Controlling Post-Harvest Losses in Cereals

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Questions and Answers

How can we reduce post-harvest losses during the storage of cereals?

Controlling moisture and air movement, preventing attacks of microorganisms, insects, and rodents, and controlling temperature and moisture are ways to reduce post-harvest losses.

Why is temperature very critical during storage?

Temperature directly affects the quality, safety, and shelf life of the product because it influences metabolic and chemical processes, pest activity, and moisture content.

What is the best way to preserve species?

Store ground and dried herbs and spices in a cool, dark area that is free from humidity.

How to store pulses safely?

Store pulses in a cool, dark, and dry place in airtight containers such as mylar bags or glass jars. Freezing is an option for long-term storage and oxygen absorbers can be added to kill bugs. Vacuum sealing removes excess oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

How do you cut flowers last longer?

Recruiting the stem at an angle increases the surface area for water absorption and eliminates air from the conducting vessels, which increases the rehydration rate. Use standard holding or vase solution to provide nutrients, reduce bacteria, and help flowers stay fresh longer. Remove leaves below the water line to prevent bacteria growth and change the water regularly to keep it clean. Signup and view all the answers

How does postharvest technology stimulate agricultural production?

Postharvest technology helps prevent post-harvest losses, improve nutrition, add value to agricultural products, open new marketing opportunities, and generate new jobs. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a good storage system?

A good storage system should protect against storage loss agents such as insects, rodents, molds, birds, and man. Maintain a cool, dry environment, and avoid cold conditions that lead to molds. Offer reasonable protection from thieves, rain, and other factors of physical damage. Allow aeration to help keep down the relative humidity. Use proper sanitization and fumigation to prevent the growth of pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Cite some factors affecting the postharvest life of flowers.

Factors affecting the postharvest life of flowers include genetic makeup, growing conditions such as light, temperature, humidity, water, nutrients, pests and diseases, toxic gasses, stage of harvest, time of harvest, method of harvest, post-harvest temperature, light, humidity, water quality, ethylene, preservatives, ventilation, packaging, and diseases and pests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of pulsing?

Pulsing prolongs the vase life of water, promotes opening of buds, and remains the colors of the flower. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Controlling Post-Harvest Losses in Cereals

Reduce moisture content to 12-14% for mold and pest prevention.
Cool grain to prevent mold and pest infestation.
Control atmospheric conditions (modify).
Prevent attacks from microorganisms, insects, and rodents.
Manage temperature and moisture. High moisture favors microorganisms. Temperature is crucial for storage within certain limits.

Importance of Temperature During Storage

Cooler temperatures slow metabolic and chemical processes, extending shelf life.
Lower temperatures inhibit pests (insects, mites, weevils) and microbial growth, maintaining quality and safety.
Preserves aroma and flavor; volatile compounds are sensitive to heat.
Temperature affects moisture content; high temperatures lead to migration and localized condensation potentially spoiling products.

Preserving Herbs and Spices

Store ground and dried herbs and spices in a cool, dark, dry area free of humidity.
Use airtight containers to prevent moisture and pest damage.

Types of Tea

Black tea: Fully oxidized, strong flavor, dark color.
Green tea: Unoxidized, light flavor, green color.
Oolong tea: Partially oxidized, balanced flavor.
White tea: Minimally processed, subtle flavor.
Herbal tea: Made from dried herbs, fruits, and flowers (not tea leaves).

Storing Pulses Safely

Store in cool, dark, dry places in airtight containers (mylar bags, glass jars).
Protect from moisture and pests.
For long-term storage, freeze in freezer bags or airtight containers.
Add oxygen absorbers to containers.
Vacuum sealing removes excess oxygen.

Extending Flower Lifespan

Cut stems at an angle to increase water absorption, eliminating air pockets.

Post-Harvest Technology for Increased Production

Prevents post-harvest losses
Improves nutrition
Increases value of agricultural products
Opens new marketing opportunities
Creates new jobs

Assessing Grain Deterioration

Changes in color
Sour or musty smell
Loss of viability
Increased fat acidity
Decreased glutamic acid decarboxylase activity

Effective Storage Systems

Protect from pests, rodents, molds, birds, and humans.
Maintain a consistent cool, dry environment for grain storage.
Prevent re-wetting of grain from moisture migration or rain.
Allow aeration to maintain low relative humidity in interstitial gases.
Sanitize and fumigate to prevent pathogen growth.

Purposes of Storage

Slow biological activity
Reduce drying and moisture loss
Prevent pathogenic infections
Prevent physical damage

Factors Affecting Postharvest Flower Life (Pre- and Post-Harvest)

Pre-harvest:*
Genetic makeup
Growing conditions (light, temperature, humidity, water, nutrients, pests, diseases, toxic gases)
Post-harvest:*
Temperature
Light
Humidity
Water quality
Ethylene
Preservatives
Ventilation
Packaging
Diseases and Pests

Advantages of Pulsing

Prolongs vase life.
Promotes opening of flower buds.
Preserves flower colors.

Factors Influencing Deteriorative Storage Changes

Physical factors (temperature, humidity)
Chemical factors (moisture, oxygen, oxidation)
Physiological factors (respiration, heating)
Biological factors (insects, microorganisms, mites, rodents, birds)
Changes during storage (chemical composition, discoloration, viability, flavor).

Purpose of Cereal Storage

Maintain year-round food grain supply
Preserve seed viability for future planting
Take advantage of higher market prices
Act as a reserve during times of scarcity.

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Description

This quiz covers essential practices for reducing post-harvest losses in cereals, including moisture control, temperature management, and protection against pests. Understanding these principles is crucial for maintaining grain quality and safety during storage. Test your knowledge on effective strategies for preserving cereals and herbs.