Cytotoxic effect by ear and kernel rot diseases under different storage conditions in three maize genotypes

Abstract

This study set out to determine the impact of different storage temperatures and packing materials on storage fungi, genotoxic effect, germination rate, and chemical properties of three different cultivars of maize (SC131, TWC324, and Balady) that were stored for 0, 8, and 18 months. Data show that Fusarium verticilioides,was the most common fungus attacking maize grains and causing kernel rots in all tested maize cultivars and under all storage conditions. It was followed by Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium spp. For storage conditions, keeping maize grains in refrigerators (at 10°C and -5°C) in high density polyethylene packing was the most effective technique to prevent kernel rot. Results for grain germination and chemical attributes showed that when grains were maintained in refrigerators (at 10oC, and at -5oC) in high density polyethylene packing, maize SC131 had the highest germination percentage, protein, carbs, oil, and fibre content. In contrast, the Balady cultivar that was held at room temperature in woven polyethylene containers had higher amounts of ash, free fatty acids, and acidity than normal. Increased storage periods were observed to significantly reduce germination percentage and chemical grain component, particularly at room temperature and in woven polyethylene packing. In terms of genotoxicity, maize grain cultivar SC131 had the lowest percentage of chromosomal aberrations (CA), the highest percentage of mitotic index (MI), and the lowest infection by kernel rot.