No abstract

This paper discusses the design, construction and assessment of a modified, cost-effective evaporative cooling facility for the preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables for use by the average Nigerian farmer, agri-business entrepreneur or layman. The designed facility makes use of cooling pads and constantly running water. It was designed and constructed with carefully selected inexpensive and readily available materials. The structure was made of internally and externally cemented sliced cement blocks. River sand was used as the cooling pad and product storage values were compared with those stored under ambient air conditions. Tomatoes were the test crop used to assess the structure's cooling efficiency. Findings showed that a cooling chamber filled with river sand as a cooling pad with constant application of water performed better in the storage of tomato fruit (Lycopersicum esculentum) than fruits stored under ambient conditions. It was therefore recommended that tomatoes should be stored under temperatures between 22-23 0 C to increase shelf life and reduce spoilage. There is a need for more work to be done in terms of introduction of fans, other cooling pad materials and constant water to enhance the structure's performance.

Tomatoes are important in the agricultural sector as they serve as raw materials for the production of value added products. The aim of this study was to compare bagged tomato (tomato in sealed Ziploc bags storage characteristics using two evaporative pad materials (charcoal and river sand). River sand and charcoal were used as cooling pads with storage under ambient conditions being the third treatment (control). Each treatment had two replicates. Temperature, Relative humidity, Cooling efficiency, Weight, Firmness and Colour assessment were determined throughout the test period and the results were subjected to Analysis of Variance [ANOVA]. Means were separated using DMRT at 5 percent level of significance. Result from storing bagged fresh tomatoes under both media showed that a cooling chamber filled with charcoal as absorbent material with uninterrupted water supply performed best in the storing of tomato fruit when compared to tomatoes stored under ambient conditions or with river sand as evaporative media. It is therefore recommended that further studies should vary the use of different absorbent materials with respect to availability, cost, and durability among others. Comparison can also be further made between tomato storage under bagged and unbagged conditions

This research was carried out to compare cowpea storage characteristics using different storage medium, under different weather conditions. Several technologies reputedly attribute losses of stored cowpea grain to bruchid beetles. Comparison of these different postharvest storage methods can provide the basis for deciding which performs best in terms of weight loss, pest infestation and nutritive losses. Proximate analysis was carried out before, during and after storage with two month intervals, over four months of storage in three storage media: a seed gene bank, modified anthill rhombus, and a covered container (the control). Temperature, humidity, and weight values (for moisture content analysis) were taken during the storage period. Results showed that the cowpea seed sample, stored in the AC section of the seed gene bank, proved to be more tolerant to pest infestation compared to seed samples, stored in the Modified anthill rhombus, and seed samples, stored under ambient conditions. The cowpea seeds weight recorded reduction after infestation, which also was significant when compared to the non-infested seeds in the seed gene bank. Proximate analysis of cowpea seeds after infestation showed a decrease in the value of carbohydrate content and protein, while crude fibre, moisture, fat and total ash recorded increased. Further research should be carried out on cowpea storage under different weather conditions, with and without insecticide, and using more media such as jute bags, etc. There should also be an extension of the storage period more than the four months

The study investigated the effect of cassava peel on the growth and development of Gmelina arborea seedlings. The treatment was made up of cassava peel applied to top soil at 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, 5 g, 6 g, 7 g, 8 g, 9 g, 10 g. The treatments were replicated three times. The treatments were mixed with 20 kg of soil thereby making a total of thirty three (33). The experiment, which lasted eight weeks, was laid out in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and the following variables were assessed; stem height, stem diameter, leaf length and leaf production. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean separation was carried out using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The result obtained showed that treatment 6 g gave the best response in term of number of leaves with mean 16.35 while treatment 2 g had the least performance with mean 6.67. The treatment 3 g of cassava peel performed best in terms of leaf length with mean 18.00 while 10 g and 8 g treatments had the lowest stem diameter of 29 cm. With respect to plant height, the treatment of 6 g of cassava peel application had the best response with plant height of 46.67 cm, while the least value of 20.67 cm was recorded in treatment 8 g. Hence, the control (0 g) has significant difference from treatment 8 g. In all the variables assessed, the control showed close values with treatment 8 g, 9 g and 10 g. The result shows a higher level of significant difference to the control at p < 0.05. However, it is recommended that when raising Gmelina arborea where the traits, plant height and leaves are of importance, 6 g of cassava peel is better adapted. Hence, the plant could be raised in the absence of any treatment where appropriate soil is used.