ABSTRACT In this work, we sought to minimize electricity costs in the coffee bean drying process by carrying out the theoretical sizing of the economic viability of the Photovoltaic Power plant (PVP) ongrid used to supply a Dryer Unit (DU). The methodology consisted of adequate sizing of a PVP generation plant to promote the electric energy balance. It used economic indicators such as internal rate of return, discounted payback, and net present value. Two scenarios were considered: a pessimistic with DU use on-peak period; and an optimistic with full use of the DU during the off-peak period. It was considered local electricity tariff values, and the results indicated the economic feasibility for the PVP installation also the feasibility of the dryer use in both scenarios, there are no restrictions on operating hours. It can be concluded that it is essential to understand the Brazilian electricity bill legislation because only in this way is it possible to properly develop the on-grid photovoltaic power plant projects. The technical and economic parameters are inseparable and indicated that the electricity tariff should not exceed US$ 0.22 (kWh) -1 to ensure the photovoltaic power plants installation viability to supply DUs that remain in operation during on-peak periods.

ABSTRACT The defects that drying in concrete yards impose on coffee beans and the search for gourmet coffee production have prompted the emergence of new drying technologies. This work verified the technical and economic feasibility of drying coffee with dehumidified air with a refrigerating capacity of 422,908.7 J s-1, compatible with static capacity dryers equal to 75 m3. Considering the sale price of coffee, the cost of electric energy acquisition, the monthly interest rate and maintenance time, expenses that are equivalent to the depreciation of the concrete yard, a central compound rotational design was considered with 28 tests for the feasibility analysis, including the internal rate of return, net present value and the return on investment. The results showed that in the electric drying units, the dried coffee presents fewer broken and defective beans and has higher retention in a No. 17 sieve. With a higher beverage quality and a price 12.11% higher, drying with dehydrated air showed a PBD of 2.27 years and a return of US$ 2.49 million. The optimisation results were 98.98% desirable. It was concluded that it is economically feasible to dry coffee with dehydrated air and without using a concrete yard.

ABSTRACT Grain drying processes have been improved to reduce costs and losses of coffee beverage quality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the quality of coffee dried using air partially dehumidified before entering drying units (DUs) in four coffee-producing farms, as well as the effects of such process on coffee commercial value. The method consisted of obtaining three samples (triplicates) of coffee dried in both DUs and concrete terraces (control) for mean multiple comparisons. The following variables were analyzed for sieve #13 and hand-picked beans: defect number, cupping test, and pricing. Evaluations were carried out by three professional graders. The results showed that coffee dried in the DUs presented fewer broken grains, higher cupping score, and less negative factors of handsorting and defects. As a conclusion, it should be emphasized an average increase of 12.11% in price for coffee beans previously dehumidified.

ABSTRACT. New grain drying techniques have been improved to reduce post-harvest losses. The electric air dehumidifier (UTA 60®) is an example; it was installed at the ELLITT Seed Company for drying soybean seeds (TEC 7849) with random sample collection (DIC). Our objective was to evaluate the immediate and latent effects of the dehumidified air on the vigour of the seeds. Our vigour analysis method was based on the Rules for Seed Analysis (RAS), and our results showed an immediate significant difference in seedling percentage, but the germination level did not have an effect at 5% (Dunnett's test). In latent effects, at 5% (Tukey test), there was a reduction in the germination percentage and emergence rate, but it was not possible link such variations to the drying process. The germination potential was classified as "highest vigour", and it was possible to conclude that dehydrating drying air with UTA constituted a method capable of maintaining seed quality and germinative vigour.

Resumo: As perdas da agroindústria são geralmente de produtos úmidos que devem ser secos para posterior uso e armazenamento. Para otimizar os processos de secagem, o estudo das isotermas e propriedades termodinâmicas torna-se essencial para entender os mecanismos de sorção de água dos produtos agrícolas. Assim, o objetivo neste estudo foi determinar e avaliar as propriedades termodinâmicas para diferentes teores de água de equilíbrio em sementes de crotalária (Crotalaria spectabilis Roth), usando o método estático direto para obter os dados experimentais. O modelo de Chung-Pfost foi usado para determinar as propriedades termodinâmicas de sementes de crotalária. De acordo com os resultados, as propriedades termodinâmicas são influenciadas pelo teor de água. O calor latente da vaporização de água aumentou com a diminuição do teor de umidade de equilíbrio. O processo de dessorção das sementes de crotalária foi controlado pela entropia. A energia livre de Gibbs foi negativa, indicando que o processo de dessorção de sementes de crotalária foi espontâneo.

