Effect of triple-layer hermetic bagging on mould infection and aflatoxin contamination of maize during multi-month on-farm storage in Kenya
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Jeremiah Nganga, Christopher M. Mutungi, Samuel M. Imathiu, Hippolyte D. Affognon. (26/7/2016). Effect of triple-layer hermetic bagging on mould infection and aflatoxin contamination of maize during multi-month on-farm storage in Kenya. Journal of Stored Products Research, 69, pp. 119-128.
Abstract
Field trials were conducted in small-scale farmers' grain stores in an aflatoxin endemic region to assess
the effect of storing maize in triple layer hermetic (PICS™) bags on aflatoxin contamination. Shelled
maize grain was purchased from farmers, and filled into PICS bags, woven polypropylene (PP) and jute
bags and kept in the farmers' own stores for 35 weeks. Grain moisture content, total mould count and
mould incidence levels were examined at onset and after every 7 weeks during the 35 weeks of storage.
Aflatoxin contamination was examined at onset, and after 14, 28 and 35 weeks. Ambient temperature
and r.h. in the trial site and in all the bags, as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the PICS bags
were also monitored. Initial moisture content (m.c.) of maize varied from farmer to farmer and ranged
between 12.4 and 15.0%. The m.c. of maize stored in PICS bags remained significantly higher (P < 0.05)
than in PP and jute bags in the last 14 weeks of storage. Total mould count and aflatoxin contamination of
maize stored at an initial m.c. < 13% and 13% m.c. 14% increased significantly in PP and jute bags but
not in PICS bags. After 35 weeks, total aflatoxin of maize stored in the PICS bags at an initial m.c. < 13%
and 13% m.c. 14% did not change where as it increased 5e8 folds in the PP and jute bags. Total mould
count and aflatoxin contamination of maize stored at an initial m.c. > 14% increased profusely in the three
types of bags. Our findings demonstrate that storing maize in PICS bags can prevent accumulation of
aflatoxin in rural farmers' stores if grain moisture is <14%.