A REVIEW OF THE PROGRESSOF MODERN GRAIN STORAGE TECHNOWGY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT

OF GRAIN STORAGE TECHNOLOGY IN ANCIENT CHINA

JIN ZUXUN Senior Engineer, Vice-President,Nanjing College of Food Economics, MOC

ZHANG WEIMIN AssistantNanjing

Researcher,Research Institute of Wild Plant, MOC

This report simply introduces the progress of modern grain storage technology,

including : the determination of grain quality in China, analysis of the index of

quality determination of grain and products, survey of stored-grain .insects and

microflora , probe into the grain storage techniques at low temperature and

controlled atmosphere, research on pesticides used against the stored-grain insects

and resistance. The report also introduces the development of grain storage in

Ancient China, and using an old barley sample as an example, it has been proved

that modern grain storage technology derives from Ancient China.

China is one of the earliest countries in the world to develop the technology for

grain storage . The emergence and development of grain storage techniques in

ancient times has made a great contribution to the existence, reproduction and

propagation of the Chinese nation.

- 1951 -

I. TilE ORIGIN OF GRAIN STORAGE IN CHINA

According to archaeological investigation, primitive storage techniques came intouse in China in the Late Old Stone Age and were developed in the New Stone Age,Historical remains which have been excavated show that China has a long history ofabout seven thousand years in the organized storage of grain. One of the earliestgrain storehouses was discovered at the Hemudo ruin in Yuyao county, ZhejiangProvince. The remains of underground storage pits were also found at the Banpovillage in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.

II. TYPES OF GRAIN STORAGE IN ANCIENT CHINA

For many years, archaeological excavation has unearthed many grains storagefacilities ans containers. Most of them were found in ancient tombs or carvings, forexample, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.Fig. 1, Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), the multi-tloor grain storehouse, JiaozouCity, Henan Province.Fig. 2, Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), the flat grain storehouse, Chengdu City,Sichuan ProvinceFig. 3, Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), the round bin, Guangzhou City , GuangdongProvince,Fig. 4, Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), the flat grain storehouse; Dalong County,Qinghai provinceFig. 5, Han Dynasty (206 B.C. -220 A.D.), the flat grain storehouse, Xianyang County,Shaanxi Province.

Fig. 1 Han Dynasty,the multi floorstorehouse,in Maozu

Fig. 2 Han Dynasty,the flat storehouse,

in Chengdu

- 1952 -

Fig. 3 Han Dynasty,the round bin,in Guangzhou

Fig. 5 Han Dynasty,the flat storehouse,in Xianyang.

Fig. 4 Han Dynasty,the flat storehousein Datong.

III . THE STRUCTURE OF BARLEY OF ANCIENT CHINA AND ITS CONDITION OFSTORAGE.

The barley sample of Ancient China was discovered at the Maquanwan ruin inDunhuang County, Gansu province. The sample, according to archaeologicalinvestigation, is believed to have existed for about two thousand years, (71 B.C. - 21A.D.). However, the barley sample is as good as fresh barley seeds, juged by themorphology and its structure through the electron! microscope, and its cotour is stillyellow.Fig. 6, micrograph of portion of a cross-section of the barley sample x75 GC : graincoat, AL : aleurone Layer, SE : starchy endosperm.Fig. 7 surface view of the epidermis of the grain x350.Fig. 8 Cross-section of the grain coat x350. VB : vascular bundle.Fig. 9 longitudinal section of the outer portion of the grain showing the grain coatx280.Fig. 10 longitudinal section of the outer portion of the grain showing the vesselelements with annular and helical thickening x100.

- 1953 -

}<'ig. 11 the aleurone cell of the grain x350. SC : seed coat, W cell wall N cellnucleus Ag : aleurone grain.Fig. 12 starchy endosperm showing starch grain x75.Fig. 13 Showing the type of the starch grain x350. S I ; first starch grain, 82 secondstarch grain.The barley sample was discovered in a small hole under a storehouse. Above theseeds was a layer of sands. It was important that the conditions were as follows : A)low temperature B) low relative humidity and low moisture content of seeds C) closedcontainer and low oxygen content.

Fig 6 - Micrograph of portionof cross section of thebarley sample

Fig 8 - Cross section ofthe grain coat x350of the grain

Fig 7 Surface view ofthe epidermis of thegrain x350

Fig 9 - longitudinal sectionof the cuter portion

- 1954 -

\ ._,~ ••'",~. ¥~ •

......

