EFFECTS OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER, BAMBOO BIOCHAR RATES AND STORAGE MEDIA ON QUALITY OF RIPE TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) FRUITS 1

  • M. B. Bello Department of Horticulture, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State.
  • P. U. Odueme Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
  • R. O. Rufai Department of Horticultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • O. C. Alege Department of Horticulture, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
  • O. J. Sangodele Department of Horticulture, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
  • G. G. Akomolafe Department of Horticulture, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
  • A. A. Awujoola Department of Horticulture, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
  • I. Oladeji Department of Horticulture, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
  • I. U. Waheed Department of Horticulture, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Keywords: Organic fertilizer, Bamboo biochar, Storage media, Tomato fruits

Abstract

Post-harvest loss of fruits in modern agriculture is of great importance due to the globalization of markets, which may involve transits over very long distances between producers and consumers. This study assessed the effects of storage media, nutrient sources, and tomato varieties on postharvest quality of tomato fruits. A 2 × 4 × 3 factorial experiment in a Completely Randomized esign was conducted using two varieties (Cobra F1 and Kerewa), four nutrient treatments, and three storage conditions, replicated three times. Results showed that evaporative cooling structures (block-in-block and charcoal) significantly improved moisture retention (0.08%, 0.16%) and enhanced lycopene (7.44%, 7.31%), vitamin A (45.35%, 44.36%) and vitamin C (14.59%, 13.28%) contents compared to open shelf storage (1.17%, 5.66%, 38.55%, 11.60%) respectively. Tomato fruits stored in charcoal cooling chamber had slightly higher moisture retention, while those stored in block-in-block better preserved lycopene, vitamin A and C. Cobra F1 fruits grown with biochar were superior in nutritional quality, whereas “kerewa” fruits had higher moisture content. Therefore, tomato fruits grown with biochar and stored in block-in-block and charcoal cooling chamber retains its quality.

Published
2026-05-29
Issue
Vol 21 No 1 (2026): Volume 21, Issues 1, 2026
Section
Articles