What is it about?
Xylopia ethiopica (uda) is a spice with a pungent smell which is used in some traditional settings to preserve food products. In this study, we investigated the scientific merit of the use of X. aethiopica for the preservation of cowpeas (beans), against infestation by the cowpea bruchid (callosobruchus maculatus) . Xylopia aethiopica as a plant product does not offer full protection to cowpeas against Callosobruchus maculatus, (unless it is complemented with storage containers with limited available oxygen), but it reduces infestation rates. The improved variety for insect resistance (IT-81 D-975) showed better nutrient retention and less infestation than the control (unimproved variety). Storage in plastic containers complements the plant product in protecting the seeds and are much better than storage in clay pots. Storage in white polyethylene bag is better than storage in black polyethylene bag, preserving the seeds in a more wholesome manner. Combining the use of 0.5% X. aethiopica and these storage containers will extend the shelf life of cowpeas (beans) by 3-6 months. Use of resistant bean varieties such as IT-81 D-975 also led to improved shelf life of the beans.Using pulverized dried X. aethiopica to store cowpea (bean) seeds (0.5g per 100g seeds) in plastic containers will cause them to retain their nutrient composition; functional properties and more than 90% of their viability for at least three months. Xylopia aethiopica as a plant product does not offer full protection to cowpeas against Callosobruchus maculatus, but it reduces infestation rates. The improved variety for insect resistance (IT-81 D-975) showed better nutrient retention and less infestation than the control (unimproved variety). Storage in plastic containers complements the plant product in protecting the seeds. and are much better than storage in clay pots. Storage in white polyethylene bag is better than storage in black polyethylene bag, preserving the seeds in a more wholesome manner. Combining the use of 0.5% X. aethiopica and these storage containers will extend the shelf life of cowpeas (beans) by 3-6 months
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Why is it important?
Xylopia aethiopica can be effectively used for short term storage of cowpeas. Use of insect pest resistant varieties, and appropriate storage container will enhance the efficacy of this plant product
Perspectives
For resource poor farmers and consumers, ground xylopia aethiopica may be used in combination with packaging materials like plastic cans to prolong the shelf life of cowpeas for 3-6 months
Professor Philippa C OJIMELUKWE
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia state, Nigeria
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Potentials of Xylopia Aethiopica for short-term protection of cowpea (VAR IT-81D-975)seeds in Nigeria, Nigeria Agricultural Journal, January 2010, African Journals Online (AJOL),
DOI: 10.4314/naj.v31i1.49339.
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