Abstract: Losses of agroindustry are generally wet products that must be dried to posterior use and storage. In order to optimize drying processes, the study of isotherms and thermodynamic properties become essential to understand the water sorption mechanisms of agricultural products. Thus, the objective in this study was to determine and evaluate the thermodynamic properties for different equilibrium moisture contents in sunn hemp (Crotalaria spectabilis Roth) seeds, using the direct static method to obtain the experimental data. The Chung-Pfost model was used to determine the thermodynamic properties of sunn hemp seeds. In according to results, thermodynamic properties were influenced by moisture content. The water vaporization latent heat increased with the decrease in equilibrium moisture content. The sunn hemp desorption process was controlled by entropy. Gibbs free energy is negative indicating that the desorption process of sunn hemp seeds was spontaneous.

RESUMO A espécie Mentha piperita, conhecida popularmente como hortelã pimenta além de ser uma planta medicinal, é utilizada nas indústrias farmacêutica, alimentícia e cosmética. Desta forma, o processo de secagem se faz necessário para aumentar o tempo de conservação e vida útil do produto facilitando seu transporte, manuseio e armazenamento. Para que os derivados do hortelã tenham qualidade, é necessário estudos sobre a pré e a pós-colheita. Objetivou-se neste estudo a avaliação de secagem, e para a obtenção das curvas foram utilizadas as temperaturas no intervalo de 30 a 70 ºC com variação da velocidade do ar de secagem 0,3 e 0,5 m.s-1. Para a realização da secagem das folhas, foi utilizado um secador de leito fixo em escala de laboratório, que possui um ventilador para a movimentação do ar e sistema de aquecimento. Os resultados evidenciaram que o modelo de Midili é o que melhor se ajusta aos dados experimentais. A relação do coeficiente de difusão com a temperatura de secagem pode ser descrita pela equação de Arrhenius, apresentando uma energia de ativação para velocidade 0,3 m.s-1 68,42 KJ mol-1 e para velocidade 0,5 m.s-1 78,27 KJ mol-1.

ABSTRACT The species Mentha piperita, popularly known as peppermint, is not only a medicinal plant but is also used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Consequently, the drying process is necessary to increase shelf and product life, facilitating transport, handling and storage. For mint derivatives of quality, work into pre- and post-harvest is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate drying. To obtain the curves, temperatures in the range of 30 ºC to 70 ºC were used, with drying air velocity varying between 0.3 and 0.5 m.s-1. For drying the leaves, a laboratory-scale, fixed bed dryer was used, having a fan to move the air and a heating system. The results showed that the Midili model best fit the experimental data. The relationship of the diffusion coefficient to the drying temperature can be described by the Arrhenius equation, giving an activation energy of 68.42 KJ mol-1for a velocity of 0.3 m.s-1, and 78.27 KJ mol-1 for a velocity of 0.5 m.s-1.

ABSTRACT Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a traditional food in the diet of Brazilians, due to its low fat content and it is rich in vitamins, protein, fiber, carbohydrates and minerals. One of the major problems related to this product is storage without temperature and humidity control, causing quality reduction of this legume. This study aimed to evaluate the effects suffered by cooking time parameters, seed coat color, phytate and minerals (P, Ca, Mg and Mn) content during storage. The grain varieties: BRS Madrepérola, BRS Estilo, BRS Pontal and CNFC 10467, from the pinto group, were stored in hermetic acrylic containers with humidity and temperature controlled for a period of 108 days. All varieties had better results of the parameters studied when they were stored under the condition of 15°C and 45% of RH. The grain stored in the condition of 27°C and 75% of humidity for 108 days showed Hard-to-cook characteristic effect. All minerals studied showed a strong correlation with the cooking time. CNFC 10467 and Madrepérola varieties are more similar, as the parameters examined.

