Browsing by Author "Osei-Boahen, Melkisedek"

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    Effect of different storage methods on the quality characteristics of cowpea grains (a case study of Dormaa Ahenkro District)
    (2017-01-30) Osei-Boahen, Melkisedek
    The study was carried out in the Dormaa Ahenkro District of Brong Ahafo Region in Ghana to assess the effect of different storage methods on some quality characteristics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) grains of Nhyria, Tona and Soronko which were identified as the most popular cultivated varieties in the district. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the five (5) communities from Dormaa Ahenkro district to participate in the research. The communities selected were Kosane, Asikesu, Atesikrom, Besease and Badukrom. However, simple randomized sampling was used to select ten (10) farmers from each community and fifty (50) cowpea marketers, of which twenty two (22) were wholesalers and twenty eight (28) were retailers. The study determined the effect of different storage methods on the proximate and mineral composition. Other quality characteristics such as live insect count, dead insect and grains with holes were also assessed during the three (3) month of storage. Proximate and mineral composition was carried out on the cowpea varieties before storage. The storage methods; drum (with no chemical), drum with phosphine tablet and hermetic bag. Majority (50%) of the active farmers was within the age ranged of 30 - 40 years and that of the cowpea marketers were 20-29 years. Majority (70%) of the farmers had secondary education. The field survey revealed five varieties under cultivation by the farmers. They were; “Uganda” (white with black-eye), “Mallam adamu” (red), “Soronko variety, Nhyira variety and Tona variety. The major storage methods used were storage rooms (10%), nylon bags (40%), empty drum (36%) and hermetic bag (4%). Ninety two (92%) of those that stored their produce in storage rooms do regular spraying to prevent disease and pest infestation. Thirty two (32%) of the marketers (wholesalers and retailers) adopted good sanitation measures to prevent disease and pest infestation. The major challenges during storage are disease and pest attack (80%), theft (16%) and not well dried cowpea grains (4%).The live insect count for the three varieties ranged from (0.74– 0.82) with no significant difference occurring among the varieties. Mortality rate was higher in the Nhyira cowpea variety during the three (3) month of storage period. It was observed that 68% and 8% of the marketers (wholesalers and retailers) used actellic, used phosphine tablet respectively. The high crude protein, crude fibre, moisture and ash content before and after storage suggested that the differences observed are mainly genetic. The low level of reduction in cowpea grain quality in terms of available live insect, dead insect and grains with holes was correlated to the level of infestation by the Callosobruchus maculatus.