Groundnut Production and Storage in the Sahel: Challenges and Opportunities in the Maradi and Zinder Regions of Niger.

Groundnut (L.), is an important legume crop after cowpea (L. Walp) in Niger.

Postharvest Management Practices of Grains in the Eastern Region of Kenya.

Cereals and legumes play a major role in the production systems and diets of farmers in the semi-arid eastern region of Kenya. Efficient postharvest management can tremendously contribute to food security in these regions. A study was carried out in three counties in eastern Kenya to assess pre and postharvest management practices among farmers.

Postharvest practices, challenges and opportunities for grain producers in Arequipa, Peru.

Little is known about the major issues leading to postharvest losses in Peru, which are estimated to be 15-27%. We surveyed 503 farmers from the lowlands and Andean regions of Arequipa to learn more about the major grains produced and issues encountered during drying and storage. Rice, common bean, and quinoa were the most grown crops in the lowlands while starchy maize was the most cultivated crop in the highlands.

Effects of Hypoxia on Acoustic Activity of Two Stored-Product Pests, Adult Emergence, and Grain Quality.

Modified atmospheres such as hermetic storage are widely used for the control of stored grain insect pests. To improve their effectiveness, there is need to better understand insect responses to low-oxygen environments. Adult Callosobruchus maculatus F.

Oxygen Consumption and Acoustic Activity of Adult (F.) (Coleoptera: : Bruchinae) during Hermetic Storage.

Acoustic monitoring was applied to consider hermetic exposure durations and oxygen levels required to stop adult activity and economic damage on cowpea. A 15-d study was conducted with six treatments of 25, 50, and 100 adults in 500 and 1000 mL jars using acoustic probes inserted through stoppers sealing the jars. Acoustic activity as a result of locomotion, mating, and egg-laying was measured by identifying sound impulses with frequency spectra representative of known insect sounds, and counting trains (bursts) of impulses separated by intervals of <200 ms, that typically are produced only by insects.