. Fungal growth was reduced completely by gaseous GEO at a range between 2 and 10 μL/L. The population of A. parasiticus and G. zeae was reduced to levels below the detection limit, whereas F. verticillioides had a 2.33 Log UFC/g reduction after 30 d of storage when contaminated corn kernels were treated with 1000 μL/L of GEO. GEO was not able to directly react with either AFB1, FB1, or ZEA in phosphate buffer or during simulated digestion. The results of our study confirmed that GEO can avoid the growth of mycotoxigenic fungi and, therefore, may be used to improve safety of stored corn kernels.

Effects of drying temperatures and storage conditions on the levels of lipids and starches in corn grains for yield ethanol industry

Post-harvest operations can reduce changes in the physical-chemical quality of processed grains. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of drying and storage conditions on the lipids and starches content in corn grains correlating ethanol production. In the results obtained, the adjustment of the drying curves associated with physical analyses made it possible to verify that the increase in temperature affected the grains’ cell tissues and reduced lipids, starches, and the industrial yield of ethanol for 0.032 L kg−1 of grains. Besides, the corn storage under refrigeration was favorable to maintaining the levels of lipids (+1.42%), starch (+1.33%), and ethanol yield (+0.017 L kg−1 of grains). In conclusion, the drying temperature at 40 °C and the controlled storage at 15 °C preserved the corn grain quality over the six months and positively influenced the grain processing quality. The adverse environmental conditions associated with the post-harvest technologies do not guarantee the quality of the corn grains used for the processing industry. In the current Brazilian situation, the corn ethanol industry improvement involves the application of low temperature in drying systems and the storage of corn in controlled environments.

Evolution of grain microbiota during hermetic storage of corn (Zea mays L.)

Respiration of biotic components of the grain ecosystem generates self-modified atmospheres (oxygen reduced and carbon dioxide enriched) during hermetic storage. The effect of temperature, moisture content and modified atmospheres on the evolution of maize microbiota is not entirely known. In this study, corn grain samples were conditioned to different moisture contents (14.3, 16.5 and 18.4%) and hermetically stored in glass jars at 15, 25 and 35 °C. Grain samples were collected at different stages of modified atmosphere evolution of each experiment: T0 (O2: 21% initial concentration); T1 (O2: 10%); T2 (O2: 0%); T3 (CO2 maximum concentration stabilized). Microbiota was quantified with Petri dish counts using selective growth media for different microbial groups. Additionally, ethanol, acetic acid and lactic acid were measured for monitoring anaerobic activity. Results indicated that there was a high correlation between water activity (aw) and the time to reach anaerobiosis (R2 of 0.85), the maximum CO2 concentration (R2 of 0.86), and the reduction of filamentous fungi and bacterial counts during hermetic storage (R2 of 0.72 and 0.48, respectively). A differential behavior of the hermetic storage was observed according to aw of the grain, and a general conceptual model is offered for its understanding. It was concluded that modified atmospheres reduced or inhibited microbial growth in stored corn, and that aw was the most influential factor in the time to reach anaerobiosis, maximum CO2 concentration, and the filamentous fungi and bacterial counts reduction during hermetic storage.

Influences of drying temperature and storage conditions for preserving the quality of maize postharvest on laboratory and field scales

Drying and storage methods are fundamental for maintaining the grain quality until processing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of the drying temperature with storage systems and conditions as a strategy for preserving the quality of maize grain postharvest on laboratory and field scales. An increase in temperature accelerated the reduction in grain moisture, but increased the deterioration. The wetting during the storage period reduced the grain quality. Hermetic and aerated storage systems maintained the chemical quality of the grains. The control with healthy and whole corn dried at 80 °C and stored in silos with natural aeration provided a satisfactory quality, equivalent to those of controlled drying and storage under airtight conditions and at low temperatures. Different conditions of drying and storage of corn on the laboratory and field scales were evaluated, which provides an appropriate management of these operations to maintain the grain quality.

Rolliniastatin-1, a bis-tetrahydrofuran acetogenin: The major compound of Annona mucosa Jacq. (Annonaceae) has potent grain-protective properties

The widespread use of synthetic insecticides results in insecticide-resistant populations of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a primary pest species of stored corn worldwide. Thus, new active ingredients with different modes of action are needed for integrated pest management (IPM) of stored grains. Thus, toxicological bioassays (using S. zeamais as bioindicator) associated to chromatographic techniques were performed to isolate insecticidal compounds from the grain-protective ethanolic extract of Annona mucosa Jacq. (Annonaceae) seeds. The acetogenin bis-tetrahydrofuran rolliniastatin-1 was identified as major bioactive constituent from A. mucosa seeds based on bioassay-guided fractionation, along with rolliniastatin-2, deethylrollinastatin-1, jimenezin and fractions containing triglycerides. This compound produced 51.1% of mortality of adult weevils when applied at 57.66 mg kg−1, drastically reducing F1 progeny and their damage to corn grains. Although the acute toxicity level was lower than that with the formulation based on diatomaceous earth at a concentration 17.3 times higher (Insecto®, at recommended rate) used as a positive control, rolliniastatin-1 protected grain statistically similar to that of the positive control. Furthermore, bioassays indicate that compounds of different chemical natures have a synergistic effect on the overall biological activity of seed derivatives of A. mucosa. Efficacy and technical viability of the process to obtain rolliniastatin-1 from the seeds of A. mucosa should allow the production of a botanical insecticide to control populations of S. zeamais at corn warehouses.

