Effect of Different Storage Containers and Duration on Biochemical Constituents of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Grains

The effect of storage on biochemical constituents viz. moisture, protein, total sugars and free amino acids of buckwheat grain samples procured from different sources in Himachal Pradesh was studied at an interval of three months for the period of twelve months, which were stored in different storage containers viz. gunny bag, polythene bag and metallic bin. The study indicated that moisture content increased significantly in gunny bags followed by polythene bags at three month of storage. After six month of storage, moisture content marginally decreased both, in gunny and polythene bags possibly due to relatively higher temperature and less relative humidity in the environment in the month of May-June. However, there were slight increases in the moisture content of the sample stored in metallic container after 12 months of storage. Significant, but marginal changes in protein content of all the samples of buckwheat grains in different storage structures was observed at the end of twelve months of storage. With increase in storage period, significant decrease in total sugar content was observed. Significant differences were noticed in the total sugar content in all the samples of buckwheat as well as at different storage period when compared with each other. Significant increase in free amino acids in all the three genotypes structures with increase in storage period was also observed.