ABSTRACT: Soybean oil has many important components, but for its maintenance it is essential that there is an appropriate storage, temperature, relative humidity and optimum grain moisture content, because the oxidation reactions occur by improper storage, causing product deterioration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the main changes in the quality of soybean crude oil, from grain storage in temperature of 30°C and different relative humidity (59.6%, 67.0% and 76.0%). Soybean grains were packaged in plastic recipients, where saturated salt solutions were added so the grains reached the desired moisture. The analyses of moisture content, lipid, acidity index, color, antioxidant capacity, specific extension by absorption in the ultraviolet region were realized during storage for 180 days, because they indicate the degree of oil oxidation. A completely randomized design was conducted, and analysis of variance and Tukey test were performed. The storage time caused changes in physical-chemical properties of the grains, indicating that the oil was degraded over time.

RESUMO O girassol está entre as principais oleaginosas cultivadas no mundo e os subprodutos gerados durante o processamento das sementes representam uma fonte atraente de biomassa lignocelulósica para bioprocessos. A conversão de fibras lignocelulósicas em açúcares fermentáveis tem sido considerada uma alternativa promissora para aumentar a demanda de etanol. O presente estudo teve, como objetivo, estabelecer as condições de fermentação para a produção de etanol por Scheffersomyces stipitis ATCC 58376 em hidrolisado hemicelulósico de farelo de girassol através de um planejamento fatorial DCCR 23. Sob as condições selecionadas (pH 5,25, 29 ºC e 198 rpm) a concentração final de etanol foi 13,92 g L-1 e o rendimento 0,49 g g-1.

ABSTRACT Sunflower is among the major oil seeds crop grown in the world and the by-products generated during the seeds processing represent an attractive source of lignocellulosic biomass for bioprocesses. The conversion of lignocellulosic fibers into fermentable sugars has been considered as a promising alternative to increase the demand for ethanol. The present study aimed to establish the fermentation conditions for ethanol production by Scheffersomyces stipitis ATCC 58376 in sunflower meal hemicellulosic hydrolysate, through a 23 CCRD (Central Composite Rotational Design) factorial design. Under the selected conditions (pH 5.25, 29 ºC and 198 rpm) the final ethanol concentration was 13.92 g L-1 and the ethanol yield was 0.49 g g-1.

RESUMO. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar alternativas de armazenagem de milho viáveis a pequenas propriedades rurais em dois experimentos anuais de armazenagem. Um esquema fatorial 4x5 foi utilizado, com quatro tipos de acondicionamentos de armazenagem (sacarias convencionais, bolsas herméticas, silo metálico e espigas) e cinco períodos de tempo (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 meses). Utilizou-se híbridos de milho (2B688RR, 30K73Hx) cultivados nas safras de inverno 2012 e verão 2012/2013 em Dois Vizinhos, Paraná. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: teor de água, contagem de Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp. e ocorrência de aflatoxinas (B1, B2, G1 e G2). Os grãos das bolsas herméticas apresentaram o menor teor de água. Verificou-se Aspergillus sp. e Fusarium sp. respectivamente em 20,4 e 86,1% e em 83,3 e 91,6% das amostras do armazenamento safra de inverno e de verão. Não houve influência do acondicionamento e do tempo de armazenagem na ocorrência de Aspergillus sp. e de aflatoxinas no armazenamento safra de inverno. O milho em espigas, do armazenamento safra de verão, apresentou a menor contagem de Aspergillus sp. e não apresentou aflatoxinas. Detectou-se aflatoxinas em níveis de 2,8-14,5 e de 3-197,5 µg kg-1 nos armazenamentos safra de inverno e de verão, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to assess alternatives for viable corn storage for small rural properties in two annual storage experiments. A 4×5 factorial design was used with four types of storage (conventional bags, hermetic bags, metal silos and corncobs) and five periods of storage (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). We used corn hybrids 2B688RR and 30K73Hx cultivated in winter 2012 and summer 2012/2013 in the city of Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil. The moisture contents, counts of Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp., and the occurrence of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) were assessed. The kernels stored in hermetic bags had lower moisture contents. Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp. were observed in 20.37 and 86.11% of winter storage samples, respectively, and in 83.3 and 91.6% of summer storage samples, respectively. The storage system and time of storage had no influence on the occurrence of Aspergillus sp. and aflatoxins in the winter crop samples. The corncobs from the summer crop samples had the lowest counts of Aspergillus sp. and did not have aflatoxins. We detected aflatoxins at concentrations of 2.8-14.5 and 3-197.5 µg kg-1 in the winter and summer crop samples, respectively.