Fig 10 Longitudinal sectionof the water portionof the grain

Fig 12 Starchy endospermshowing starchgrain x75

Fig 11 - The aleurone cellof the grain

13 - Showing the type ofstarch grainx350

- 1955 -

IV THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODERN GRAIN STORAGE TECHNOLOGY INCHINA.

Modern grain storage technology is a continuation and advancement of the ancientgrain storage technology from Ancient China. In China, many research instituteshave been doing a large quantity of research work and have made quite a lot ofprogress.

1. The Three-Year Quality Determination of Paddy, Wheat and Maizein China.

Through an extensive sampling study, the basic data about grain quality in thecountry have been accumulated, which give a relative reference value to thedetermination of grain quality and the genetic breeding of new varieties. Mr YangHAORAN and others have already made some reports on it in the light of theresearch outcome from the institutions concerned, such as the Sichuan Institute ofGrain Storage Science of the Ministry of Commerce.

2. Research intoMaize, Soybean andMathematic Model.

the Index of Quality Determination of Rice,Flour. Discovering the Law of Determination

Wheat,and a

For example, on the basis of much research work done by the Sichuan Institute ofGrain Storage Science of the Ministry of Commerce and others research institutes ofgrain science such as Zhejiang, Shanghai, Guangdong and Liaoning etc., variousdeterminations have been made on rice under the conditions of different areas,different years and different storage means. It proves that there exists a remarkableinterrelation between the germination, the number of the fatty acid, the viscisitynumber and the mark of rice tasting.Y= 65x(73+0,07XI-O,25X2+I,70X3) ; Xl as a germination, X2 as a value of fatty acid, X3 asa viscosity, Y as a regression score.If Y is less than 65 points, it is not suitable for continuous storage.

3. The Investigation of Stored Grain Insects

Trough the extensive sampling study, the basic data about the stored grain insects inthe country have been accumulated. According to Professor Zhao Yangchang'srecord, there are ten orders, thirty-four families and two hundred and thirteenspecies.

- 1956 -

4. The Investigation of Microflora in the Stored grain and Oil Seeds.

Reference is made to Associate Professor Xiang QI's record,

Table 1

The important Genus of Grain Cephosporium in China

Ecotype Name of fungus Rice Wheat MaIze Peanut Oilseed

Field

Fungus

StoredFungus

AlternariaFusariumPhomaCladopsoriumHalminthosporiumNigrosporaEpicoccusChatomiumCepholisporiumTricotheciumTricodermaRhizoctonia

AspergillusPenicilliumRhizopusMucor

I23654++

++

++

I243

I3+

24+

6++

5+

+

I243

3I

4++

52+

6

2I++

4I35++

+

++

+

2

I234

+

3++

+

2++

+

I2

1,2,... are the important ordinal numbers as the dominant musticerae.+ is common mycoaceae.

5. Research on theTemperature.

Grain Storage Techniques at the Low

A) natural draftB) Mechanical ventilation and aeration system under the control of a computerC) Improvement of storehouses and use of refrigeration equipment in order to storerice and flourD) Underground storage of grain, utilization of low temperature.

Storage of grain by the ventilation system in China means the two aspects ofreducing moisture and lowering temperature and much research work has beendone before.A brief introduction of storage of grain under low temperature in China given byMr. Zhou Jinxing is as follows:

- 1957 -

TABLE 2 : A SURVEY OF STORAGE OF GRAIN UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE IN CillNA

1. Type 2.Utilization of materials 3. Performanceand equipments

Natural lowTemp.

Loweringtemperatureventilation

Loweringtemperatureby mechanicalventilation

Undergr.low temp.

I) Bin with multiple-tubenatural ventilation consistingof bin mudsill, bin base, airinlet and air outlet.2) Ventilation device : conicaltube and horn tube.

Aerator (axial flow centrifu~

gal) ventilating duct .andautomatic ventilate form a ven­tilation system.

Type of refrigeratorKD-IO, KD-20, 2FVIO, L3,5 etc...Type of air conditionor ;CKT-3,CKT-I,etc.