Oxidized Oils and Oxidized Proteins Induce Apoptosis in Granulosa Cells by Increasing Oxidative Stress in Ovaries of Laying Hens.

The storage and preparation of corn for animal feed inevitably lead to lipid and protein peroxidation. Granulosa cells play an important role in follicular development in the ovaries, and hen laying productivity is likely to be dependent on follicle health and number. We hypothesized that oxidized oil and protein induce apoptosis via oxidative stress in laying hen granulosa cells. A sample of 360 38-week-old Lohmann commercial laying hens was used in a 2 × 2 factorial design for 8 weeks. Dietary treatments included dietary oil (fresh corn oil (FO) or oxidized corn oil (OO)) and corn gluten meal (fresh corn gluten meal (FP) or oxidized corn gluten meal (OP)). Productivity, ovarian histology, granulosa cell apoptosis, and indicators of oxidative stress were evaluated in all groups. Both dietary OO and OP decreased egg production and the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of laying hens. Flow cytometry, TUNEL, and real-time PCR revealed that both dietary OO and OP induced granulosa cell apoptosis in prehierarchical and hierarchical follicles. Furthermore, dietary OO and OP caused oxidative stress in prehierarchical and hierarchical follicles, as indicated by the downregulation of antioxidant-related-gene expression. Moreover, forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and c-Jun NH2 kinase (JNK) are involved in potential apoptosis regulation pathways in the granulosa cells of laying hens fed OO and OP, as indicated by the upregulation of FoxO1 expression and downregulation of ERK/JNK expression. These results indicate that OO and OP induce granulosa cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, and the combined use of OO and OP aggravates the adverse effects of oxidative stress in laying hens.

Evaluation of the antifungal potential of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in the control of the fungus Aspergillus brasiliensis

The objective of this work was to evaluate the antifungal activity of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in the control of Aspergillus brasiliensis in analysis in vitro and in stored corn kernels. Two in vitro tests were carried out. One of them, by diffusion in agar and the other by microdilution in wells. The concentrations used for the agar diffusion assay were 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8 and 1.0 µL mL-1. The concentrations used for the microdilution test were: 0.1; 0.2; 0.3; 0.4; 0.5; 0.6; 0.7; 0.8; 0.9; 1.0 and 1.2 µL mL-1. The mycelial growth was evaluated over time, using the Scott-Knott test at 5% significance. From the results obtained, it was verified that the application of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus interferes significantly in the fungal development of the species Aspergillus brasiliensis. The microdilution test in wells was used in a qualitative way, indicating absence of growth in doses from 0.8 µL mL-1. For the corn grain test, the essential oil dosages of 0.5; 0.8 and 1.0 µL mL-1 and were stored for 42 days. There was no significant difference in the different doses of essential oil over the storage period for this assay.

N2 controlled atmosphere reduces postharvest mycotoxins risk and pests attack on cereal grains

Mycotoxigenic fungi and pests are responsible for quality losses during medium to long-term storage of grain. Since gas composition is considered one of the most important abiotic conditions that influence fungal and pest growth, the use of a controlled atmosphere with a very high N2 concentration is a valid tool to control grain quality in post-harvest. Aim of the present work is to evaluate the use of a highly purified N2 controlled atmosphere – generated in situ by a Membrane Nitrogen Separator (Eurosider s.a.s) – for safely storage of corn and wheat grains. Two different parallel lab-scale experiments were performed in order to assess the effect of N2 atmosphere on: (1) the growth of Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium langsethiae, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides on agar and the production of aflatoxins on corn grains; (2) the populations of the most important post-harvest pests such as Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium confusum on wheat grains and flour, respectively. When exposed to highly purified N2 controlled atmosphere (98.5%±0.5), growth and sporulation of all the four pathogens and aflatoxins production by Aspergillus were significantly reduced. In addition, atmosphere containing 98.5%±0.5 N2 caused the complete mortality of adults of S. oryzae after 3 days on wheat and of T. confusum after 7 days on flour. Results herewith reported suggest that N2 controlled atmosphere represents an eco-friendly tool that could be transferred to a large-scale system for grain storage in order to avoid or reduce chemical treatments.