RESUMOO dimensionamento das estruturas armazenadoras de grãos carece de uma norma brasileira que prescreva sobre seus projetos e ações; contudo, existem muitas lacunas no estado atual do conhecimento sendo imprescindíveis pesquisas adicionais sobre o tema. Com o objetivo de determinar a distribuição das cargas nas fundações dos silos foram instrumentadas, por meio de células de carga, quatro estacas localizadas sob o anel de um silo protótipo. O experimento ocorreu durante o período de agosto a dezembro de 2009 em Palotina, PR. As leituras das células foram realizadas por sistema automático de aquisição de dados durante o carregamento de grãos de milho e, a partir dos resultados, pode-se destacar um coeficiente de transferência médio de 0,30 para o anel até o carregamento de 44% do silo, a partir do qual ocorreu um incremento na taxa de transferência. As cargas máximas atuantes nas estacas instrumentadas foram de 800, 845, 520 e 600 kN, correspondentes a coeficientes de transferência de 0,48; 0,51; 0,31 e 0,36, respectivamente. Assim, o coeficiente regionalmente adotado de 0,30 para o dimensionamento das fundações do anel está subestimado fazendo-se necessária uma análise mais criteriosa nas taxas de transferência.

ABSTRACTThe dimensioning of the grain storages structures lacks a Brazilian standard that prescribes about its projects and actions; however, there are many gaps in the current state of knowledge being necessary additional research on the topic. With the objective of determining the load distribution on the foundation of silos, four piles were instrumented through load cells, located under the ring of a prototype silo. The experiment conducted was during the period from August to December 2009 in Palotina, PR. The readings of the cells were performed by an automatic data acquisition system during the loading of maize grain. From the results, a mean transfer coefficient of 0.30 is observed for the ring until the loading of 44% of the silo, from which there was an increase in the transfer rate. The maximum loads acting in instrumented piles were 800, 845, 520 and 600 kN, corresponding to transfer coefficient of 0.48; 0.51; 0.31 and 0.36, respectively. Thus the coefficient regionally adopted of 0.30 for the dimensioning of the foundations of the ring is underestimated, being necessary more thorough examination in transfer rates.

RESUMO: O trabalho teve como objetivo modelar curvas de secagem do feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) em diferentes temperaturas, determinar o coeficiente de difusão efetivo e a energia de ativação. Para isso, utilizou-se sementes de feijão-caupi, cultivar BRS guariba, colhidas manualmente, com teor de água de 21% (base úmida) e secas até o teor de água de 11% (base úmida). A secagem foi realizada em secador experimental sob temperaturas controladas de 30, 40 e 50 °C ± 1 °C e umidade relativa do ar de secagem entre 14 e 59%. Foram testados 12 modelos de regressão não-linear e para a seleção do melhor modelo considerou-se a significância do coeficiente de regressão pelo teste t, a magnitude do coeficiente de determinação ajustado (R²), o erro médio relativo (P) e o erro médio estimado (SE). Observou-se que o tempo de secagem para as sementes de feijão-caupi foi de 10,4, 5,6, e 2,1 h para as temperaturas de 30, 40 e 50 °C, respectivamente. Dentre a série testada, o modelo matemático de Midilli foi o que melhor se ajustou aos dados experimentais. O coeficiente de difusão aumenta com a elevação da temperatura, apresentando valores entre 5,047 x 10-11 a 12,011 x 10-11 m² s-1 para a faixa de temperatura de 30 a 50 °C. A relação entre o coeficiente de difusão efetivo e a temperatura de secagem podem ser descritas pela equação de Arrhenius, que apresenta uma energia de ativação de 35,04 kJ mol-1 para a difusão líquida no processo de secagem das sementes de feijão-caupi.

