Response of kenaf varieties to different threshing methods and storage environments
November 2024
The study was conducted in the Seed Testing laboratory of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training to determine the response of kenaf to different threshing and packaging materials. Experimental design was a 2 × 3 × 4 × 2 factorial arrangement in CRD with 3 replications. The factors were variety, threshing methods, packaging materials and storage environments. The results showed that kenaf...
Evaluation of Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) damage and insecticidal efficacy of six plant powders on the three main cereals produced in Burkina Faso
September 2024
There are different methods of storing grain, some of which involve the use of chemicals. These chemicals have harmful effects on consumer health. To avoid these chemicals, the use of biopesticides constitutes one of the promising solutions. Thus, we evaluated the effectiveness of powders of different plant materials to protect millet, maize and sorghum grains against Corcyra cephalonica [Stainton], the main...
Insect pests of corn (Zea mays Linné, 1753) stocks and impact on storage and preservation in the Bagoué region, Northern Côte d'Ivoire
May 2024
In Côte d'Ivoire, corn is one of the most widely consumed foodstuffs. However, this product suffers from pest damage during storage and preservation, mainly caused by insects. The aim of this study is to identify the insects associated with corn cobs and evaluate their effect in Tengrela, Bagoué region. Three sub-prefectures were selected: Kanakono, Debeté, and Papara. In each sub-prefecture,...
Diatomaceous earths: Alternative insecticides to Malathion in the Soudano-Guinean agro-ecological zone of Cameroon against stored maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
February 2024
Experiments were carried out in ambient laboratory conditions to evaluate the effect of Fossil-Shield and SilicoSec, and Malathion against Sitophilus zeamais on stored Cameroonian maize variety CMS8501. The DE products were applied at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g/kg of maize grains and Malathion at 0.5 g/kg of maize. Adult mortality, F1 progeny emergence, population increase, grain damage, grain weight loss, and seed...
Orange peel powder and cypress ash affecting bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus) and preserving seed viability
January 2024
Common bean Phaseolus vulgaris is highly attacked during storage by Acanthoscelides obtectus which reduces seeds quantity, quality and germination rate. Due to the hazards of synthetic chemicals to humans and the environment, there is a need to promote the application of phytochemicals. Orange peel powder, cypress leaf ash and their mixture were assessed against A. obtectus and to determine their influence on seed...
Assessing the efficacy of hermetic storage bags against woven polypropylene bags by farmers in Ghana for maize grain storage
September 2023
The main insects that deteriorate stored maize grain in the tropics are maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais). S. zeamais can cause significant post-harvest losses (PHL) in maize during storage. The objective of this study was to help farmers in Ghana appreciate and understand the benefits of using GrainPro bags compared to woven polypropylene bags (WPB) for storing maize grain. Eight farmers participated in the study,...
Investigating the periodic physical disturbance method in Ghana to control adult Sitophilus zeamais in maize storage
September 2023
The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) is an important cosmopolitan pest and the most detrimental insect of stored maize. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the periodic physical disturbance method on S. zeamais mortality. The potential adoption of the technology in Ghana was also considered. Farmers loaded 20 L buckets with maize grain and S. zeamais, non-hermetically. The physical disturbance was applied...
Potentials of botanicals, solar radiation, and muslin cloth for the management of cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) on stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)
January 2023
Callosobruchus maculatus is the major field-to-store insect pest of stored cowpea in the tropics and sub-tropics. Despite the serious hazards to humans, livestock, and the environment, fumigants and residual insecticides are the main control methods used by farmers for cowpea protection. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of crude extracts of botanicals (neem, water hyacinth, and soursop) in combination with...
Fludioxonil effectively controls Sclerotinia sclerotiorum incited decay in stored carrots in Israel
December 2022
Carrot is an important crop in Israel, subjected to postharvest decay, incited in cold storage by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which may cause up to 7% loss. The fungicide iprodione, which had been used until recently to limit decay was phased-out in 2020. Hence, in the present study, the fungicide fludioxonil was examined as a replacement. In two cold storage trials with artificial inoculations, fludioxonil...
Assessment of postharvest handling practices among smallholder maize farmers in Chemba and Kondoa Districts of Central Tanzania
November 2022
Post-harvest losses (PHLs) are recognized as an important challenge that exacerbates food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess postharvest handling practices among smallholder farmers of maize in Chemba and Kondoa districts, Dodoma Region, Tanzania. Data were collected using questionnaires and observation checklists through a cross-sectional field survey during the 20/21 cropping...
