Optimization of Maize Storage Bagged in Triple Bags Containing Aromatic Plants (Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens) by Central Composite Design in Cote dIvoire

Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens are aromatic plants with insecticidal properties. These plants were tested for the efficiency on the stored maize kernels in triple bags. The present study aims to improve, from an experimental design, the methods of maize grain storage in triple bags. A central composite design with five levels represented by three factors affecting the corn storage was used for control the evolution of merchantability (weight losses) and food safety (aflatoxin B1 and activity water) quality during the storage. The factors were: storage time (1 to 18 months), quantity of aromatic plants (0 to 5 % of the container mass) and combination of Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens (0 to 100 % of L. multiflora). Results showed that it is possible to assess ideal conditions to keep the maize kernel merchantability quality and food safety during storage. The quality of the kernels maintained for a proportion in aromatic plants greater than or equal to 2.5 % during 18 months. In the planned optimal conditions, the experimental values were 3.00 ± 0.10 %, 4.81 ± 0.08 μg/kg and 0.78 ± 0.01 for weight losses, aflatoxin B1 and water activity respectively. These values of weight losses, aflatoxin B1 levels and water activity were substantially equal to those predicted by the experimental model.