Preference and development of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in whole grain and flour form of five corn varieties

Abstract. Astuti LP, Lestari YA, Rachmawati R, Mutala’liah. 2020. Preference and development of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on whole grain and flour form of five corn varieties. Biodiversitas 21: 564-569. Red flour beetle can cause detrimental loss on stored corn during storage period. The usual forms of stored corn are whole grain and flour form. However, the information about the infestation on both form of stored corn is limited, therefore this research aims to investigate the feeding preference and development of Tribolium castaneum on various corn varieties (Pioneer 21, Pioneer 29, Pertiwi 3, Bisi 18, and Bisma) in whole grain and flour form. The research was conducted on Plant Pest Laboratory, Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, University of Brawijaya from February until March 2016. The feeds for treatment were Pioneer 21, Pioneer 29, Pertiwi 3, Bisi 18, and Bisma in whole grain and flour form. The observed variables were the adult presence, adult mortality, the number of eggs, larvae, pupae, F1 progeny emerged, the developmental period of eggs, larvae, and pupae, egg-adult, and life cycle. Data analyzed by ANOVA and followed by LSD at 5%. The results showed that T. castaneum was more preferred to colonize and oviposition in Pioneer 21 flour than others i.e. 13.33 adults and 145 eggs. Similarly, on the population growth of T. castaneum, the highest number of eggs, larvae, pupae, and F1 progeny emerged was on Pioneer 21 flour i.e. 196 eggs, 179.67 larvae, 83.67 pupae, and 73.33 adults, respectively. Moreover, the fastest developmental period of egg, larva, and pupa, egg-adult and life cycle was also in Pioneer 21 flour i.e., 5.5, 26.77, 5.97, 38.23, and 41.87 days, respectively. Pioneer 21 corn variety has high protein content, therefore it is suitable for T. castaneum development.

Conductions Diagnosis of Seed Storage by Family Farmers in the Municipality of Lagoa de Itaenga-PE

In family agriculture it is common for farmers to store seeds in their own homes, preserving the genetic material of their crops and ensuring their food security, but what has been observed are reductions of this practice in small farms. Thus, the objective of this work was to diagnose how the seeds are being stored by farmers to family farmers in the Municipality of Lagoa de Itaenga, as well as to evaluate the germination potentials of the seeds stored. The work was carried out in the community of Marrecos, in the rural area of Lagoa de Itaenga using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect the data, as well as the collection of accesses for the evaluation of germination potential. The study found that the conservation practices of seeds in the community are being reduced, where most farmers store corn seeds, but also renew their seeds every twelve months, conserving them in a natural environment, in which the Bottle and chilli pepper are the most used for the conservation of the genetic material. Most of the analyzed accesses had good germination percentages.

CONTROL OF MAIZE WEEVIL WITH APPLICATION OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH IN CORN GRAINS STORED IN DIVERSE TEMPERATURES

The insect known as maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) is one of the most important pests of stored corn in Brazil. Among the various forms of control, one can highlight the use of inert powders, which has advantages of not providing risk to the environment or to human and animal health, besides not having reports of insect resistance. Thus, this work evaluated the effect of different doses of diatomaceous earth on the development of Sitophilus zeamais on two temperature conditions on corn grain storage. A completely randomized design was adopted in a factorial 4x2x4 (diatomaceous earth dose x storage temperature x storage time) dosage, with three replicates. The diatomaceous earth doses were: 0, 250, 500 and 1000 g t-1 and subsequently stored at temperatures of 22 and 30°C for 90 days. The bulk density decreased during the storage for all diatomaceous earth doses applied, but in inverse proportion to the dose increment. Diatomaceous earth has proven better efficiency in the control of S. zeamais, with increase in dose and storage temperature. Dry weight decrease was observed in all doses and storage temperatures evaluated, but it was more pronounced in those grains that have not received the application of diatomaceous earth.

Predictive model of aflatoxin contamination risk associated with granary-stored corn with versicolorin A monitoring and logistic regression

ABSTRACTPredictions of aflatoxin (AF) in grain at post-harvest can be useful for ensuring the safety of stored grain. Versicolorin (Ver) A, a precursor of AFB1, can serve as an early indicator of AF contamination, even when AFs themselves are present at undetectable levels. In the current research, we developed a probabilistic model based on logistic regression and Ver A levels to estimate the risk of AF contamination in stored corn. Moisture content, aflatoxigenic fungal load, and initial and maximum values of Ver A in the first three sampling cycles were experimentally determined as the four important factors for the probabilistic model. Both internal and external model validations were shown to be high at 96.4% and 93.3%, respectively. For high-risk samples, a precise model was developed to predict the maximum period of safe storage, which can be useful for decision-making by the stakeholders in feed and food supply chain. Our findings provide a basis tool for establishing an early warning system for AF contamination in granaries, which can improve global food safety.