Interactive effect of moisture content and storage condition on biochemical seed quality of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Ghana
September 2022
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is consumed by over 200 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). CSIR-Crops Research Institute in 2016 officially released the first four commercial varieties. This research was undertaken to determine the interactive effect of moisture content and storage condition on the seed quality of common bean seeds stored in the humid region of Ghana. The moisture content (MC) was 8 and...
Field testing of Purdue improved crop storage (PICS) bag maize storage in Haiti
March 2022
Maize is widely grown by Haitian farmers and its sale is the only income for some. The average farmer produces less than 100 kg per year and postharvest losses average 30%. Purdue improved crop storage (PICS) bags use hermetic storage to decrease post-harvest losses in grain stored on smallholder farms. Our objective was to test PICS bags for long-term, on-farm storage of maize in Haiti. Three each of 50 kg PICS bags...
Compared efficiency of a commercial Neem oil (TopBio) and synthetic insecticide (Antouka Super®) in the management of Dinoderus porcellus Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) infesting yam chips
October 2021
Dinoderus porcellus Lesne is the main pest of stored yam chips in West Africa. Despite their negative impact on the environment and human health, synthetic chemical pesticides are the main control method used by farmers for yam chips protection. This study aims to evaluate the biological effects of different doses (2.5 and 5%) of a commercial Neem oil (TopBio) and the chemical insecticide, Antouka Super® (Permethrin...
Hermetic storage of maize grain in repurposed food oil containers to control maize weevils
September 2021
Insect-related grain loss is a significant problem in Uganda and other countries in sub Saharan Africa. The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) is one of the major insect pests that infests stored maize grain (Zea mays Linneaus). This study demonstrates the feasibility of hermetic or “air-tight” storage for protecting maize from maize weevil damage using low-cost repurposed food oil containers....
Performance evaluation of the DehytrayTM solar drying device using plantain, pepper and okra under the tropical conditions of Oyo State, Nigeria
July 2021
The quest for improved performance of access to solar dryers has led to the development of several designs of solar dryers. This study evaluated the performance of the DehytrayTM, a relatively new solar dryer made up of food grade plastic, in comparison with sun drying using plantain, okra and pepper as test crops in five replicated trials. Freshly harvested crops were divided into two batches, weighing 1.3 kg each. The...
Repellent and insecticidal effects of essential oils of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss and Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa (Mill.) J.W. Moore leaves on Dinoderus porcellus Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)
July 2021
Essential oils from leaves of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex AW HillFuss (Apiaceae) and Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa (P. Mill.er) J.W. Moore (Myrtaceae) were evaluated for their repellent properties, insecticidal and fumigant activities against Dinoderus porcellus Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). The essential oils of these plants were obtained by Clevenger-type hydro distillation method...
Effects of harvesting date on the level of initial infestation and damages caused by insect pests on the seeds of Acacia macrostachya Reichenb. ex DC., in the district of Boulkiemde in Burkina Faso
January 2021
The seeds of A. macrostachya are increasingly consumed by the Burkinabe population, especially during customary and religious ceremonies. However, these seeds are rapidly degraded after harvest by insect pests, when no control method is undertaken. This study was therefore conducted to determine the level of initial infestation and damage caused by insect pests. The harvest of dry pods on 30 trees of Saria's...
Maize farmers’ knowledge and perception of improved postharvest storage technologies in Kilolo District, Tanzania
October 2020
This study assessed small-scale maize farmers’ knowledge and perception on the use of improved postharvest storage technologies in Kilolo District, Tanzania. The participants of the study include 260 farmers who were randomly selected from four villages. Data were collected by using interview schedule, questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and personal observation. Descriptive statistics such as means,...
Effect of treatments with bunch bagging on production, fruit quality and damage by thrips of banana
September 2020
The effect of treatments of banana with blue polyethylene bag covering bunches on the production parameters at harvest, fruit quality during ripening and damage by thrips has been determined. Nine treatments with banana bunch blue polyethylene bags, including the control were evaluated. A complete randomized block design was used. Four replicates per treatment were used with five bunches each. Bunch weight, finger...
Oxygen demand of bean bruchids (Acanthoscelides obtectus Say)
July 2020
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) is an important crop in many countries and its safe storage is crucial in maintaining a sufficient and high quality food supply for the community. A non-chemical storage technique, hermetic storage, is being used to control the bean bruchid (Acanthoscelides obtectus Say), a beetle which can cause large losses to stored beans. Experiments were carried out using hermetically sealed...
