Effects of Controlled Infestation of Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) and Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab) on Nutritional Composition of Maize and Bean Seeds:- Ikwue, Grace 0.

ABSTRACT

Analysis on the nutritional content of maize and beans seeds subjected to infestation by Sitophilus zeamais and Ca/losobruchus maculates was carried out. The result revealed a drop in the nutritional composition. The values recorded in the infested maize were; moisture content (11.05%), dry matter (88.95%), ash content (3.52%), crude fibre (2.49%), ether extract (4.08%), crude protein content (11.77%), carbohydrate (67.08%), and while for beans were; moisture content (10.77%), dry matter (89.23%), ash content (21.92%), crude fibre (3.76%), ether extract (3.80%), crude protein content {21.91%), carbohydrate (55.92%). The noninfested maize seeds recorded the following values; moisture content (10.30%), dry matter (89.69%), ash content (I 1.23%), carbohydrate (68.97%). For noninfested beans, the values were; moisture content (11.28%), dry matter (88.72%), ash content (3.5%), crude fibre (3.63%), ether extract {3.56%), crude protein content (20.21%), carbohydrate (57.81%) respectively. The carbohydrate content increased from 67.08 % to 60.30% in maize seed while the bean seed, the increase was from 55.92% to 57.65%. Despite the low percentages recorded for the presence of these insect pests on the stored products, there were differences in their nutritional composition though not detrimental; allowing for minimal presence of Ix insect fragments in our food as recommended by the United State food protection agency.