Participatory On-farm Evaluation of Some Storage Methods and Grain Protectants on Quality Characteristics of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Aim: The study seeks to improve the livelihoods of farm families by deploying appropriate storage and grain protection methods to reduce on-farm storage losses. Place and Duration of Study: Multi-location experiments were established at 4 communities of the Upper East Region of Ghana from November 2012 to December 2013. Methodology: For each treatment, 50kg of maize was stored in jute sacs (JS), polypropylene sacs (PS), hermitic triple-layer sacs (HTS) and hermitic poly-tanks (HPT). Both Actellic and phostoxin fumigation were applied at recommended rates. Destructive grain sampling (100g) was done every 2 months for determination of grain characteristics and loss assessment. Scoring for grain quality was done using a 5-point objective scale. Results: Overall difference was due to the method of storage, influence of the 2 grain protectants was not consistent. Marginal loss of bulk density (9.6 to 14.8%) occurred in HTS and HPT compared to PS and JS (15-17%). Low postharvest losses (2.2-5.8%) was incurred in HTS and HPT compared to PS and JS which showed up to 7.2-31.5% losses. At 12 months after storage, grain stored in the HTS and HPS recorded high quality scores (1.2C to 1.8F), indicating clear grain (C) or few insects (F) which were irregularly distributed and difficult to find by untrained eye. Conclusion: Although the cost of HPT is high, they are more efficient and can be re-used for several years. Due to differences in varieties and pre-storage operations, storage beyond 6 months in JS or PS will require grain protection and close monitoring.