Re-useable plastic crates as a veritable tool for handling of fresh fruits and vegetables: Lagos State as a case study
April 2020
Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) developed plastic packaging crates of International standard and best practices known as reusable plastic crates (RPCs) in lieu of raffia woven baskets (RWBs) for the transportation and storage of fresh fruits and vegetables in 1986. In collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition and Postharvest Loss Alliance for...
Evaluation of morphometric and physiological seed quality traits of improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) varieties in Sierra Leone
September 2019
A study was conducted at the Seed Laboratory of the Njala Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) to evaluate the seed quality traits of five cowpea genotypes at room temperature (25 ± 2°C). The five genotypes studied were Slipeas 1, 2, 4 and 5 and local Tabe. The trial was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in four replicates. The results indicated that the local variety (Tabe) had the highest...
Determination of appropriate packaging materials for cowpea seed storage
June 2019
Quality seed is an important resource for any seed-propagated crop. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seed is prone to cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) infestation during storage. This can result in 100% seed loss when stored without treatment. Smallholder farmers in Kenya use traditional methods of storage and occasionally accompanied by pesticides treatment. Due to health concerns, pesticide use is discouraged....
Relative susceptibilities of different populations of Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus to currently registered grain protectants in Zimbabwe
March 2019
Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky and Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) are the two most destructive post-harvest insect pests of maize worldwide. Bioassays were carried out to determine the efficacy of commercially available dilute dust grain protectants (pseudonamed protectant A, B, C, D, E and F) in controlling S. zeamais and P. truncatus under laboratory conditions. The products tested were: Hurudza® (fenitrothion 1.7%...
Degradation of postharvest applied fludioxonil in pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Wonderful’ and efficacy on the gray mould
February 2019
Present study aimed to determine the effects of fludioxonil (FLU) against the gray mould disease development on pomegranate fruits; and the residue levels of FLU during 150 days of storage. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits are very susceptible to postharvest decay (Botrytis cinerea Pers.) and very few chemicals are approved for the use in postharvest storage. Studies conducted with ‘Wonderful’ cultivar...
Postharvest loss assessment of maize (Zea mays) along its value chain in Nigeria
January 2019
Maize is the third most important cereal and staple globally. Poor agricultural policies and funding are the major problems of agriculture in Nigeria. This work was aimed at studying maize postharvest losses through identification of causes and sources. Data were gathered via Commodity Systems Assessment Methodology which includes 26 components, structured interviews and protocols for measuring quantity, quality and...
Post-harvest losses in maize store-time and marketing model perspectives in Sub-Saharan Africa
January 2019
Post‒harvest losses of maize are almost half of the produced grains in Sub‒Saharan Africa. Efforts to reverse this trend are recommended. Thus, there is a prerequisite to create a post‒harvest loss resilient strategy to guide small scale maize growing farmers in Africa. In this review, critical elements underlying post‒harvest losses in Africa such as infestation by insect‒pests, microbes, rodents, poor...
Selection, characterization and identification of smokes from different biomass materials as a medium for modifying the atmosphere for stored grain
December 2018
In developing countries, losses of stored grains due to insect pests are significant. Modified atmosphere (MA) storage is one of the strategies to minimize impact of the pests. This work aimed to identify a biomass material for generating smoke having high concentrations of CO and CO2 to create a MA in stored grains. Smokes from seven biomass were characterized in terms of CO, CO2, NO and O2 composition. Results showed...
Evaluation of four variant diatomaceous earths and a commercial DE Insecto® against Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) on two varieties of stored cowpea in Nigeria
October 2018
Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has patented a Diatomaceous Earth, a non-toxic pesticide NSPRIDUST® Patent No. 000744 for storage of grains with Trade Marks Section of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Abuja, Nigeria. Efficacy of four Nigerian Diatomaceous Earths (DEs): Bularafa, Abakire, Share and Kwami as grain protectants of stored cowpea against cowpea bruchid were compared to a...
Evaluation of the storage and drying processes of Melissa officinalis L. leaves
October 2018
Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), medicinal plant used as sedative commercialized in natura and as dry plant in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the postharvest life and drying processes of Melissa leaves in function of essential oil contents. Leaves (10 g) were stored at room temperature (RT=19.6°C) and refrigeration temperature (10°C, AR), measured daily loss of fresh mass. In the evaluation,...
