Evaluation of Improved Gugu( local storage container ) In Reducing Post –Harvest insect losses of sorghum for small farmer

Abstract

This study was conducted in the period of (March, 2007- February, 2008), to evaluate the suitability of four types of storage units, (Improved gugu, local gugu, Guttia and brick store) made of local materials, which used by small farmers with regard to protecting stored sorghum cultivars (Gadam Alhamam and Fetterita) from insect damages during storage period of one year . The percentage weight loss of stored seeds was used as the parameter for determination of the efficiency of the storage units. Considerable losses were recorded at Renk, Upper Nile State, South Sudan and surrounding areas (Guwzrum, Gelhak, Geigar and Wadacona). The results show that, improved gugues (Sweiba) were better storage structure than the local gugues, guttias and small brick stores, because there were less insect infestation, decreased weight losses of grains and better seed quality in improved structures. The weight losses were increased gradually, no weight losses were recorded in the first months and the highest losses were recorded in the last months of the year. The mean cumulative percentage weight loss due to insect infestation during (February)in Gadam Alhamam were approximately 5.30%, in an improved gugu,17.27%, in a local gugu,17.81% in Guttia, (Hut) and 21.01%, in brick stores.While in Fetterita; they were 12.41%, 30.84%, 28.65%, and 25.37%, in improved gugu, local gugu, Guttia and brick stores respectively.