Determination of quality deterioration in stored pili, Canarium ovatum

This study was conducted to determine the quality of stored pili, the nature of deterioration, and the microorganisms and pests associated with pili during storage. Thirty-seven samples of pili nuts and kernels were taken from different warehouses within the Bicol region. A maximum of 25 kg pili nuts and 10 kg kernels were collected from each warehouse although the sample size was reduced depending upon the available stock of the trader or trader-processor. Sub-samples from various points in a bulk or piles of sacks were taken randomly to come up with the desired quantity of samples. The 25 kg or 10 kg samples were divided into two: one portion for mycotoxins analysis and the other half was sub-divided into sub-sampled for physical, microbial, insect, chemical analysis, and for moisture content determination. Seventy-six percent of the samples was stored with the shell. Most were stored for three months, while most of the kernels were stored for one to two weeks only. The average moisture content of the kernel was 5.7%. Microbial analyses showed the predominance of Aspergilli, Penicillium sp., and Rhizopus sp. in pili kernels. It was also found that insects and mites highly infested pili. Carpophilus spp. had the highest number of infestation and was found to be present in all sampling areas. Chemical analyses revealed that 67% of the samples was positive for aflatoxin contamination. Zearalenone, however, was not detected. One sample was found to be rancid. The FFA value was recorded at 30.39 mg KOH/gm 1. Physical analysis showed that majority of the samples had 20-29% deteriorated kernels. Bad kernels were classified as wrinkled/immature, moldy, rotten, discolored, empty, and tayangawon. Appearance of the shell was found to be correlated with the characteristics of the kernel. Thus, it was evident that the quality of pili was affected by the presence of microorganisms particularly fungi, as well as insect and mite pests