The effect of salting sweetpotato chips prior to drying on infestation by Araecerus fasciculatus. (84)

Authors

  • J.A. Agona Post-harvest Research Programme, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda
  • M. Silim Nahdy Post-harvest Research Programme, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda
  • D.P. Giga Department of Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • D. Rees Horticulture Group, Food Security Department, NRI, Greenwich University, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, U.K. ME4 4TB

Keywords:

Dried sweetpotato chips, Araecerus fasciculatus, Control by salting, Storage, Quasi-staple

Abstract

The efficacy of salting sliced sweetpotato chips prior to drying in reducing and (or) controlling damage levels of dried chips in storage by Araecerus fasciculatus Degeer (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) was investigated. Eight salt dosage rates, 0 (controls), 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g 100 g-1 freshly sliced chips were evaluated. Artificial infestation of dried chips with adult A. fasciculatus was conducted. Gravid females were allowed to oviposit for one week and the infested chips incubated until the F1 generation adults had all emerged under prevailing environmental temperatures of 26.29 ± l.19°C and relative humidity 68.96 ± 7.39%. The number, weight, and generation time of A. fasciculatus that emerged varied significantly depending on the salt dosage rates. Best results were obtained with increasing salt dosage levels. Salt application rate at 2-3% is recommended for on-farm validation.

How to Cite

Agona, J., Nahdy, M. S., Giga, D., & Rees, D. (1998). The effect of salting sweetpotato chips prior to drying on infestation by Araecerus fasciculatus. (84). Tropical Agriculture, 75(1). Retrieved from https://journals.sta.uwi.edu/ojs/index.php/ta/article/view/1550

Issue

Section

Research Papers