Effect of Packaging on Storage Stability and Insect Infestation in Kodo Millet

Abstract

In India, one of the main reasons for grain losses during storage is insect infestation. Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is grown as a cereal in India only, although the wild grass is a widespread tropical weed. Kodo millet is said to be poisonous after rain. This could be due to a fungal infection. The current study examined how insects were stored in various packaging materials and how infestation affected the physical and chemical properties of dehulled kodo millet. Insects and pests that attack kodo millet include the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium), rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella), and flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). These pests and mites cause losses in both the quantity and quality of nutrients during the storage period. The current research focused on grain storage tests, quality trait analysis, and post-harvest practices. After being dehulled and ground on a Perfura dehulling and milling machine, raw kodo grains were kept at room temperature during different storage periods (0, 60, 120, and 180 days) in a range of packaging methods (such as vacuum packing, LDPE, HDPE, and gunny bags). The sample materials were properly cleaned, graded, hulled and milled by Perfura, hulling and stored at ambient room temperature for further use in experiments. The products' physical and chemical properties were assessed, together with the relevant insect observations. The maximum number of insects was found (83) in gunny bag storage milled kodo samples at 180 days, while vacuum-packed samples showed a nil number of insects. According to the data collected, samples packed in gunny bags appeared to contain the majority of insects during the six-month period, whereas samples packed in vacuums showed no change. According to the findings, six months of storage was when biophysical qualities changed, not when samples were vacuum-packed. As a result, during the six-month storage at the studies, it was found that the vacuum-packed kodo millet samples showed significant results for all of their quality characteristics. Dehulled kodo millet can be stored for longer by using vacuum packaging since it preserves its physico-chemical composition. In conclusion, millets have potential for protection against age-onset degenerative insect pests. Moisture is another critical factor in the safe storage of food grains. The vacuum-packed kodo millet samples were found to have significant results for all the quality parameters during the six-month storage study.