Maize deterioration at off-farm level of operation
1990
Tiongson, R.L. | Gacilos, R.G. (National Postharvest Inst. for Research and Extension, Munoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines))
The study assessed the causes and magnitude of losses in corn at off-farm level of operation. The study was conducted in two major corn-producing areas and two corn processing centers. Corn samples were gathered from local trader-assemblers, wholesalers, millers, and other corn processors. Samples taken from wholesalers were found to have the highest mean percentage weight loss caused by insects with an average of 1.5 percent. Yellow corn was found to be more susceptible to insect infestation than the white variety. Yellow corn stored for six months lost 9.04 percent of its weight and incurred 69.10 percent insect-damaged grains. White corn stored for the same period lost 5.01 percent in weight and 47.86 percent insect-damaged grains. The Economic Threshold Levels (ETLs) for yellow and white corn were reached at 1.64 and 1.57 months, respectively. On the other hand, the Economic Injury Levels (EILs) were reached, at 1.87 and 1.93 for yellow and white corn, respectively. Generally, corn in all the trade channels was positive for aflatoxin. There were differences in aflatoxin contamination in Southern Mindanao and Cagayan Valley corn samples with non-tolerable levels of aflatoxin more prevalent in Southern Mindanao (74 percent) than in Cagayan Valley (51 percent). An inverse relationship between the price of corn grits and aflatoxin contamination was noted. The inability of farmers and traders to promptly dry the grains to a safe level of moisture content (MC) at 13 to 14 percent was identified to be the root cause in fast deterioration of grains. Recommendations were made to solve maize deterioration at off-farm level of operation.
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