Hermetic technologies and grain quality of Phaseolus lunatus L. in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

In southern Mexico, postharvest losses of grains are an important constraint in achieving food security and conservation of biodiversity. This study was conducted under field conditions to investigate the effect of prolonged storage on the grain quality of lima beans. Grain damage, moisture content, seed germination, and culinary quality were evaluated during six months of storage in hermetic containers and traditional methods. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and differences between treatments separated by Tukey. Both, the traditional storage method, and hermetic technologies allowed to limit the damage caused by insects and moulds for six months. The moisture content of grain in hermetic containers remained unchanged while polypropylene bags with lime decreased. The polypropylene bags with lime were able to maintain acceptable seed viability after six months of storage. The storage period significantly affected the culinary quality of lima beans, increasing the water absorption capacity and cooking time. Technical training on postharvest management is needed to reduce food losses and improve poverty and household food security. Further research is required to understand the effects of hermetic technologies and inert dust on stored product quality.