title: Effects of some groundnut packaging methods and protection with Ocimum and syzygium powders on kernel infection by fungi.
abstract: Powders from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and cloves of Syzygium aromaticum were used as protectants at 3% (w/w) in combination with various packaging methods to store 3.5 kg groundnut kernel samples (9.3% moisture) artificially inoculated with Aspergillus parasiticus. Phostoxin-protected and unprotected samples were the controls. Packaging was accomplished with (i) Jute bags; JB (ii) Interlaced polypropylene bags; IPPB (iii) Polyethylene bags; PB (iv) PB inserted into IPPB and (v) PB inserted into JB. Selected treatments were repeated concurrently with naturally infected kernels (6.6% moisture). With 9.3% moisture kernels, there was a highly significant protectant, packaging method, and protectant X packaging method effect on protection of kernels from fungal infection at 2, 4, and 6 months. Packaging with JB and IPPB with or without plant powders gave 100% protection against fungi but insect infestation was prevented only when the Syzygium powder was used. When PB was used either singly or in combination with JB and IPPB, 100% protection from fungi was achieved up to 2 months with the Ocimum and up to 4 months with the Syzygium powder. The phostoxin treatment also gave 100% protection with JB and IPPB packaging but was ineffective with PB packaging. Kernels packaged with PB without the powders were extensively mouldy. Kernels with natural mycoflora (6.6% moisture) were free from fungi at 6 months regardless of the protectant and packaging used. In further tests, the Syzygium powder, at 3% and in combination with JB-packaging, effectively suppressed cross infection of healthy kernels (12% moisture) by fungi from diseased kernels when both kernel types occurred in the same lot. At 18.5% kernel moisture and with identical packaging, the Syzygium powder at 3%, was not as effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Crop Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science of Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. cheust@gn.com
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Awuah
authors.forename: W O
authors.initials: WO
authors.lastname: Ellis
mesh_terms: D000348:Aflatoxins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010367:Arachis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects*; D005506:Food Contamination; D018857:Food Packaging; D005519:Food Preservation; D006813:Humidity; D031339:Ocimum / Q000737:chemistry; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011208:Powders / Q000494:pharmacology; D027842:Syzygium / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000348:Aflatoxins; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D028321:Plant Preparations; D011208:Powders