Effect of Gombisa, Sack and Hermetic Bag Storage Structures on Insect Infestation to the Stored Maize Grain (Zea mays L.): The Case of West Shawa Zone, Bako, Ethiopia

Abstract

Article InfoMaize grain storage practices involve traditional storage structures, which was largely ineffective in the protecting of the stored products from deterioration. Maize grain storage losses due to insect pests have been a serious problem the livelihood of small-scale farmers. The experiment was conducted between data were analyzed statistically using Generalized Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS and means that were significantly different were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The number of insects, dead or alive, was not recorded in the first two storage and increased significantly (P<0.05) with storage periods. Maximum number 85/kg of alive Sitophilus zeamais was recorded at the end of six months. Maximum numbers17.7/kg of deadSitophiluszeamais was recorded at the last six months of storage. Sitophilus zeamais was the most dominant insect pest and records 84.3/kg in gombisa in the six months of storage. In this finding Sitophilus zeamais was the major storage insect pests followed by Sitophilus granurius. Therefore, gombisa and sack storages were inadequate for protecting stored maize from insect pests and fungal attacks. Overall, the hermetic bag storage can protect insect infestation and fungal development and consequently maintains seed viability and nutritional content during storage without use of insecticides.