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<p>Postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables, particularly in <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> (fluted pumpkin), are primarily due to physiological deterioration and rot during storage. This study aimed to extend the shelf life of <i>T. occidentalis</i> seeds using plant-based oils and assess preharvest practices that influence seed quality. Neem oil and coconut oil were applied as natural wax coatings under a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) comprising three treatments: neem oil, coconut oil, and an untreated control. Seeds were stored under ambient conditions for 21 days. Preharvest assessments were conducted through farmer interviews and field observations. Baseline values (before oil application) for the seeds included moisture content (42%), total ash (4.0%), lipid (33%), crude fibre (25%), and protein (27%). Additionally, TSS, titratable acidity (TTA), pH, and vitamin C were 4%, 0.0009%, 6.86, and 7.13%, respectively. During storage, neem oil significantly (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05) influenced total soluble solids, while coconut oil had no significant effect on proximate parameters. Both oils reduced moisture loss and respiration, extending shelf life to 14 days. However, there was no significant improvement (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05) in sensory attributes, and the control samples deteriorated by day 14. In conclusion, neem and coconut oils slightly improved shelf life but had limited impact on maintaining quality or sensory appeal. As such, their use is not recommended for commercial waxing of <i>T. occidentalis</i> seeds. Further research should explore alternative coatings and optimal formulations for better postharvest performance.</p>

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Assessment of the influence of different plant oils on the shelf-life, organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of fluted pumpkin waxed

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月7日

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  • Enock Kwablah Teye,
  • Gregory Osei-Bonsu,
  • Beryl Nyanta Yeboah,
  • Philip Kwaku Kokonu

摘要

Postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables, particularly in Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin), are primarily due to physiological deterioration and rot during storage. This study aimed to extend the shelf life of T. occidentalis seeds using plant-based oils and assess preharvest practices that influence seed quality. Neem oil and coconut oil were applied as natural wax coatings under a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) comprising three treatments: neem oil, coconut oil, and an untreated control. Seeds were stored under ambient conditions for 21 days. Preharvest assessments were conducted through farmer interviews and field observations. Baseline values (before oil application) for the seeds included moisture content (42%), total ash (4.0%), lipid (33%), crude fibre (25%), and protein (27%). Additionally, TSS, titratable acidity (TTA), pH, and vitamin C were 4%, 0.0009%, 6.86, and 7.13%, respectively. During storage, neem oil significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced total soluble solids, while coconut oil had no significant effect on proximate parameters. Both oils reduced moisture loss and respiration, extending shelf life to 14 days. However, there was no significant improvement (p > 0.05) in sensory attributes, and the control samples deteriorated by day 14. In conclusion, neem and coconut oils slightly improved shelf life but had limited impact on maintaining quality or sensory appeal. As such, their use is not recommended for commercial waxing of T. occidentalis seeds. Further research should explore alternative coatings and optimal formulations for better postharvest performance.