Sort of bin : flat-bed horn bin,conical-bed horn bin and cavebin. In summer grain in binwith high-temp. of 35-40°Ccan be stored by the means ofcold storage while filling binand with help of mechanicdraft.

- 1958 -

Type 4-72 aerator often used iscentrifugal with medium/volt.Axial flow aerator often used isT 30 and T 40, with low voltage.

Type 4F 10 compressor is often US!

output is 28 OOOKcallhr;while tk=+40°C to =-15°C, itsrefrigerating output is 56OOOKcallhr;Type CKT-3 airconditionor, itsrefrigerating output is 3OOOKcallhr;refrigerant F-22, controlledtemp. range: 20-28 + / - 2°C

4. Sort of AerationSJst.

Sort of air conduct :1) Through channel sin ground,2) through air-pipingon ground, monotubeor mutiple-tubebellow-type aeration.Ventilating waypressing and drawing.

5. Adaptative range

Area with low temp., low humi.and low moisture.

Adopted broadly in all parts ofthe country, the unit ventila.output for the axial flow is 5-8m 3/hr the centrifugalaerator is 15-20 m3/hr. [nSouth China the ventilatingquantity can be increased withdiscretion.

Used for storage of suchfinished grain as rice, flouretc., in big and medium cities.

6. Effect of loweringTemp.

In Jan. and Feb. moist.reduction is less than 1%In March moist.reduction gets to 2-4% asclimbing temp. but itkeeps the temp. of grainin low condition for alonger time.

If the temp. of grain canbe lowered to 0-2°C inwinter and sequencingsurv ise is adopted; insummer requirement ofquasi-microtherm (below 20°C) can he fulfilled.

Refrigerating temperatu-re of bin byrefrigerator can reachto helow 15°C, rice withmoisture of 15,5% belowcan be stired in safety.Refrigerating temperatu-re of bin by airconditioner can reach to18°C or so and relativehumidity 75% or so.

Constant temp.underground bin34'61" latitude isConstant temp.underground hin43'35" is IO-ISoC.

number forin 27'16"­

16-20°C;number for

in 37'53"-

Bin cap layer withthickness of insulationcourse can meet therequirement of quasi-microtherm.

- 1959 -

6. The storage of grain with a controled atmosphere

In the country there are three kinds of methods to be used:

A- The biological method.

Using microflora, tree leaves, grain, etc. The natural anoxia means that the grain inbulks covered with plastic film relies on its own respiration to inhibit mould andpest . Therefore, it is a biological method. The natural anoxia method effects thequality of grain. It has been proved that, with the exception of low germinationwhich results from high moisture, quality is higher than that of the control group;the experiment group for fatty acid is lower than the control group; the experimentgroup is completely free from mould and pest.

Table 3

Moisture Sampling Fatty acid Reducing sugar Irredu. Sugar Germmation Mould & Pest SItuationcontent tIme

Anox. Contr. Anox. Contr. Anox. Contr. Anox. Contr. Anoxia ContrastPest Mould Pest Mould

13 Jul. 1978 16.87 16.26 0.48 0.50 2.35 2.42 75 80 No No No NoMar.1979 27.08 33.66 0.57 0.38 2.06 2.07 85 69 No No Yes Yes

1l.5 Jul. 1978 14.73 15.04 0.47 0.52 2.42 2.40 83 85 No No Yes NoMar.1979 17.79 23.46 0.41 0.26 2.49 2.17 93 84 No No Yes No

12.3 Jul. 1978 17.11 17.17 0.40 0.45 2.37 2.52 89 85 No No No noMar.1979 20.39 24.15 0.27 0.32 1.80 1.99 91 73 No No Yes No

Anox. = AnoxIa Contr. = Contrast

(The Sichuan Research Institute of Grain Storage Science of the Milllstry of Commerce)

Table 4

Variety of Grain New Wheat New Wheat New Wheat New Wheat

Quan. (00,000 jin) 20 47 50 52Moisture (%) II.5 I\.4 II.4 II.OTemperature (0C) 38 35 37 32Thickness (mm) 0.14 0.32 0.20 0.12Sealing Time (days) 12 108 66 38Minimum 3.4 0.8 0.8 3.5Oxygen Content (%)

Duration for Preserva tion 12 58 53 10Under 5% Oxygen Content(days)

Duration for preservation 43 108 76 38Under 8% Oxygen Content(%)

Source (grain Storage by Anoxian Method) by Mr. Zhao Zhiming

- 1960 -

The different thickness of plastic film has a notable effect on the natural anoxia andthe reduction of ox:ygen. The different thickness of polyvinyl chloride plastic filmeffects the efficiency of the oxygen reduction.

