Safe storage time of high moisture wheat

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Science
• Grain Storage Technology

Background:

• Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a global staple, and its storage stability is crucial for food security.
• Grain deterioration during storage is influenced by moisture content (m.c.) and temperature, leading to economic losses.
• Understanding safe storage limits is essential for minimizing post-harvest losses and maintaining grain quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the deterioration rates of wheat at various moisture contents (15-19%) under different storage temperature conditions.
• To establish safe storage times for wheat based on germination capacity and respiration rates.
• To evaluate the predictive accuracy of safe storage times under fluctuating temperature conditions.

Main Methods:

• Wheat grain (cv. 'Barrie') with 15-19% m.c. was stored at constant and step-decreasing temperatures.
• Deterioration was assessed by measuring grain germination capacity and respiration rates of grain and microorganisms.
• Safe storage time was defined as the duration for germination to decrease to 90% of its initial value.

Main Results:

• Safe storage times for 19% m.c. wheat varied from 2.5 days at 35°C to 37 days at 10°C.
• Deterioration rates under step-decreasing temperatures were accurately predicted.
• For 17% m.c. wheat, safe storage times were 5, 7, and 15 days at 35, 30, and 25°C, respectively.
• Visible mold appeared at approximately 0.1% dry matter loss in wheat with 17-19% m.c.

Conclusions:

• Storage temperature and moisture content significantly impact wheat's safe storage duration.
• Wheat cultivar 'Barrie' exhibited shorter safe storage times compared to 'Domain' under similar conditions.
• Accurate prediction models for safe storage time are feasible, aiding in optimized grain management strategies.