Insect Pest Management of Post Harvest Shea Fruits in Storage

Abstract

Insect pests can damage and affect the quality of the shea fruit in storage and this could threaten food security, self sufficiency and incomes. This paper describes approaches to assuring safety throughout the post-harvest storage value chain of the shea fruit. The study area, Niger State, Nigeria, was divided into zones (A-C) for effective coverage of storage warehouses. Selected warehouses were visited, observations conducted, shea fruits collected for laboratory analysis and the owners interviewed on processing and storage methods. The method used emphasized a participatory approach, facilitating greater local involvement in the collection of data that serves the purpose of gaining an insider's perspective. Direct observation of infrastructural facilities also assisted in validating information gained from respondents. Laboratory analysis were conducted on shea fruits for identification and quantification of storage insect pests from October 2014 to September 2015 at Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), with temperatures fluctuating between 26°C-34°C and relative humidity from 52%-92%. As storage time increased, mites, chalcid ants, and weevils (Curculionidae) were observed. The shea fruits were observed to be mainly attacked by mites and beetles. October (25) and November (21) 2014 had the highest number of mites with fruits severely attacked, and with subsequent decrease observed. Shea fruits should be picked immediately as it matures, as fruits left in the fields for long periods become infested. During collection, it should be ensured that the fruits are not exposed to insect pests before they are properly bagged and removed. All infested shea fruits should be removed and separated immediately. Particular attention should be paid to cracks and gaps where insects may hide on the fruits. The fruits should be properly dried before storage to prevent germination and fungi attack. This study proffers improvement on indigenous storage systems to guarantee long term storage. Information provided will add value to improving insect pest management practices of the shea fruit, thereby leading to improved shea fruit quality.

The Future of Food: Domestication and Commercialization of Indigenous Food Crops in Africa over the Third Decade (2012–2021)

“…These risks increase with longer periods in storage. To minimize these losses, care should be taken to maximise product quality, ensure proper drying prior to storage and to promote general hygiene [139]. To minimise damage during the shelling of nuts and to maximise increase in the efficiency of the process, a special shea nut shelling machine has been developed [140] with high shelling, recovery and cleaning efficiencies (96%, 83% and 70%, respectively).…”

“…Characteristically almost all work on smallholdings is done manually and is thus labour demanding and tedious [140]; this limits the potential outputs and economic benefits from agroforestry in the region [409]. It is therefore important to address post-harvest storage, drying, shelling, and pulp and seed extraction so as to reduce wastage and ultimately maximise benefits, especially in nut producing species like Vitellaria paradoxa [139]. Similarly, the post-harvest processing of young shoots and leaves of Moringa oleifera and M. peregrine by drying them under partial shade, as opposed to direct sun, results in higher amino acid and mineral contents [440].…”