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to model the drying curves of cowpea beans (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in different temperatures determine the coefficient of effective diffusion and the activation energy. For this, we used seeds of beans-cowpea cultivar BRS Guariba, harvested manually, with a water content of 21% (wet basis), dried until the water content 11% (wet basis). Drying was performed in the experimental dryer under controlled temperatures of 30, 40 and 50 °C ± 1 °C, and relative humidity of the air drying between 14 and 59%. 12 models of non-linear regression were tested and for selection the best model was considered to: the significance of the regression coefficient t test, the magnitude of the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²), the average relative error (P) and the estimated average error (SE). It was observed that the drying time for of the beans-cowpea seeds was 10,4 ; 5,6 ; and 2,1 h to the temperatures of 30, 40 and 50 °C, respectively; among the number tested, the mathematical model the Midilli was the best fit to experimental data. The coefficient of diffusion increases with temperature, with values between 5,047 x 10-11 to 12,011 x 10-11 m² s-1 for the temperature range from 30 to 50 °C. The relationship between the coefficient of diffusion effective and the drying temperature can be described by Arrhenius equation, which presents activation energy of 35,04 kJ mol-1 for spreading the liquid in the drying process of the of beans-cowpea seeds.

RESUMO O 2-feniletanol (FE) é um álcool aromático com odor característico de rosas, amplamente utilizado na indústria alimentícia para modificar composições de aroma em formulações com frutas, geleias, pudins, gomas de mascar e também na indústria de cosméticos e perfumes. Este composto é encontrado naturalmente, em baixas concentrações, em óleos essenciais de algumas flores e plantas. Uma alternativa à extração de vegetais são os processos biotecnológicos. Neste trabalho, foi avaliada a produção de 2-feniletanol no cultivo de Saccharomyces cerevisiae em água residuária de indústria de fécula de mandioca. O substrato foi suplementado com glicose e L-fenilalanina, a fim de obter as condições de maior geração de 2- -feniletanol e maior eficiência de conversão glicose/2-feniletanol. Foi realizada otimização através de planejamento composto central rotacional e de análise de superfície de resposta. Os cultivos foram mantidos em condições aeróbias, em processo em batelada, em frascos Erlenmeyer com capacidade para 250 mL, contendo 50 mL de meio, em agitador regulado a 150 rpm e 24±1ºC. Os maiores valores de FE foram alcançados com a suplementação de 20,0 g.L-1de glicose e de 5,5 g.L-1 de L-fenilalanina, os quais foram validados experimentalmente, obtendo-se produção de FE de 1,33 g.L-1 e fator de rendimento FE/glicose de 0,070 g.g-1, que equivaleram a 74,3 e 89,7% dos valores de desejabilidade, segundo o modelo validado.

