MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE TO PREVENT MOLD-INDUCED NUTRITIONAL LOSS IN MAIZE

Effect of modified atmosphere storage systems having 60% CO2, 40% CO2 and 20% CO2 in combination with N-2 and O-2 were studied on freshly ha rvested maize grain (var Deccan-103) to prevent moulding and loss of f ood reserves. Under favourable conditions of 90% relative humidity and at 25 +/- 2 degrees C, maize grains raving 15 and 20% moisture conten t stored for 45 days revealed significant postponement of visible moul ding and the loss of food reserves. The results showed that, maize gra in with 15% moisture content does not support mould growth even after 45 days of storage, as a result loss of food reserves reduced consider ably. Visible moulding was postponed by 15 days under 60% CO2 and 40% CO2 atmospheres in grains with 20% moisture contents and the loss of f ood re jerves in MAS treated samples were significantly reduced over t he untreated maize grains. Dry matter loss (DML) was also significantl y reduced under 60% CO2 modified atmospheres in maize grains with 20% moisture content. (C) 1998 SCI.