Laboratory evaluation of six new cassava genotypes to Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) infestation
September 2018
Two products, chips and flour, processed locally from six new cassava genotypes; 98/0505, 01/1368, 05/1636, 05/0473, 01/1371 and 01/1412 obtained from National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria were evaluated for losses (qualitative and quantitative) caused by rust red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum under storage conditions (25 to 30°C and 70 to 90% RH) in the General Laboratory,...
Monitoring the changes in chemical properties of red and white onions (Allium cepa) during storage
September 2018
Effects of postharvest storage conditions and varietal differences on the chemical properties of onion bulbs were demonstrated. Fresh red and white onion varieties were stored for two months under three different storage conditions: ambient temperature (28-30ºC), refrigeration (5-7ºC) and control cupboard temperature storage (45-50ºC). Main and interaction effects of the two factors (storage and variety)...
A study on the causes of apple (Malus Domestica) fruit loss at Chencha Woreda of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia
September 2018
Apple (Malus domestica) is a temperate climate fruit tree grown in the highland climates. Specifically, it is widely and largely cultivated in the Gamo Gofa administrative zone at Chencha woreda in Ethiopia. Although there is inadequate information regarding the cause of fruit loss, some other details reveal the production status of the fruit in the area. This study was aimed at assessing the causes of apple fruit loss...
Aflatoxin B1 contamination in raw peanuts sold in Maputo City, Mozambique and associated factors
August 2018
Peanut seeds (Arachis hypogaea L.) are consumed worldwide including Mozambique, due to good taste, high nutritional value and easy accessibility. When found in suitable conditions of humidity and high temperature, a fungus of the genus Aspergillus can contaminate peanuts and produce toxic secondary metabolites called "aflatoxins" (AFs) which are not destroyed by usual thermal processes, causing aflatoxicosis...
Influence of postharvest treatments on the proximate composition and sugar contents of fresh maize
July 2018
Freshly harvested maize is highly perishable and it rapidly losses its sweetness within 3 days of harvest. This study investigated the influence of steeping on the proximate composition and sugar content of fresh maize stored at tropical ambient conditions (28 ± 2°C and 70% RH). The solutions used for steeping were salt (8%), sugar (10%), combination of the salt-sugar solution (2:3 v/v) while the control had...
Application of NIR-Spectroscopy to predict the harvesting maturity, fruit ripening and storage ability of Ca-chitosan treated baby kiwifruit
June 2018
In this study, near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was performed to establish a non-destructive method to predict the harvesting maturity, fruit ripening and storage ability of Ca-chitosan treated baby kiwifruit. Destructive measurements of firmness, dry matter (DM), soluble solids content (SSC), and acidity was performed. The calibration range investigated for dry matter content (DM) and SSC using NIR reflectance...
Drying characteristics and antioxidant properties of Java plum seed and skin waste
June 2018
Java plum seeds and skin wastes recovered after passing fruits through a pulper were separated manually and dried in tray/fluidised bed drier at 50, 70 and 90ËšC or in freeze drier at -55°C at 4.4 torr. Drying behaviour of java plum seeds and skin followed falling rate period and described adequately by Page's model. Drying rate constant was higher for fluidized bed drier varying from 0.00163 to 0.255406 h-1 for...
Post-harvest evaluation of selected hybrids to maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais resistance
May 2018
Sitophilus zeamais has been identified as one of the most destructive pests of maize stored in tropical regions. While most maize hybrids are being developed, it is necessary to evaluate their resistance to this pest. This study determined the resistance of selected maize hybrids to infestation by S. zeamais. Twenty two hybrids with varying resistance to weevil infestation and two checks DUMA 41-suceptible and...
Efficacy of solvent extracts of Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth and Milletia ferruginea (Hochest) Baker leaves against maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) of stored maize in Ethiopia
May 2018
Distilled water, acetone and ethanol (polar solvent) extracts from 20 g/100 ml and 30 g/100 ml levels of extraction of Calpurnia aurea and Milletia ferruginea were tested as protectant against maize weevils in maize grains under laboratory condition. They were applied at a rate of 10 and 15% (w/v) in admixture bioassays from both of the aforementioned extraction levels. Parental weevil’s mortality, F1 progeny...
Efficacy of integration of three management tactics relative to unitary tactics against Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of stored maize in Ethiopia
March 2018
Five and ten percentage rates of leaf powder of Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth and Millettia ferruginea (Hochst) Baker as well as red and white local inert dusts each and their integration with resistance varieties of maize were evaluated as protectant against Sitophlus zeamais under laboratory condition. All treatments of the tested management tactics induced significantly (p < 0.05) higher adult mortality of weevils...