ABSTRACT 2-Phenylethanol (PE) is an aromatic alcohol with a characteristic odor of roses, widely used in food industry to modify certain aroma compositions in formulations with fruit, jam, pudding, and chewing gums, and also in cosmetic and fragrance industry. This compound occurs naturally in low concentrations in some essential oils from flowers and plants. An alternative to plants extraction are biotechnological processes. This study evaluated 2-phenylethanol’s production in cultivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in cassava wastewater originated from starch industry. The substrate was supplemented with glucose and L-phenylalanine in order to obtain higher 2-phenylethanol concentrations and better efficiency in glucose/2-phenylethanol conversion. It was performed using Rotatable Center Composite Design and response surface analysis. Cultures were performed under aerobic conditions in a batch system in Erlenmeyer flasks containing 50 mL of medium in shaker at 150 rpm and 24 ± 1 ºC. The highest PE values were obtained with supplementation of 20.0 g.L-1 of glucose and 5.5 g.L-1 of L-phenylalanine, which has been experimentally validated, obtaining a PE production of 1.33 g.L-1 and PE/glucose yield factor of 0.070 g.g-1, equivalent to 74.3 and 89.7% of desirability values according to the validated model.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da vazão de ar (0,25; 0,50 e 0,75 L.L-1.min-1) e do tempo de ciclo (10h45; 14h25 e 17h35) no desempenho de um reator em bateladas sequenciais (RBS) em promover a nitrificação e a desnitrificação de água residuária de abatedouro de aves. A operação contemplou as etapas de alimentação, reação aerada e anóxica, sedimentação e descarte. O RBS foi operado em escala de bancada com volume útil de 4 L, mantendo-se 25% do volume do reator como inóculo em cada batelada. Na fase anóxica, a relação C:N foi mantida entre 5 e 6, adicionando-se água residuária do processo de obtenção de fécula de mandioca. Elaborou-se um planejamento fatorial (22) com cinco repetições, no ponto central, para verificar a influência dos fatores, o tempo de ciclo e a vazão de ar, na variável resposta remoção de nitrogênio inorgânico total (N-NH4++N-NO2-+N-NO3-), no processo completo (nitrificação e desnitrificação). A maior remoção de nitrogênio inorgânico total (93,3%) foi observada quando se utilizou vazão de ar de 0,25 L.L-1.min-1 e tempo de ciclo de 14h25. No final do experimento, o lodo do reator foi caracterizado através de hibridização fluorescente in situ (FISH), indicando a presença de bactérias oxidadoras de amônia e de nitrito.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of airflow (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 L.L-1.min-1) and cycle time (10.45 h, 14.25 h and 17.35 h) on a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) performance in promoting nitrification and denitrification of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. The operational stages included feeding, aerobic and anoxic reactions, sedimentation and discharge. SBR was operated in a laboratory scale with a working volume of 4 L, keeping 25% of biomass retained inside the reactor as inoculum for the next batch. In the anoxic stage, C: N ratio was maintained between 5 and 6 by adding cassava starch wastewater. A factorial design (22) with five repetitions was designed at the central point to evaluate the influence of cycle time and airflow on total inorganic nitrogen removal (N-NH4++N-NO2-+N-NO3-) and in the whole process (nitrification and denitrification). The highest total inorganic nitrogen removal (93.3%) was observed for airflow of 0.25 L.L-1.min‑1 and a cycle time of 14.25 h. At the end of the experiment, the sludge inside the reactor was characterized by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), indicating the presence of ammonia and nitrite oxidizing bacteria.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a magnitude dos efeitos diretos e indiretos de parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos sobre a ocorrência de aflatoxinas em grãos de milho armazenados, por meio da análise de trilha. Os dados foram coletados em dois experimentos: um cultivo de inverno (colheita do milho em julho de 2012) e um cultivo de verão (colheita em fevereiro de 2013). Os grãos foram armazenados por 12 meses, em dois tipos de acondicionamentos: em sacarias convencionais de polipropileno e a granel em silo metálico. Avaliaram-se 14 características dos grãos. Calculou-se a matriz de correlações de Pearson entre todos os parâmetros, realizou-se o diagnóstico de multicolinearidade e, posteriormente, aplicou-se a análise de trilha com regressão em crista. Observou-se forte influência das condições ambientais entre as safras de inverno e de verão, e entre época e tipo de armazenagem, nos coeficientes de análise de trilha. As variáveis teor de umidade, conteúdo de cinzas, proteínas, lipídios, grãos sem defeitos, massa volumétrica, incidência de Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp. e Fusarium sp. devem ser consideradas conjuntamente na definição da possibilidade de ocorrência de aflatoxinas na massa de grãos armazenados.

The objective of this work was to determine the magnitude of the direct and indirect effects of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters on the occurrence of aflatoxins on stored maize kernels, through path analysis. Data were collected in two experiments: one winter crop (maize harvest in July 2012) and one summer crop (harvest in February 2013). Grains were stored for 12 months in two types of packaging: in conventional polypropylene sacks and bulk storage in metallic silo. Fourteen grain characteristics were evaluated. The matrix of Pearson's correlations was calculated between all parameters, the diagnosis of multicollinearity was performed, and subsequently path analysis was applied with ridge regression. A strong influence of environmental conditions was observed between winter and summer crops, and between season and type of storage, in path analysis coefficients. The variables moisture content, ash, proteins, lipids, undamaged kernels, volumetric weight, incidence of Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., and Fusarium sp. should be considered together for defining the probability of aflatoxin occurrence in the bulk of stored kernels.