B - Machinery method, charging with N2, C02 and vacuum-pumping, etc.

Mr Lu Qianyun and others have made research on the textural changes of rice undercontrolled atmosphere. Among the different mixture of gases investigated 30% C02,5% 02, 65% N2 (artificial C.A.) and 15% C02, 2% 02, 83% N2 (imitated hermetic storage)can maintain rice quality better. Mr ren Xihong and the others from researchinstitutes under the control of Ministry of Commerce as Sichuan, ShangaI andGuangdong, have made some research on it and demonstrated that the safe period forstorage of rice with different moisture content changes at the various temperaturesand oxygen contents. The experimental results of the mould infection rate, fatty acidnumber, acid value of aqueous solution as well as tasting mark, can be used toconstruct a diagram :

The safe period for storage of rice under different Oxygen Content,Moisture Content and temperature.

Safe range

K\\"'~IUnsafeI

rangeI

I Temperature Condition (OC)2 Storage Period (days)3 Oxygen Content (%)4 : Moisture .Content (%)

- 1961 -

In this field, the effect of different oxygen concentrations, temperatures or moisturecontents on rice quality has been investigated. The findings of research have beenused as reference and put into application' throughout the country.

c - chemical method, using dioxdizer, such as free-oxygen absorber Na2S204 or Feetc.

Mr Zhao Zimin has made research on free oxygen remover Fe on the soybean, wheatand flour, it has been proved the effect of different sealing material and its rate.

Table 5

TESTING TIME (day)1 OXYGEN CONTENT (%)

MOIST INPUT 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26(% ) (gIl)

160 18,2 14,6 8,8 10 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,8 1,0 1,2SOY 13,5

320 17,0 16,4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

160 16,2 8,64 1,4 1,2 0,6 0,4 1,0 I,D 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,5 1,9WHEAT 12,5

320 15,8 8,2 1,0 0,6 0,6 0,4 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0

160 19,2 19,0 19,0 19,0 18,0 11,4 11 11 II 11 10 9,0 9,0FLOUR 13,0

320 19,0 19,0 19,0 18,0 15 10 9,9 8,5 8,5 8,5 8,0 7,5 7,2

Mr Wang Xiaoyong and others have made research on the application of free oxygenremover on grain (oilseeds) and edible oil storage.

7 Research on the protectant against the stored grain insects

Many years ago, we have researched the applied techniques of lindane, malathionand pyrethrum. In the recent years, pirimipbos-methyl, bromophos, chlorpyrifos­methyl fenitrothion, etc... ; have been screened in the laboratory. Their effects havealready been demonstrated in the field trial.

8 Research on the pesticide against the stored grain insects

A lot of experiments on the effects of phosphine, applied techniques and law ofdiffusion have been made. The investigation has been made into the stored graininsects resistance to pesticides in China. The outcome of this work is of greatreference value to improving the contolled techniques of the stored grain insects.

9 Research on the physical method for preventing insects

A - Freezing

Research proves that the effective lethal temperature, for killing pests by cryogenic

- 1962 -

methods, changes with different pests. Mr Jiang Rong and others testify that the cold­resistance of the Trogoderma granarium Everts is the strongest, i.e. 0-3°C, they arenot dead untill sixty-four days;the cold-resistance of the Rhizoperta dominica Linnacus, moved from 34°C indoors tominus 8°C outdoors, is the weakest.It would be numb with cold in a few minutes anddead completely in twelve hours. Some other scientific research has proved that agood insecticidal effect can be achieved, striking it repeatedly by strong coldcurrent.

B - Electromagnetic Wave Energya) Solar energy

Mr Ge Hao and others have demonstrated that the death rate of insects is 100% asgrain is heated to 53°C

b) Infrared Ray

It has been borne out that within a certain distance the insecticidal effect can beheightened by prolonging the exposure and raising the temperature. In fifteenminutes the death rate is 4.7% while the temperature -inside the container comes to39,5°C; at the temperature 53°C, the death rate can reach to 100% in forty-fiveminutes.

