STORAGE OF FABA BEANS IN UNDERGROUND PITS

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of stor‌ing faba beans in underground pits . The results obtained revealed an in‌crease in CO2 concentration in the different heights of the pit This was attributed to respiration of faba bean embryos and the accompanied mi‌croorganisms. This method of storage had arrested initial infestation with bruchid beetles (3%) and prevented further develpment of insects. The respiration process caused an increase in the concentration of CO2 on the expense of 02 concentration. Storage of faba bean seeds in the underground pit for a period of 8.5 months did not affect the germinative capacity . There was an obvi‌ous increase in the moisture content of stored faba bean seeds. The testa of the seed remained white instead of turning brown as in the case of beans stored in the light and exposed to air and sun . The hectolitre weight of the seeds, cooking time and percentage of stewing were not affected . The water absorption of stewed bean seeds and the total solids increased markedly, while viscosity and amy‌lose percent decreased. There was an increase in reduced sugars, a decrease in non- re‌duced sugars and no change was observed in total sugars. The effect on total protein and totla lipids was negligible.