Storage of maize and cowpea and inhibition of microbial agents of biodeterioration using the powder and essential oil of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Within a storage period of 10 days, samples of maize and cowpea treated with lemon grass powder and essential oil showed no physical deterioration. Off-colour, off-odour and mouldiness however characterized untreated control samples of maize and cowpea. The essential oil of lemon grass also inhibited the growths of moulds like Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, Microphomina phaseoli and Penicillium chrysogenum and bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Ps. fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Phytochemical components like alkaloids, tannins and cardiac glycosides found in the powder are believed to be associated with the preservative and antimicrobial effects of lemon grass.