C ) Microwave

Research has been made on it proved that insects mortality results from the heateffect and the lethal temperature is above 50°C.

D ) Laser

Mr Jiang Xinglian has put his point of view recently that it is suitable to kill insectsby the means of the (YAG Laser) radiation dose as 5 w/cm2 or 8w/cm2 and radiationduration as ten or fifteen seconds.

E) Gamma ray

In China it was reported as early in 1962 that Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) canbe killed within 15 to 20 days by a radiation dose of fifteen thousand roetgen. Mr SunBaogen has ascertained in recent years that different kinds of pests have differentsensitivities to radiation effects; the sensitivity of Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) is theweakest, Tribolium confusum jacq du val is the second and S. zeamais (Motschulsky)is the strongest. Fifty-four thousand roentgen can be considered as a effective dosefor the prevention and treatment of the common pests in the stored grain pests. Ahigh efficiency of prevention and treatment can be achieved by use of radiationduration as fourteen minutes and high radiation dose as two hundred thousandroentgen/per hour. Madam Chen Lizhen and others have made research on thePlodia interpunctella Huebner through the technique of prevention and treatmentfor imcomplete sterility of radiation heredity.

10 Research on the biological means for preventing against theinsect

A) Research on the technique of prevention and treatment for the stored grain pesthas been made with predatory insects. Mr. Zhen Xiangxing has made known thatXylocoris sp. can inhibit stored grain pests. Mr. Yao Kang and Mr. Deng Wangxihave also reported that Perigrina tor bioannulips Montrpzier and Xylocoris flovipes

- 1963 -

(Reuter) do the same to the stored grain pest.

B) Research on the Prevention and Control of Stored Grain Pests by Ectohormone.

Mr. Wu Guixing reports that an experiment on Callosobruchus chinensis Linnacushas been made with ectohormone. Mrs. Gao Jintang; Huang Yuanda and LI Zhenfanrespectively report their own experiments that gyplure is used to prevent andcontrol Sitotraga cerealella (oliv).

C) Research on the prevention and control of Stored Grain Pests by Endohormone.

Mr. Sheng Zhaopeng has made an experiment on the prevention and control of S.zeamais (Motschulsky), T. confusum Jacquelin du Val and Oryzaephilaessurinamensis Linnaeus with a larva hormone. Mr. Zan Jiwa reports the experimentalresult that larva-killing urea N°! can prevent and control Callosobruchus chinensisLinnaeus.

11 Research on the plant insecticides, such as meliaceus,c ellastrceu s

Mr. Zhao Shanhuan made some reports in 1960 on this. After that it has beenreported in Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan, SDichuan and Jiangsu in China, that someplants can be used to kill stored grain pest. In recent years, some important researchwork is as follows : Mr. Zhang Xing has reported his research on melliaceus andcelastrceus. Mr. Huang Fuhui has reported his research on the litsea cubeba. Mr. LiGuangchan and others have by perfume oil. Mr. Gao Jiqi and others have report onpreventing k chinensis Linnaeus by vegetable oil protectant.

12temperature

Study and manufacture of ighmeters; insect monitors and

- 1964 -

speedspecial

grain moisturecomputers etc..

meters;

UNE REVISION DES PROGRES DE LA TECHNOLOGIE MODERNE DUSTOCKAGE DU GRAIN EN PASSANT EN REVUE LE DEVELOPPEMENT

DE LA TECHNOLOGIE DU STOCKAGE DANS LA CHINE ANCIENNE

JINZUXUN

Nanjing college of food and agriculturehongniao lane - 14 fujiah road Nanjing

210003 NANJING - R.P. CHINE

Resume

Ce memoire presente simplement les progres accomplis par la technologiemoderne dans Ie stockage du grain: l'evaluation de sa qualite en Chine, l'analyse del'echelle de mesure de cette qualite et celle des produits, l'etude des insectes desstocks et la microflore, Ie sandage, les techniques basses temperaturel;l et enatmosphere modifiee, la recherche sur les pesticides contre les ravageurs et leurresistance. II presente egalement l'histoire du stockage du grain dans la Chineancienne. En prenant l'orge comme exemple, il est prouve que Ie stockage modernederive de celui de la Chine ancienne, les deux technologies etant tres proches.

- 1965 -