Quality of grain maize stored in Gombisa and sacks in selected districts of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Quality  of  maize grains  (Variety:  Bako Hybrid-660,  BH-660)  stored  in two storage containers (Gombisa and Sacks) for 180 days was studied in two agro ecologies: intermediate (IAE)- and lowland (LAE) of Jimma zone, Ethiopia. Crude protein, crude fat, dry matter, total carbohydrate and ash contents were influenced significantly by storage periods in Gombisa (p<0.05). Crude fat under LAE and ash under both agro-ecologies were also influenced by storage days (p<0.05). There was a significant (p<0.05) effect of storage containers on dry matter and total carbohydrates in the IAE whereas in LAE appeared insignificant (p>0.05). Grains stored in Gombisa under IAE showed significantly lower dry matter and total carbohydrate contents than in Sacks. The study showed maize grain quality deteriorations in Gombisa because of favorable moisture, relative humidity and temperature conditions for maize weevil (Sitophillus zeamais) and angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella) attacks during 180 days of storage.

Keywords: Agro-ecologies, Chemical composition, Gombisa, Maize grain   quality Sack