Integrated Postharvest Practices to Reduce Losses in Maize Storage for Smallholders | Chapter 04 | Advances and Trends in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 2
In spite of advances in grain storage,
as high as 8 to 23% postharvest losses in maize storage is being reported in
Ghana. These losses emanate from poor postharvest practices and use of
indigenous storage methods, which are inexpensive to construct and maintain but
provide poor protection against biological, physical and environmental hazards.
The objective of this study was to demonstrate best practices to reduce losses
in maize storage. A study unit involved 50 kg of grain stored in jute bags,
polypropylene bags, PICS bags and plastic drums. Each unit was treated with
recommended doses of Actellic Super 5EC (80 g Pirimiphos-methyl and 15 g
Permithrin/L), Phostoxin (Aluminum phosphate) and a control. From this study,
losses of 2.2 to 5.8% was incurred in grain stored in PICS bags and plastic
drums as compared to 7.2 to 21.7% losses when stored in jute and polypropylene
bags during 12 months of storage. Due to differences in varieties, harvest
timing and drying operations among farmers, the use of grain protectants should
be considered where prolong storage of 8 to 12 months is anticipated;
particularly if jute and polypropylene bags are
to be used. Treating grain with
chemicals may not be necessary when using PICS bags or plastic drums during 1
year of storage. However, the initial condition of grain prior to storage must
be examined in this case.
Author(s) Details
Dr. Issah Sugri
CSIR-Savanna Agricultural
Research Institute, P.O.Box 52, Tamale, Ghana.
Dr. Mutari Abubakari
CSIR-Savanna Agricultural
Research Institute, P.O.Box 52, Tamale, Ghana.
Dr. John K. Bidzakin
CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research
Institute, P.O.Box 52, Tamale, Ghana.
Dr. Osei-Agyeman Yeboah
School of Agriculture and
Environmental Science, North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State
University, 1601 E Market Street,
Greensboro NC 27411, USA.
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