COMPARATIVE FIELD TRIAL OF THE EFFICACY OF SELECTED PLANT EXTRACTS IN MITIGATING POST-HARVEST LOSS OF TOMATOES IN ZARIA KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.
Abstract
Post-harvest loss of tomatoes is a critical challenge affecting food security and farmers’ income in Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of indigenous plant extracts Persea americana (avocado seed) and Psidium guajava (guava leaf) and their combinations in mitigating post-harvest tomato loss under real field conditions. Using acidified ethanolic extraction, six treatment formulations were prepared: A (avocado), G (guava), AG (1:1 blend), LAA-A, LAA-G, and LAA-AG (chemically enhanced with L-ascorbic acid). Fresh tomato fruits were treated and transported from Zaria to Makurdi to simulate real storage and transit conditions. Shelf life, preservation efficiency, fruit quality parameters (firmness, TSS, titratable acidity, sugar-acid ratio), and antimicrobial activity were assessed. Results showed that LAA-AG significantly outperformed other treatments, extending tomato shelf life to 47.47 ± 26.30 days with a relative preservation efficiency of 33%, while maintaining desirable fruit quality. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments. Antimicrobial tests revealed broad-spectrum activity of the extracts, especially LAA-AG, against E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida albicans. The study concludes that combined plant extracts, especially when enhanced with L-ascorbic acid, offer a natural, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to synthetic preservatives for prolonging tomato shelf life.
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