The PICS bags, originally developed for cowpea storage, were evaluated for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
preservation. Batches of 25 kg of sorghum grain were stored in 50 kg PICS or polypropylene (PP) bags
under ambient conditions for 12 months and assessed for the presence of insect pests and their damage,
seed viability and, oxygen and carbon dioxide variations. The grain was incubated for 35 days to assess
whether any insects would emerge. After six months of storage, oxygen levels decreased in the PICS bags
compared to polypropylene bags. After 12 months of storage, only two pests, Rhyzopertha dominica and
Sitophilus zeamais were found in the PICS bags. However, in PP bags there were additional pests including
Tribolium castaneum and Oryzeaphilus mercator and Xylocoris flavipes. Grain weight loss and damage
caused by these insects in the PP bags were significantly higher compared to those stored in PICS bags.
Germination rates of sorghum grains stored in PP bags decreased significantly while no changes were
observed in grains stored in PICS bags when compared to the initial germination. After the incubation
post storage period, there was a resurgence of R. dominica in sorghum grains from PICS bags but the
population levels were significantly lower compared to polypropylene bags. PICS bags preserved the
quality and viability of stored sorghum grains and protected it from key insect pests. The PICS technology
is effective for long-term sorghum storage but the potential resurgence of insects in low-oxygen environment
calls for further research