Maize storage insects (Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus) prefer to feed on smaller maize grains and grains with color,especially green

Maize is the major food staple in Eastern and Southern Africa, and since production is seasonal, on-farm storage is practiced by farmers. Because stored maize is susceptible to pests, improved storage methods are being developed which need to be evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing losses. The standard count and weigh method (CWM) assumes storage insects attack grains of different sizes in equal measure, although this has not been tested. This study therefore analyzed storage insects’ feeding preferences for maize grains of different sizes. Maize grain was sieved and split into four size categories, colored with food dyes, remixed, and distributed into 48 jars, each with about 300 g of grain, artificially infested with maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) or larger grain borers (Prostephanus truncatus), 40 insects per jar. After two months, the grains were separated into their size categories (visually, by color), and grain damage and weight loss was estimated with the CWM. Results show that storage insects have a preference for feeding on smaller, rather than larger grains; and on colored rather than uncolored grains. Small-sized and colored grains were more likely to be perforated by insects and suffered more weight loss. This preference, observed for both species, is more pronounced in S. zeamais, who also distinguish between different colors, and prefer green. The size effect is, however, comparatively small and the average weight loss calculated by a size-adjusted formula is not significantly different from that calculated by the standard CWM. However, the resulting differences in weight losses between grains of different sizes are small. Weight loss calculated by weighted CWM, while in principle more accurate, does not in practice lead to significantly different estimates. Therefore, the results do not warrant a change in the conventional CWM for weight loss in stored grain.     

Re‐Assessment of the Half‐Grain Modification Method for Assessing Malt Modification

The half‐grain mashing (modification) method proposed by Palmer (J. Inst. Brew., 1975, 81: 408) was reassessed. The intention was to quantify the differences in malt modification in terms of β‐glucan breakdown and clarify the relationship between β‐glucan breakdown and overall modification of the endosperm during malting. This was carried out at 45°C as well as at 65°C, the percentage of weight loss was recorded and the endosperm residue was analysed for β‐glucan content. In general, weight loss was related to modification. Samples, which were modified at higher levels, lost significantly more material during the half‐grain mashing procedure than those which were under‐modified. At a malting process time of 96 h all the varieties had similar weight loss. After mashing the half grains, the β‐glucan contents of the grain residues showed an apparent increase because of loss of non‐β‐glucan materials. However, over the malting period β‐glucan decreased. Chariot malted faster than the other varieties studied. The β‐glucan levels of this variety were reduced by 78% between 48 and 72 h of germination. Significant levels of β‐glucan were degraded and large quantities of starch and protein were released. During the same period of germination, the corresponding samples of Decanter did not show a significant reduction in β‐glucan levels. In contrast, Brazilian variety MN698 lost endosperm material and β‐glucan rapidly by 48 h. These early results suggest that during malting, extract solubilization may or may not accompany β‐glucan breakdown. Therefore, β‐glucan levels in malt cannot be used as an overall index of modification of the endosperm.     

Comparison of seven methods for stored cereal losses to insects for their application in rural conditions

There are several methods for assessing harvest losses during storage with varying degrees of accuracy, reliability and practical application, however, field conditions may limit their use among subsistence farmers and traders in developing nations. We compared seven standard grain loss methods during natural and controlled infestation by Sitophilus oryzae L. in wheat and barley to select the best procedures for use in farm storage. Methods tested were: 1) visual inspection of infested lots, 2) uncorrected weight loss, 3) modified standard volume/weight ratio, 4) grain count and weight, 5) percentage of damaged grains converted to weight loss, 6) one thousand grain mass, and 7) one thousand grain mass including dust. Previously disinfested cereal lots (wheat, barley, 500 g fresh w) were exposed to 20 newly emerged adult S. oryzae for 90 d at 28 °C and 70% r.h. Naturally- infested wheat lots were also monitored under the same conditions. Before and after this period, fresh and dry weight, number, moisture content of uninfested and damaged grains, weight of 1 L of seeds and dust produced by insect activity, fresh and dry weight of 1000 kernels, and number of adult weevils was determined and applied to appropriate equations of methods (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7). Grain mass loss estimations varied by wide margins (9.3 ± 1.3% to 25.8 ± 2.3% in barley, 2.2 ± 0.7% to 12.5 ± 2.5% in wheat) depending on method employed, suggesting the need for careful selection of the most appropriate procedure under field conditions and farmer/trader interests. While accurate procedures such as method 7 provided dependable results, methods 3 and 5 appear most practical for wheat and barley.     

