Storage of paddy in hermetically sealed plastic liners in Sri Lanka

Abstract A trial was carried out in Sri Lanka on the outdoor storage for 6 months of locally grown paddy (type Nadu) in two hermetically sealedBexible liners termed 'storage cubes'. Insect infestations failed to develop ir both cubes and TGM evaluations indicated a 0.33- 0.64% loss in dry weight due to metabolic activity. In one of the cubes, which containedpaddy at higher moisture contents, a moisture condensation eflect was revealed on the under-side of the upper liner. Losses by mould development resulting from this eflect were estimated at 1.24%. Means for obviating this occurrence are proposed. Keywords: paddy, rice, Oryza sativa, hermetic storage, plastic liners, storage in the tropics, loss-evaluation. Introduction The objective of this study was to provide information on the conservation of paddy in jute sacks when stored under tropical conditions, stacked in the open within a protective flexible PVC liner, termed a storage cube. The storage cubes were designed for the hermetic storage of grain and other durable agricultural products in situations where permanent storage structures are not available or do not afford the necessary protection. They are intended to provide an inexpensive solution for medium- to long-term conservation ofdry grain by protection from bio1ogic:al agents of deterioration and loss (insects, moulds and rodents) without the use of pesti- cides. Their capacities