Hermetic storage technologies preserve maize seed quality and minimize grain quality loss in smallholder farming systems in Mexico

Reducing maize postharvest storage losses is a challenge for millions of smallholder farmers in Mexico. A previous study documented the effects technologies on stored grain losses. The current follows up those experiments to evaluate effectiveness diverse — polypropylene bags with and/or without insecticide, hermetic metal silos, bags, recycled plastic containers, silage micronized lime, and standard lime maintaining seed quality during 2017 2018 at six sites: three agroecologies below 500 m above sea level (masl) 2000 masl. Maize samples using each were collected before after months storage. Pest-free analyzed composition (starch, protein, oil, ether extracts, polyphenols contents), selected physicochemical parameters (fat acidity, an indicator biochemical changes storage; hundred kernel weight; flotation index, indirect parameter density; color; germination. Storage did significantly affect macronutrient content, but under non-hermetic conditions was reduced, as reflected increased fat acidity index. Seed germination less affected by type technology sites masl significant effect observed On average, capacity (polypropylene or insecticide lime) dropped 56% lowland sites, compared 2.8% silos bags. Airtight also minimized reducing metabolic activities. By limiting insect fungi infestation quantity degradation maize, can contribute Mexican farmers' food security. • Effectiveness 9 maintain tested. Apparently healthy 6 germination, acidity. Poor reduced quality. Hermetic effective minimizing loss