Development of a chemical applicator to control aflatoxin in stored maize cobs
1988
IIIangantilke, S.G. | Noomhorin, A. | Cardona, T.D. (Asian Inst., of Technology, Bangkok (Thailand))
A low-cost, pedal-driven chemical applicator was designed and developed to prevent accumulation of aflatoxin in stored corn cobs during the wet season. The capacities of the applicator were approximately 0.6, 0.72, and 0.78 tonne/hr at 26, 35, and 45 RPM, respectively. Two kinds of sprayer systems, one comprising of knap-sack and the other an ultra-low volume sprayer, were used to apply the chemical. Three chemical application rates, i.e. 8, 12, and 16 litres per tonne of corn were used to evaluate the performance of the applicator. Corn was inoculated initially with Aspergillus flavus spores before spraying and storing inside a highly humid structure. This structure simulated conditions of farm-level storage during the wet season. Aflatoxin levels were determined prior to chemical application. The performance of the applicator and the efficiency of its chemical application were determined by germination tests, fungal count tests, aflatests, and thin layer chromatography. Cost-benefit evaluations of chemical application and the possibility of its adoption by farmers were also studied.
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