Assessment of quantitative and qualitative losses of stored grains due to insect infestation in Ethiopia

This study was designed to determine the quantitative and qualitative losses of stored grains that arise from insect infestation in three districts of southwestern Ethiopia. One district was selected from each zone based on the production potential of the target crops (maize, sorghum, wheat and fababean). A total of 240 farmers’ stores from all districts were randomly selected. The grain samples used in the present study were stored for 5 different time periods, ranging from 1 to 5 months and from the same farmers’ stores, to determine grain weight loss, insect damage, and nutritional losses. Grain damage showed significant differences over the storage periods across the study districts. A similar trend was observed for weight loss for each of the grains in all districts. The moisture content of the grains decreased along the storage duration. Crude protein and crude fat contents significantly decreased as the storage duration increased in all traditional storage types. Furthermore, the crude fibre and ash contents of the different grain types significantly increased as the storage duration increased in all storage types. These results demonstrated that traditional storage structures have a substantial effect on quantitative and qualitative losses of stored grains. This finding has great implications for food security and hidden nutritional deficits in society. Thus, there is a need to develop and disseminate storage technologies that minimize losses and that are affordable for small farm holders.     

The rapid determination of chemically reactive lysine in the presence of carbohydrates by a modified trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid procedure

The trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) method has been shown by previous workers to give low results for chemically reactive lysine if carbohydrates are present in the sample. The major factor responsible has now been identified as loss of ?-trinitrophenyl (?-TNP) lysine during the hydrolysis stage, while adsorption of ?-TNP lysine by humins formed from carbohydrates during hydrolysis has been shown to be insignificant. The loss can be minimised by a reduction of the hydrolysis time without affecting the necessary degree of protein hydrolysis. A modified procedure is suggested which is shown to give very similar results to Carpenter's method (incorporating the Booth modification) for pure proteins and to the Silcock method in the presence of carbohydrates. ?-TNP lysine hydrolysed for 90 min or D,L-lysine taken through the trinitrophenylation procedure followed by hydrolysis for 120 min are the most suitable standards. The procedure can be completed in under 6 h and does not require the use of expensive equipment or hazardous chemicals.     

Thermal modification of OSB-strands by a one-step heat pre-treatment – Influence of temperature on weight loss, hygroscopicity and improved fungal resistance

Thermal modification of wood leads to improved resistance against fungal decay and decreased moisture uptake. Polyoses contribute most to the sorption behaviour of wood and act as main nutrition source for fungi. Thus, especially the conversion of polyoses has major impact on the degree of improvement. Thermal decomposition of wood is accompanied by weight loss. In this work the influence of temperature on weight loss, resulting equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and fungal resistance of OSB-strands is shown. It was found that EMC reaches a constant level, indicating completed reduction of free accessible hydroxyl groups. The levelling was ascertained to be irrespective of the temperature and duration of the pre-treatment. An improved fungal resistance according to durability class 3 and better was found for samples pre-treated above 200 °C. The presented correlation between reduced EMC and improved fungal resistance provides a tool for efficient determination of the durability of thermally modified wood.     

Physicochemical properties of sugar beet pulp pectin by pulsed electric field treatment

This research focused on pulsed electric field (PEF) modification of pectin from sugar beet pulp. Experimental parameters including electric field intensity (18–30 kV cm^?1) and pulse time (806–2418 μs) were used, and the physicochemical properties of PEF‐treated pectin were evaluated by various instrumental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the degree of esterification, viscosity average molecular weight and particle size of pectin decreased with the increase in electric field intensity and pulse time. Meanwhile, some sharp interstices were shown on the surface of pectin, and its crystalline regions were destroyed after being treated with PEF. Results revealed that PEF technology is an effective method to obtain low‐molecular‐weight pectin with different degrees of esterification and obtain a desired production in food application.     