Efficacy of two locally available inert dusts against Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of Stored Maize in Ethiopia
February 2018
Dosage rates of 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10% (w/w) of red and white locally available inert dusts were evaluated as protectants against maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais in maize grain under laboratory conditions. Parental adult mortality, F1 progeny emergence, percent protection, percent grain damage and weight loss were measured as efficacy determining parameters. Mortality of the weevils was observed only after 4 days post...
Insecticidal activity of four essential oils on the survival and oviposition of two sympatric bruchid species: Callosobruchus maculatus F. and Callosobruchus subinnotatus PIC. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidea: Bruchinae)
October 2017
Callosobruchus maculatus F. and Callosobruchus subinnotatus Pic. are two pest species of stored cowpeas and bambara groundnuts. Methods of controlling their populations remain the use of chemical insecticides that have ecotoxicological effects. The aim of this work is to look for alternative methods using essential oils extracted from four aromatic plants (Bidens borianiana, Chromolaena odorata, Cymbopogon giganteus and...
Management of insect pests of stored sorghum using botanicals in Nigerian traditional stores
September 2017
Sorghum is a security crop widely grown in arid and semi-arid ecologies. Nigeria produces 30 to 40% of Africa’s sorghum. Sorghum in Nigeria is mostly produced and stored by rural farmers at the farm/village level after harvest. The prominent storage structures existing in rural areas in northern Nigeria are the mud rhumbus, thatched rhumbus and underground pits. During storage, different species of insect pests...
Inventory of farmers’ indigenous innovations for primary processing and storage of selected food legumes in Uganda: Implications to food safety and storage bruchids management
August 2017
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) are among important food legumes in African small scale agricultural systems and livelihoods of many rural poor. High volumes of these food legumes are lost during storage, mostly to a group of beetles called bruchids. To be able to develop safe, sustainable and effective practices of managing storage bruchids, it was critical to first...
Understanding postharvest practices, knowledge, and actual mycotoxin levels in maize in three agro-ecological zones in Tanzania
July 2017
Maize is a major cereal crop in Tanzania and it is grown in diverse agro-ecological zones. Like other sub-Saharan countries, postharvest losses of maize during storage in Tanzania remain significantly high, especially for smallholder farmers. Unpredictable weather and poor postharvest practice contribute to rapid deterioration of grain and mold contamination, and subsequent production of mycotoxins. The purpose of this...
Microbial contamination and polyethylene packaging of some fruits and vegetables retailed at Akure and Ado Ekiti, South Western Nigeria
June 2017
This study was carried out to reveal microbial contaminants on some selected ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables (eggplant, apple, tiger nut, bitter kola, cola nut, date and carrot) vended at motor parks, busy roads and local markets in Akure and Ado Ekiti metropolis (South Western Nigeria). It also evaluated the effectiveness of polyethylene packaging in controlling microbial contamination of these foods using product...
Preliminary observations on a hot - water equipment for disinfesting maize grain from larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) and greater rice weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae): A tool for rural farmers
May 2017
The present study describes and evaluates a new tool for disinfesting maize grain from weevils using heat from boiling water. In developing countries, rural farmers lose huge amounts of grain due to weevils. Cost of insecticides and resistance of grain weevils to current insecticides are major threats. The grain losses affect the nutritional status and general quality of life of rural communities. Most grain is infested...
Determination of the appropriate doses of promising botanical powders against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Mots (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on maize grain
April 2017
The present laboratory study was carried out in the entomological laboratory the Department of plant science, Ambo University. The experiment was carried out using randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate the efficacy of four locally available botanicals. The botanicals evaluated were: Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and seed, hop bush (Dodonae angustifolia) fresh leaf, Pyrethrum...
Management of Bean bruchids (Accanthoscelides obtectus Say.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) using botanical oils in Western Amhara, Ethiopia
March 2017
Faba bean, Vicia faba L. is an important legume crop that substitute animal proteins especially in developing countries. Bean bruchids or bean weevil, Accanthoscelides obtectus Say is a major insect pest of the faba bean grains mainly in the store. An experiment was conducted in Debremarkose University to screen effective botanical oils for the management of bean bruchids on faba bean grains. The tested oils were from...
Comparative studies of fish smoking and solar drying in the Sierra Leone artisanal fishing industry
March 2017
“Energy efficient rural food processing utilizing renewable energy to improve rural Livelihoods” known as the “RE4Food” project is a three year effort by researchers in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Germany and the UK, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It takes its objectives from the observation by the World Health Organization (WHO) that...
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