The Use of Microwave Drying Process to the Granular Materials

The use of electro thermal technologies based on microwave energy represents an important step in the development of new innovative solutions. The numerical modelling allows to study the influence of the high frequency electromagnetic and thermal field on the dielectric materials during the drying process before achieving practical installation. So, when is developed the experimental model will be already known some of the phenomena that characterize the system, being eliminated a number of unknown issues. This paper describes experiments conducted to gather data on production parameters in order to improve the stored corn seed quality. The interpretation and dissemination of results triggers the description of "recipes" for drying corn seeds. The described method is flexible and can be applied to near any agricultural seeds in further researches.

Plastic film mulching combined with nutrient management to improve water use efficiency, production of rain-fed maize and economic returns in semi-arid regions

To examine the combined effects of planting models with nutrient management strategies on grain filling rates, productivity, soil water storage, water-use efficiency and economic benefit of rain-fed corn, there for a field research was carried out during 2015–2016 in a semi-arid region of China. Three planting models were tested: ridge furrow system with plastic mulching (M1), furrow planting with soil crust ridges (M2), and flat planting without plastic mulching (M3); in combination with four nitrogen levels: 0 kg ha–1 (N0); 100 kg ha–1 (N1); 200 kg ha–1 (N2), and 300 kg ha–1 (N3). We found that M1 planting model with higher 300 kg-1 N ha-1 could significantly increase soil water availability at different growth stages, as a result significantly increased WUE (56.6%), RUE (71.2%), ET (8.8%), soil water storage, biomass (35.5%), and grain yield (70.8%) of rain-fed maize than that of M3N0 treatment. Increasing the nitrogen level as a result significantly increased the economic benefit, yields and yield components of rain-fed maize under different planting models, but AEN shows a significantly decreasing trend. The M1N3 treatment significantly promoted the LAI and grains filling of the basal, middle and upper seeds than that of M2 and M3 cultivation models with the highest nitrogen level. The M1N3 treatment obtained the highest (12,775 CNY ha-1) net profit, improved the SWS throughout the grain-filling duration, which resulted in higher productivity. Thus, M1N3 treatment can be used to improving productivity, economic benefit, and water use in semi-arid areas.

PREVALENSI ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS PADA PENJUAL KACANG TANAH DAN JAGUNG KOTA BENGKULU

Aspergillus fumigates infection in peanut and corn sellers may arise due to the behavior of sellers of raw food materials which is not good. The behavior of how the storage and use of raw food materials and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is a behavior that must be considered. PPE is a self-protection tool that can be used for work in order to protect themselves and others, while the storage method is the treatment of raw food materials. The purpose of this study was to determine the Aspergillus fumigates infection associated with peanut and corn seller behavior in market town of Bengkulu.This research is an analytic survey research using cross-sectional design. In this study, the population was the whole peanut and corn seller in the market of Bengkulu were 30 people. Samples in Panorama Market were 10 sellers of peanuts and 5 corn sellers. The data was collected using primary data on the presence or absence of the fungus Aspergillus fumigates in seller’s sputum which obtained from laboratory tests. Then performed a collection of data about how to storage and use of masks by observation. Data analysis was done analytically using the chi-square test.The results showed the majority (53.3%) prevalence of the fungus Aspergillus fumigates. There was a significant correlation between the behavior of the storage of peanuts and corn and the use of masks by the behavior of sellers in the market of Bengkulu. There is no determinant highly influential on the cause of the two variables.For the merchant of peanut and corn should further enhance self-protection such as the use of appropriate PPE in order to avoid infection fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigates.

Нетрадиційні методи зберігання зерна для виробництва органічної продукції

The purpose. To determine and justify methods which ensure protection of grain at storage, for manufacture integrally net produce without application of any chemically aggressive substances. Methods. Analysis of known non-conventional methods of protection of grain during storage: thermal disinfection, treatment by microwave field, ozonation, control gaseous medium, laser bombarding radiation. Own researches in storage of grain of corn in conditions of modified gaseous medium. Results. Features of different methods of protection of grain and parameters of modified gaseous medium which ensure long-term resistant storage of corn depending on its temperature and damp are probed. Thermal disinfection is an efficient method in technique of storage of grain for struggle against warehouse pests. Treatment by microwave field is disinfection of grain from microorganisms which during the vital activity produce poisonous substances. Ozonation is physical and chemical method of disinfection of grain. Time of biological longevity of different crops on indexes of their vital activity is specified. Conclusions. Method of storage of grain of corn in the modified gaseous medium with the following parameters is offered: O2 (content of oxygen) — 4–5%, W (damp of grain) — 10–12%, t (temperature of grain) — 3–10°C. Other methods are unstable and their efficiency depend on state of bulk grain.