Disinfestation of Stored Maize Using Microwave Energy and its Effect on Quality

Chemicals are widely used to kill insects in stored grain even thoughitaffects the consumers. A domestic microwave oven, IFC, 2450 MHz was used to control Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum. Mortality studies were conducted with three exposure times of 20, 25 and 30 seconds at power levels of 270, 360, 450 and 540W. Complete mortality of Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum was achieved at 540 W for 25 and 30 seconds. Quality of the maize in terms of germination ability, moisture loss, protein, fat, carbohydrate and crude fibre content were evaluated. Total moisture loss varied from 10 to 14% for different treated samples with respect to control. Protein content of microwave treated sample was ranging from 13.30 to 12.70%. Fat content was decreased from 4.60 to 3.30 percent, but the crude fiber content in the treated sample was increased from 1.40 to 2.50 percent.