Effects of Moisture Content on Some Physical Properties of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet Seeds

Authors

  • Kayode Joshua Simonyan Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike- Umuahia
  • Yohanna Dauda Yiljep Agricultural Engineering and Irrigation Programme. National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, P M B 1067. Samaru-Zaria, Nigeria.
  • Olakunle Benjamin Oyatoyan c Agricultural Engineering Technology Programme, College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1058. Samaru- Zaria, Nigeria.
  • Gideon Shaibu Bawa Animal Science Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru – Zaria, Nigeria.

Abstract

The effects of moisture content on the physical properties of two varieties of Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet seeds, ‘Rongai', and ‘Highworth' were investigated. The physical properties investigated include length (L), width (W), thickness (T), arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, equivalent diameter, sphericity, seed volume and weight, roundness, bulk density, particle density and porosity at moisture range of 9.7 to 29 % wet basis (w.b.) for ‘Rongai' and 10.2 to 22.6 % (w.b.) for ‘Highworth'. These properties are useful in the design of planting, harvesting, processing, handling and storage equipments. Results showed that the axial dimensions, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter and equivalent diameter, individual grain mass, and volume increased with increasing moisture content. There was a decrease in roundness, bulk density and porosity with increasing moisture content.

Author Biographies

Kayode Joshua Simonyan, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike- Umuahia

Agricultural Engineering, Senior Lecturer

Yohanna Dauda Yiljep, Agricultural Engineering and Irrigation Programme. National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, P M B 1067. Samaru-Zaria, Nigeria.

Agricultural Engineering, Professor

Olakunle Benjamin Oyatoyan, c Agricultural Engineering Technology Programme, College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1058. Samaru- Zaria, Nigeria.

Agricultural Engineering, Student

Gideon Shaibu Bawa, Animal Science Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru – Zaria, Nigeria.

Animal Science, Associate Professor

Downloads

Published

2009-07-22

Issue

Volume XI (2009)

Section

VI-Postharvest Technology and Process Engineering