Changes in Postharvest Qualities of Stored Fresh Maize (Zea Mays L.) at Tropical Ambient Condition
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: The effect of passive modified atmosphere packaging on some postharvest qualities of stored fresh maize was investigated at tropical ambient temperature (28±2 °C) and 80% RH.Changes in the appearances of husk, silk and kernel, kernel firmness, weight and microbial growth were monitored.Freshly harvested yellow maize (FHYM) served as control.Results showed that packaging film greatly affected the appearances of the husk, silk, kernel and kernel firmness compare to the control sample.The highest weight loss was observed in dehusked maize while the maize samples in packaging film had the least weight loss.Lactobacillus sp., Micrococcus liteus, Streptococcus sp., Serratia marcescens, Bacillus sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were the bacteria isolated from the stored fresh maize while the suspected fungal include Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium notatum and Fusarium sp.Higher bacteria counts were observed in samples packaged with 25 and 30 µm LDPE while the least was found in unpackaged undehusked maize.The current packaging conditions had no impact on the shelf life of fresh maize.
Authors: I. B. Oluwalana, M. O. Oluwamukomi, A. A. Badejo, F. A. Bello
Institutions: Federal University of Technology, University of Uyo
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2574592916