小麦淀粉改性技术及应用研究进展

小麦淀粉是小麦中含量最高的成分，约占籽粒干重的75%，但天然小麦淀粉耐热、耐剪切、耐酸能力差，且易老化回生，在很大程度上影响小麦淀粉功能性能及小麦产品的产品品质，因此小麦淀粉改性技术受到了广泛关注。淀粉颗粒形态及结构的改变会影响其糊化特性、老化特性、水溶性、消化率等功能特性，功能特性的改变可进一步扩大淀粉的应用范围。本文主要论述了小麦淀粉主要改性方法（物理改性、化学改性、酶法改性及复合改性）的改性机制及改性后淀粉性质的变化，并总结了改性小麦淀粉的相关制品以及改性小麦淀粉在不同领域中的应用, 以期为改性小麦淀粉在食品及工业的应用提供参考。     

BLACK TIP DISCOLORATION IN INDIAN RICE. EFFECT OF EXTENDED MILLING ON MILLING CHARACTERISTICS, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND COOKING QUALITY

Extended milling of rice decreased the incidence of mycoflora and reduced black tip discoloration but reduced the head rice yield and kernel weight. Protein content, ash, reducing sugars, nonreducing sugars and free fatty acids increased whereas amylose decreased significantly with the increase in the number of discolored grains. Discolored rice required significantly less time to cook, showed decreased water uptake, reduced kernel elongation and losses. Cooking time decreased; water uptake, elongation in cooked rice and gruel solid loss increased with an increase in the degree of milling. Correlation coefficients between the different variables were calculated.     

压力协同温度控制天然阿拉伯胶的熟化改性研究

阿拉伯胶由于具有良好的溶解性、稳定性、乳化性等优异性能,被广泛的应用于生物、医药、食品和工业领域。以天然阿拉伯胶为研究对象,分别考察了压力、温度和处理时间对阿拉伯胶熟化的影响。结果表明,温度是阿拉伯胶熟化改性的主要影响因素,温度越高阿拉伯胶的平均分子量越大,在100℃条件下处理,12 h后平均分子量可达到2.8×107g/mol;超高压不能改变阿拉伯胶的熟化程度,但是能够明显的缩短熟化时间,提高改性效率;红外光谱检测结果表明,高压没有改变阿拉伯胶组分。试验结果将为天然阿拉伯胶的改性提供一种新的方法和途径。     

Application of DNA extraction kit, 'GM quicker' for detection of genetically modified soybeans

Several DNA extraction methods have been officially introduced to detect genetically modified soybeans, but the choice of DNA extraction kits depend on the nature of the samples, such as grains or processed foods. To overcome this disadvantage, we examined whether the GM quicker kit is available for both grains and processed foods. We compared GM quicker with four approved DNA extraction kits in respect of DNA purity, copy numbers of lectin gene, and working time. We found that the DNA quality of GM quicker was superior to that of the other kits for grains, and the procedure was faster. However, in the case of processed foods, GM quicker was not superior to the other kits. We therefore investigated an unapproved GM quicker 3 kit, which is available for DNA extraction from processed foods, such as tofu and boiled soybeans. The GM quicker 3 kit provided good DNA quality from both grains and processed foods, so we made a minor modification of the GM quicker-based protocol that was suitable for processed foods, using GM quicker and its reagents. The modified method enhanced the performance of GM quicker with processed foods. We believe that GM quicker with the modified protocol is an excellent tool to obtain high-quality DNA from grains and processed foods for detection of genetically modified soybeans.     

Assessment of storage losses and comparison of underground and aboveground storage for better stability and quality of maize (zea mays l.) and sorghum (sorghum bicolor l.) grains in selected districts of jimma zone,Ethiopia

Production and marketing of cereal grains is one of main activities in low income countries farming system. However, yields are very low due to several factors associated with traditional practices. Despite low productivity, the postharvest loss (PHL) of grains mainly during storage is high due to storage pests. The study was conducted to assess storage related losses of grains (maize and sorghum) and compare aboveground and underground storage methods to minimize losses associated with traditional storage structures. In first phase of the study, base line data were collected using focus group discussion, key informants interview and semi-structured questioners. In the second phase, underground and aboveground storage methods were investigated along with their control for better stability of stored maize and sorghum. The survey result showed that, storage related losses (due to different factors) of maize and sorghum were 14.2 and 11.5% respectively. The major identified causes of losses were storage pests and losses due to seepage. In the second phase, from studied storage structures, grains stored in pit storage with PVC layer showed superior stability and quality in terms of prevention of pest attacks and proximate composition, respectively. The study demonstrated that, underground storage method supported with PVC lining was efficient in terms of enhancing storage stability of grains with required quality for consumption or marketing.     

