FARMER'S NOTEBOOK
Simple method for safe storage of pulse grains
M.J. PRABU
|
All types of pulse grains can be stored safely by this method
|
— Photo: UAS
Effective control: Freshly threshed pulse grains should be dried in the sun for 3-5 days.
Storing pulse grains after their harvest has always been a problem for farmers as the stored grains are found to be most often infested with pulse beetles.
As a result, small and marginal farmers who grow pulses are unable to store their produce and are forced to sell the grains for a lower price.
The pulse beetles, also known as bruchids, are small and stout beetles that lay their eggs on the maturing pods in the field, or in stored dry grains. The larvae that emerge out of the eggs bore into the grains and start feeding on them.
Origin of infestation
Bruchids infestation of pulses commences in the field itself, even before the crop is harvested and this infestation is carried into storage godowns, resulting in further infestation and deterioration of the stored grains, according to Dr. B. Ranganna, Professor & Research Engineer at the Post Harvest Technology Centre, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK (Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra),Campus, Bangalore.
Simple technology
Our research team has developed a simple and effective technology for the removal of field infestation and prevention of cross-infestation in stored pulses, he explained.
Freshly threshed pulse grains should be dried in the sun for 3-5 days.
After which it should be cooled and stored in suitable metal, plastic bins, large earthen pots, brick, and cement storage structure with tight lids. While storing the grains in the containers, farmers can apply a thick layer of about 3 cm of locally available sieved sand (without any soil particles) on top of the grains and tightly close the lid.
Raising the temperature
How does this help prevent bruchids attack? Dr. S. Subramanya, Professor of Entomology, says: “Bruchids are sensitive to heat and temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius are fatal for them.
“By drying the pulse grains in a thin layer on a concrete floored threshing yard or on a black tarpaulin or black polyethylene sheet under the hot sun, the grain temperature gets raised to 52 degree Celsius.
This will effectively kill all the life-stages of bruchids and remove the existing field- infestation.”
The application of sand layer above the grain mass would fill the inter-granular spaces in the top layers and effectively disrupt the reproductive behaviour of bruchids and prevent further infestation of grains, he explains.
“Farmers should keep in mind that they should not use any paper, plastic or cloth sheet between the sand layer and the grain surface and also jute bags should not be used for storage,” says Dr. Ranganna.
The application of sand layer above the grains prevents any possible cross-infestation as the bruchids are unable to penetrate through the layer of sand.
Impair movement
Also, research has shown that the sand layer applied above the grain mass would impair the movement of bruchids within the grain mass and adversely affect the reproductive behaviour of bruchids, they explained.
The grains treated by this method can be effectively stored for one year without any infestation as long as the sand layer is not disturbed and grains are not exposed.
This method has been found effective in the control of bruchids infestation.
Fresh application
Whenever grain is required for consumption, the required quantity can be taken out by pushing aside the sand layer.
After taking out the grains, a fresh application of 3 cm thick sand layer can be made over the grain surface. All types of pulse grains can be stored safely by this method.
For more details readers can contact the Professor & Research Engineer at the Post Harvest Technology Centre, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore 560 065, email: rangannab@gmail.com, phone: 080-23330153 extn 345.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Sci Tech
