Abstract
Experiments were conducted in a laboratory and in storage structures in the field between 2008 –
2009, to assess the amount of the CO2 and O2 produced and the modified atmospheres produced (gas
mixtures) as protectants of maize grains against the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.).The
production of modified atmospheres (MAs) by composting fresh cow dung, chopped fresh sugarcane
and chopped dry maize stubble each wetted at 60% moisture content was studied. The MAs were
produced in plastic cans (bio-generators). The measurement of the MAs produced using Riken
Infrared Gas Analyzer, Model RI-550A for CO2 and portable oxygen meter for O2 indicated that the
highest CO2 levels were produced in fresh cow dung (25%) and fresh sugarcane (23%) following
48hr incubation period. These substrates gave the lower O2 content (3.5% and 3.7%, respectively)
compared to the dry maize stubble which resulted in lower CO2 level (9%) and the highest O2 content
(19%). The efficacy of the MAs produced by these substrates was also studied in simulated storage
structures in the field by letting the produced gas mixtures to storage structures containing 3 quintals
of weevil susceptible BH-540 maize variety. Analysis of variances showed that application of
modified atmosphere to the maize grains stored in airtight storage structures can effectively control
maize weevils. Significantly (p<0.01) higher mean numbers of weevils mortality and lower mean
number and weight of damaged grains and weight losses were recorded in maize grains treated with
Quickphose (fumigant standard check) and modified atmospheres from fresh cow dung and fresh
sugarcane. The gas produced from the digestion of fresh cow dung and fresh sugar cane significantly
(p<0.01) reduced the progress of maize weevils infestation. Germination test did not show any
variation among the treatments. The result of this study showed that the gas from biological digestion
of fresh cow dung and chopped sugar cane can be used as control option for maize storage pest in
airtight storages. However, rate and frequency of application and economic feasibility should be
studied before commercial application of the technique.
Ahmed Ibrahim Yuya. (2014) STUDIES ON ORGANIC MATERIALS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE FOR MAIZE WEEVIL CONTROL IN STORED MAIZE, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, Volume 2, Issue 3.
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