Effects of Storage Methods and Duration on the Microbial Composition and Load of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum [L.], Solanaceae) Fruits

Authors : Matthew Chidozie Ogwu

Pages : 1-7

Doi:10.17678/beuscitech.378001

View : 20 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2019-06-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Tomato is a widely cultivated fruit vegetable in Nigeria. They are valued for their fruits, which are consumed fresh or processed. The method and duration of storage have profound effects on the economic value and utilization of the fruits. Therefore, this study was set up to investigate the efficacy of three common storage methods insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(plastic basket, concrete floor and refrigeration at 4 o C); by conducting microbial assessment. Freshly harvested fruits were sourced from two locations in Benin City, Nigeria and stored for a period of four weeks. Microbial composition and load was determined using standard laboratory techniques initially insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(on the first day); and every week afterwards. Results showed that the microbial load increased with prolonged storage. Tomato fruits stored in plastic basket had the highest mean total microbial count insert ignore into journalissuearticles values( 132 × 10 5 CFU/mL);, whereas those stored in the refrigerator had the least insert ignore into journalissuearticles values( 3 × 10 5 CFU/mL); . The common microorganisms isolated from the stored fruits include the fungi; Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Rhizopus, Penicillium spp., and yeast cells as well as the bacteria; Staphylococcus sp. E. coli, Salmonella and Enterobacter spp. These results suggest that refrigeration will extend the shelf life of tomato fruits and minimize the rate of spoilage due to microbial composition and load
Keywords : Tomato Solanum lycopersicum, Microbial load, Economic plants, Fruitosphere