Effect of Hermetic Storage Method on some Quality Parameters of Maize (Zea mays).

Abstract

In this study, samples of freshly harvested maize were obtained from a farm in Gidan Kwanu village, Minna, Niger State. They were dehusked and their moisture content determined to be 24.3%. The dehusked samples were sun dried for a week at an average temperature of 31oC and a relative humidity of 78%. The maize grains were removed from the corncobs after drying and the moisture content was found to be 12.1%. The percentage mould formation, insect infestation and broken grains were 0%. Other parameters analysed prior to storage were crude fat 6.74%, Crude fibre 1.58%, ash content 4.06%, protein content 9.11%, Carbohydrate content 66.41%, Dry matter 87.9% and hectoliter weight 66.83kg/hl. The maize samples were filled into hermetic bags and jars and some were put in a non-hermetic structure which served as the control; all of these were stored under the same atmospheric conditions. The average temperature and relative humidity for each day were recorded. Proximate composition of the grains were analysed every fortnight and the results obtained were analysed statistically. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the storage models have significant effects of on the quality of the maize. At the end of the eight week of storage, the quality parameters in the hermetic bag, jar and control were M.C (7.8%, 7.9%, 16%), crude fat (6.25%,7.42%,8.23%), crude fiber (9.89%, 10.45%, 20.23%), Ash content (3.17%, 7.51%, 2.91), Protein content (10.5%, 10.85%, 10.15%), Carbohydrate (62.39%,55.87%,42.49%), hectoliter weight (60.2, 62.2, 57.2) and dry matter (92.2%, 92.1%, 62.2%). In terms of nutrient retention, the hermetic bag and jar gave better results; as the carbohydrate, hectoliter weight and dry matter content for maize stored in both media were higher. There were no significant differences in the protein and crude fat content of the maize samples irrespective of the storage method. However, there was a significant difference in the moisture content of the stored samples; those in the control had higher moisture content than those stored in the other two. Low moisture content is desirable for longer and safe storage, thus the hermetic bag and jar medium of storage are better in this regard.