Optimization of Post-Harvest Maize Storage using Biopesticides in Granaries in Rural Environment of C?te d?Ivoire

Lippia multiflora Moldenke (or savannah tea) and Hyptis suaveolens Poit. Benth were tested for their efficacy in protected stored maize cobs and grains against insect damage and mycotoxins contamination in traditional and improved granaries in the center of Cte dIvoire. A full factorial design with two levels represented by four parameters affecting maize storage was used. These parameters were storage time (2 and 6 months), quantity of biopesticides (0 and 5 % w/w), storage structures (traditional and improved granary) and form of maize (grains and cobs). Results showed that optimum conditions for maize storage were obtained when maize grain were stored at 6 month with a combination of L. multiflora and H. suaveolens (2.5 % w/w each, pless than0.05) in traditional and improved granaries. In the planned optimal conditions, the experimental values were 2.21 %, 2.16 g/kg, 287.2 g/kg, 1.45 g/kg and 71.33 g/kg for weight loss, aflatoxin B1, fuminosin B1, ochratoxin A and zearalenone respectively in traditional granary and 0.64 %, 1.15 g/kg, 222 g/kg, 1.8 g/kg, 50.26 g/kg for weight losses, aflatoxin B1, fuminosin B1, ochratoxin A and zearalenone respectively in improved granary. These values of weight losses and mycotoxins levels were substantially equal to those predicted.