Timing of harvest in maize: effects on post harvest losses due to insects and fungi in central Benin, with particular reference to Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

摘要

A storage experiment was conducted in Bante, central Benin between autumn 1994 and spring 1995. The maize was harvested 1, 3, and 7 weeks after physiological maturity and stored for up to 8 months. The main results were: (a) leaving the maize in thefield for extended periods after physiological maturity resulted in severe grain losses after 8 months of storage; (b) most of the grain losses were attributed to Prostephanus truncatus; (c) early harvested maize had a higher proportion of mouldy grain;(d) harvest date had no consistent effect on the level of aflatoxin contamination; (e) based on a participatory evaluation of maize quality by local farmers, the economic value of maize stored for 8 months was highest in maize harvested 3 weeks after physiological maturity.