Influence of biosilica treatments and storage receptacles on the quality of maize (Zea mays L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds during long-term storage

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major source of affordable, high-quality dietary protein that complements maize (Zea mays L.)-based diets. Traditional storage of these seeds in sacks and glass jars without treatment often leads to infestation by insect pests, such as Acanthoscelides obtectus and Sitophilus zeamais, causing significant grain losses. This study evaluated grain damage and weight loss after mixing biosilica with maize and common bean seeds, which were stored in various containers (glass jars, polyethylene, and polypropylene bags) over a six-month period, during which seed viability was also assessed. Although the initial moisture level (≤ 13%) was favourable for storage for both grain species, about half of the common bean cultivars (FEB 190 and NUV6) and two-thirds of the maize cultivars (CMS 8501 and CMS 8704) were adversely affected after prolonged storage without treatment for six months. As concerns the effects of the storage receptacle on the biosilica-treated seeds, the polyethylene bags and glass jars were more effective for common beans than for maize seeds after five months of storage. However, by the sixth month, the biosilica-containing jars were characterized by low insect perforation indices (≤ 50%) and rather high seed viability (> 80%) for both maize and common beans after six months of storage, highlighting the protective effect and storage loss reduction capacity of the biosilica. Hence, their application could help farmers improve safe grain storage over prolonged periods and eventually enhance their livelihoods and incomes.