Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Various Storage Packages on Maize (Zea mays L.) Postharvest Quality

Maize is a critical staple crop, yet postharvest losses largely due to inadequate storage packages remain a significant issue in Tain District, Bono Region, Ghana. In the present study, different storage packages (treatments): hermetic bags, nylon sacks, and jute sacks (all stacked on wooden pallets) compared with unpackaged maize (maize stored on a lightweight corn tarp elevated on a wooden pallet) effect on postharvest quality of maize was investigated to address critical postharvest losses that threaten food security. Laboratory analysis examined insect damage, physical and nutritional quality and aflatoxin levels. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) across all parameters, with hermetic bags proving most effective in reducing insect-damaged kernels, maintaining stable moisture content and preserving protein, fibre and carbohydrate levels while minimising aflatoxin accumulation. Nylon sacks performed moderately well but were less effective than hermetic bags in preserving nutritional content and preventing grain weight loss. Jute sacks and the control group showed poor performance with higher grain damage, moisture fluctuations, discolouration, weight loss and nutrient degradation. Critically, aflatoxin levels in jute sacks and control samples reached 28.36 and 42.38 ppb, respectively, exceeding Ghana's maximum safety permissible limit of 15 ppb, whereas hermetic bags and nylon sacks maintained significantly lower levels. The findings underscore the critical role of hermetic bag storage as the most reliable option in reducing postharvest losses. Yet, the nylon sacks could be used, especially by the underprivileged or financially constrained stakeholders in the maize value chain, for short to medium-term storage.