Development of a chemical applicator to control aflatoxin in stored maize cobs | |
| Author | Cardona, Tomas Deluta |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. AE-88-17 |
| Subject(s) | Corn--Storage Aflatoxins |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | A low-cost pedal driven chemical applicator was developed to prevent accumulation of aflatoxin in maize cobs during storage in the wet season. The capacities of the applicator were approximately 0.6, 0 .72 and 0 . 84 ton/ hr at 25 , 35 and 45 RPM , respectively. Two kinds of sprayer systems, one comprising of a knapsack and the other an ultra low volume sprayer, were used to apply the chemical at 8 , 12 and 16 liters per ton of maize cobs. Maize was initially inoculated with Aspergillus flavus spores before spraying and stored inside a high humid structure which simulated conditions of farm level storage during the wet season. The performance of the applicator and the efficacy of its c hemical application were determined by germination tests, pH tests, fungal count tests, aflatests and thin layer chromatography tests. The germination rates of samples treated with 12 and 16 li/ ton of chemical were completely suppressed in both spray methods. Better fungal control was achieved at higher chemical application rates. The results of aflatoxin analysis were highly variable. However , decreasing trend in aflatoxin levels of the treated samples with storage time was observed. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between spray methods. Aflatoxin levels from samples treated with 12 and 16 li/ton of chemical were not significantly different but both were significantly different from 8 li/ ton. The applicator is economically viable even at an annual use of 9 days (approximately 50 tons) when the chemical price is S27 ($1.08 )/li. |
| Year | 1988 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Food Engineering (AE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Athapol Noomhorm ;Illangantileke, Sarath G. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Jindal, Vinod Kumar |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Switzerland |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1988 |