PATTERNS OF MODIFICATION IN MALTING BARLEY

The modified regions of the starch endosperms of malted grains were fragile and, in thin sections, the cell walls in these regions did not stain readily with Congo Red or Trypan Blue, although scanning electron microscopy demonstrated some cell-wall material remained. Initially the enzymes causing modification came from the scutellum, but later more came from the aleurone layer. Patterns of modification in different grains differed significantly, but usually resembled those recorded previously⁶ except that often modification had advanced further by the nucellar sheaf cells. In grains treated with gibberellic acid modification advanced faster, particularly beneath the aleurone layer, after two days germination. In tumbled or commercially abraded grains, malted with gibberellic acid, modification was even more rapid, but in more than 99% of the grains the same patterns of modification occurred. Two-way modification was a rare event. Rapid, general sub-aleurone modification occurred in grains cut at the apex and dosed with gibberellic acid. Decorticated grains modified exceptionally quickly and, when treated with gibberellic acid, massive subaleurone modification occurred. The cell walls of the tissues that resisted modification fluoresced strongly in ultra-violet light, in contrast to those of the starchy endosperm.     

Weight loss caused by development of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.) in sorghum grains of two size classes

The apparent and real weight losses caused by the development of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.) inside sorghum grains of two size classes were estimated in the laboratory. The amount of food consumed by the developing larvae of S. cerealella was similar in large and small grains; with S. oryzae the amount consumed decreased as grain weight decreased. The conversion factors for percentage weight loss estimates in S. cerealella infested grain are 0.44 (apparent) or 0.51 (real), and 0.60 (apparent) or 0.70 (real) in large and small grains respectively. For S. oryzae the corresponding figures are 0.32 and 0.41 for real loss in large and small grains respectively. The data obtained are compared with other estimates in the literature.     

Quantitative and quality losses caused by rodents in on-farm stored maize: a case study in the low land tropical zone of Kenya

Rodents are one of the major storage pests in on-farm maize storage in the tropics. However, information on actual magnitude of weight and quality losses caused by rodents in maize stores and species of rodent associated with the losses is scarce and if available would help to improve maize postharvest management. Maize stores of small-scale farmers in the lowland tropical zone of Kenya were monitored for actual weight losses caused by rodents and rodent trapping was conducted to determine species and estimate population of the rodents associated with the losses. Moulds and total aflatoxin contamination and nutritional value of rodent-damaged grain and non-damaged grain samples were also compared to evaluate the impact of rodent infestation on grain quality. In a sample of 20 farmers, we found that cumulative weight losses due to rodents ranged from 2.2 to 6.9% in shelled maize grain and from 5.2 to 18.3% in dehusked cobs after storage for 3 months. Rattus rattus was the only rodent species captured over the whole trapping period with a trap success rate of 0.6–10.0%. Total mould count, Fusarium spp. incidence and total aflatoxin contamination were significantly higher in rodent-damaged grains than in the non-damaged ones whereas no significant differences were observed for the incidence of Aspergillus spp. There were also significant decreases in dry-matter, fat, crude protein and fatty acid content in rodent-damaged grain compared to non-damaged grain. These findings show that rodents are a significant cause of postharvest losses in on-farm maize storage and impact negatively on food nutrition and safety. Mitigation strategies for postharvest losses should therefore include rodent control.     

A SIMPLE TEST FOR ENDOSPERM MODIFICATION

The modified regions of starchy endosperms are strongly coloured when cut or sanded grains are exposed to polyurethane varnish mixed with an oil-soluble stain. Unmodified regions are only faintly coloured, while cracks in the grains, the embryos and the aleurone layers are deeply stained. This technique is a rapid, simple and inexpensive way for detecting the patterns of modification occurring in individual grains and for assessing the uniformity of modification in groups of grains.     

