On-farm comparison of different postharvest storage technologies for effectiveness in pest management in a maize farming system of Tanzania Central Corridor

Seven methods for storing maize were compared with traditional practice of storing maize in polypropylene bags. Twenty farmers managed the experiment under their prevailing conditions for 30 weeks. Stored grain was assessed for damage every six weeks. The dominant storage insect pests identified were the Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) and the Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). There was no significant difference (F = 87.09; P < 0.0001) in insect control and grain damage between hermetic storage and fumigation with insecticides. However, the insecticide treated polypropylene yarn (ZeroFly^®) did not control insect infestation of grain for the experimental period under farmers’ management. Grain damage was significantly lower in hermetic storage and fumigated grain than ZeroFly^® and polypropylene bags without fumigation. No significant difference in grain damage was found between airtight treatment alone and when combined with the use of insecticides. During storage, S. zeamais was predominant and could be of more economic importance than T. castaneum as far as maize damage is concerned. Even though ZeroFly^®, and polypropylene bags without grain treatment did not control storage pests, farmers still prefered this cheap technology. Hermetic storage techniques can be recommended to farmers without the use of insecticides provided they are inexpensive, and the proper application of technologies is ensured.