Maize seeds storage systems and post-harvest loss

Background: Storage pests cause extensive damages to stored products and are responsible for huge post-harvest losses affecting the quality, the quantity, and the germination potential of stored grains and seeds. This study aimed to investigate the variability of traditional methods of storage and conservation of maize seeds practised by farmers to propose alternative measures for a significant reduction of post-harvest losses of seeds. Methods : Using participatory research approaches, we surveyed farmers from 21 randomly selected villages in 5 districts in southern Benin. Data were collected on the storage structures of the 3 certified and most produced maize seeds varieties. The forms under which maize seeds are stored, as well as the damage caused by the major storage insects were determined. Results: Results showed that most farmers store maize seeds in the form of grains and spathe. Following the laboratory observation of the three maize varieties studied, the DMR / QPM variety produced only in the district of Zagnanado has a low abundance of storage insects and a low rate of post-harvest losses. Sitophilus zeamais is the most abundant pest of the three maize seed varieties followed by Prostephanus truncatus. The variety 2000 SYN EE was the most attacked by storage insects. The most promising post-harvest agricultural practice is the storage of maize with spathe saved in jute bags, in granaries or cribs. Conclusions: Storage insects contribute to the depreciation of the quality of grains, loss of grain and reduction of their germinability in stock. Improving farmers awareness of these post-harvest practices could help to reduce the damage of storage insects. (2022-03-24)背景：储粮害虫会对储藏农产品造成严重破坏，引发巨额产后损失，同时影响储藏谷物与种子的品质、数量以及发芽势。本研究旨在调研贝宁南部农民所采用的玉米种子传统储藏与保藏方法的差异，以期提出可大幅降低种子产后损失的替代方案。 方法：本研究采用参与式研究方法，对贝宁南部5个地区的21个随机抽取村落的农民开展调研。收集了3个经认证且种植量最高的玉米种子品种的储藏结构相关数据，并明确了玉米种子的储藏形式以及主要储粮害虫造成的危害情况。 结果：研究显示，多数农民以籽粒带苞叶的形式储藏玉米种子。经实验室观测本次研究的3个玉米品种发现，仅在扎纳纳多（Zagnanado）地区种植的DMR/QPM品种，其储粮害虫发生量与产后损失率均较低。在3个玉米种子品种中，玉米象（Sitophilus zeamais）为优势害虫，其次为大谷蠹（Prostephanus truncatus）。2000 SYN EE品种受储粮害虫侵害最为严重。最具推广价值的产后农艺措施为：将带保留苞叶的玉米装入黄麻袋，储存在粮仓或玉米仓中。 结论：储粮害虫会导致储藏谷物品质下降、籽粒损耗以及发芽势降低。提升农民对这些产后储藏技术的认知水平，有助于减轻储粮害虫造成的危害。（2022-03-24）