己糖修饰的糖基化卵清蛋白产物及其致敏性分析

研究了不同己糖修饰的糖基化卵清蛋白的接枝度、表面疏水性、紫外光谱、荧光光谱及致敏性变化。结果表明:半乳糖修饰的卵清蛋白糖基化程度最高,果糖修饰的最低;糖基化反应使卵清蛋白表面疏水性降低;紫外光谱和荧光光谱构象表征表明,糖基化过程中的热处理以及分子基团的改变破坏了卵清蛋白原有构象,使芳香族氨基酸外露,且半乳糖对卵清蛋白构象的破坏程度最高;糖基化反应使卵清蛋白致敏性降低,但果糖修饰的卵清蛋白的IgG/IgE结合力下降轻微,远低于半乳糖和葡萄糖的。     

Characteristics of acetylated and enzyme-modified potato and sweet potato flours

The properties of modified potato and sweet potato flours have been determined by incorporating acetyl groups (acetylation) and by treating with glucoamylase (enzymatic modification). Fractionation studies on Sepharose CL-2B showed that the content of high molecular weight fraction decreased, with a proportionate increase in the lower molecular weight carbohydrate fraction, whereas FT-IR indicated changes in crystallinity of the modified starches. The data showed that the degradation of starch is dependent on the type of modification which, in turn, determined its crystallinity and digestibility. The swelling power and solubility patterns of modified flours indicated a greater degree of associative forces in the starch granules. Scanning electron microscopy revealed indentation on acetylated starch granules, and the granules appeared as bunches/clusters, whereas surface erosion was observed in the enzyme-treated samples. The presence of substituent groups in acetylated flour influenced digestibility inversely, whereas improved digestibility was observed in enzyme-modified samples.     

羧甲基化改性对不同分子量水溶性大豆多糖乳化性的影响

目的研究羧甲基化改性对不同分子量水溶性大豆多糖(soluble soybean polysaccharides,SSPS)乳化性的影响,探索进一步改善水溶性大豆多糖乳化性的方法。方法从豆渣中提取水溶性大豆多糖,使用超滤法分离,获得两种不同分子质量的多糖组分(L-低分子质量,H-高分子质量),分别对SSPS(未分离)、L和H进行羧甲基化改性,通过调节改性条件获得两种不同取代度(D-低取代度,G-高取代度)的水溶性大豆多糖。以不同的水溶性大豆多糖为乳化剂制备乳化液(O/W),对其乳化活性、乳化稳定性和乳化液显微结构进行分析。结果改性前后SSPS(未分离)、L和H的乳化性强弱顺序均为HSSPS(未分离)L;SSPS(未分离)和H的乳化活性在改性之后显著减弱(P0.05),且取代度越高乳化活性越弱,而L的乳化活性在改性之后增强,且取代度越高乳化活性越强;SSPS(未分离)和L的乳化稳定性在改性之后显著减弱(P0.05),但在取代度升高后二者的乳化稳定性又有所改善;H的乳化稳定性在改性之后显著减弱(P0.05),且取代度越高乳化稳定性越弱。结论高分子质量水溶性大豆多糖的乳化性优于低分子质量多糖,且这一规律不受改性的影响。在本试验条件下,羧甲基化改性对不同水溶性大豆多糖乳化性的影响不同,对乳化性的改善有一定的积极作用。     

De‐esterification of pectin by alkali,plant and fungal pectinmethylesterases and effect on molecular weight

Commercial high methoxyl pectin was de‐esterified using chemical saponification or by pectinmethylesterases. A commercial fungal pectin methyl esterase (PME) (EC 3.1.1.11), free of polygalacturonase, or a citrus Valencia PME was used to de‐esterify pectin enzymatically to a targeted degree of esterification. The apparent molecular weight of pectin did not change by extended times of Valencia PME treatment and ranged from 154100 to 183500. Fungal PME‐modified pectins had moderately increased apparent molecular weight that ranged from 123900 to 169800. The increase in molecular weight was attributed to aggregation. The molecular weight of pectins that were de‐esterified by alkali decreased from about 156200 to 91200. Citrus Valencia or fungal PME modification alters the charge of pectin without loss of high molecular weight. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry