Hermetic storage as an alternative for controlling Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and preserving the quality of cowpeas

The aim of this study was to assess the use of modified atmosphere through hermetic storage in polyethylene silo bags and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as a technique to control Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) and to preserve the quality of cowpeas during storage. Cowpea grains were stored in polyethylene silo bags, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and glass recipients (control) for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Each treatment was replicated four times. After each storage period, we assessed the insect infestation percentage and measured the moisture content, the bulk density, the germination percentage and the electrical conductivity of the grains. The percentage of infestation by C. maculatus for cowpeas stored in silo bags and PET bottles was low and did not exceed 4% during the entire storage period. In contrast, the percentage of infestation by C. maculatus increased in untreated cowpeas over the storage period. The moisture content, bulk density, germination percentage and electrical conductivity of the cowpeas were preserved in both hermetic storage systems that were tested for 120 days. To conclude, the hermetic storage of cowpeas using silo bags and PET bottles can efficiently control C. maculatus and preserve the quality of cowpeas for at least 120 days of storage.