EFFECT OF STORAGE CONDITION AND PACKAGING MATERIAL ON INCIDENCE OF STORAGE FUNGI AND SEED QUALITY OF MAIZE GRAINS

In general, the highest frequency of seed-associated fungi was A. niger and A. flavus, followed by Fusariumspp. and Alternaria spp., and then Penicilliumspp. and Rhizopusstolonifer. The storage temperature has no effect on the incidence of Alternariasp., Fusarium sp., Penicilliumsp., and R. stolonifer, while it has a significant effect on A. flavus and A. niger. The best storage conditions for avoiding A. flavus incidence on maize grains were storage in refrigerator (10ºC) in packages made from cotton cloth, high- or low-density polyethylene whereas the least incidence of this hazardous fungus was recorded (0.10%). Generally, storage in refrigerator (10ºC) in packages made from low-density polyethylene was favorable against grain contamination/infection with all storage fungi that may cause seed rot of maize. Storage of maize grain in cold conditions (10oC) caused a significant increase in kernel weight and seed germination while decreased seed moisture content regardless of the packaging material (with an exception with woven polyethylene as packaging material on seed germination) comparing with storage in room conditions. In general, the paper packaging material was favored for all grain quality parameters when grains are stored in cold conditions, whereas it recorded the highest kernel weight (34.86 g) and seed germination (100%) and moderate grain moisture content (8.33%). Under room conditions, grains stored in cotton +polyethylene packages had the highest oil and protein contents (19.67 and 26.20%, respectively). In conclusion, this study recommends storing maize grains at low temperature inside packages made of low-density polyethylene in order to preserve the vitality of seeds and keep oil content at high levels in addition to reducing the incidence of storage fungi especially those producing mycotoxins/aflatoxins to maintain public health.