The dynamics of physical properties, seed moisture content, market economics and post harvest management of six bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in the sub Saharan region in Africa

Authors

  • Josphert Ngui Kimatu South Eastern Kenya University
  • Wincaster Makoani Mutuli South Eastern Kenya University
  • Jane Wanja Mbiri South Eastern Kenya University
  • Benard Mweu South Eastern Kenya University
  • Nahashon Musimba South Eastern Kenya University
  • Thomas Akuja South Eastern Kenya University
  • Simon Nguluu South Eastern Kenya University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24297/jaa.v3i1.5406

Keywords:

Post harvest losses, grain, moisture, bean, economic.

Abstract

Managing grain moisture content is important because maximum economic return can be achieved by marketing at a certain moisture level of grain. Post-harvest management dictates that grains must be dried to certain levels to avoid development of fungal and insect problems, respiration and germination. However, over drying can also a lead to economic losses. Most farmers are aware of fungal development in moist grains but few are aware that they make less profit by over drying. Moreover, there are also bean varieties which genetically retain more water than others and hence can be safer and have more economic returns compared to others. But, this also should be matched to the rain pattern in a growing region. We compared six varieties of beans (KAT B1, KAT B9, and Kakunzu (KKZ), Rose Coco (GLP2/RCC), Kenya Tamu and KAT X56) grown in the South Eastern region of Kenya and found significant differences in dry moisture content, physical properties and grain weights. The Rose Coco and KAT X56 varieties had the highest moisture content retention but the KKZ variety the lowest. This explained why KKZ is favoured more by famers in arid areas with less rain during fruit maturation.

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Author Biographies

Josphert Ngui Kimatu, South Eastern Kenya University

Department of biological Sciences, Seniour Lecturer

Wincaster Makoani Mutuli, South Eastern Kenya University

Biological Sciences

Jane Wanja Mbiri, South Eastern Kenya University

Biological Sciences

Benard Mweu, South Eastern Kenya University

Dryland Agriculture

Nahashon Musimba, South Eastern Kenya University

School of Agriculture and Veterinary Services

Thomas Akuja, South Eastern Kenya University

School of Agriculture and Veterinary Services

Simon Nguluu, South Eastern Kenya University

Dry land Agriculture

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Published

2014-06-29

How to Cite

Kimatu, J. N., Mutuli, W. M., Mbiri, J. W., Mweu, B., Musimba, N., Akuja, T., & Nguluu, S. (2014). The dynamics of physical properties, seed moisture content, market economics and post harvest management of six bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in the sub Saharan region in Africa. JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN AGRICULTURE, 3(1), 101–109. https://doi.org/10.24297/jaa.v3i1.5406

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Section

Articles