Efficacy of sensor assisted vacuum hermetic storage against chemical fumigated wheat

Abstract

Alternatives to chemical fumigation, are being explored as the popular fumigants like methyl bromide and phosphine are being phased out for their ozone depleting nature and insect resistance, respectively. Vacuum hermetic storage has potential for storage of agricultural durable commodities without fumigants and can eliminate 99% of insect infestation. In present research, the vacuum hermetic storage was tested in field with assistance of sensors and compared with the conventional phosphine fumigated storage by grain quality assessment and interstitial atmosphere for six months. Relative humidity of the hermetic bags remained below 25%, whereas temperature followed the same pattern as of the ambient. Germination percentage, thousand kernel weight and besatz content did not change significantly (p > 0.05), whereas mould count and moisture content reduced over the storage time compared wheat stored in metal bin.