A Potential of Biopesticides to Enhance the Shelf Life of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) in the Controlled Atmosphere

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of neem leaf extract, aloe vera gel and chitosan for preservation of tomatoes in comparison with traditional postharvest fungicide thiophanate methyl. The effect of these biopesticides on the quality of two tomato varieties (Sahil and Rio Grande) during storage was determined. Firmness, weight loss, pH, ascorbic acid, ripening index and decay or rotting (%) of biopesticide-treated tomatoes were compared after each 7-day interval with those of treated with thiophanate methyl. Treated tomatoes of both varieties were stored at 75% humidity and 10C temperature in controlled atmosphere with 3% CO2 and without CO2 in two different environment chambers for 35 days. The above parameters which are related to postharvest quality loss were however significantly controlled in the tomatoes treated with neem leaf extract and stored with 3% CO2 as compared to all other treatments except thiophanate methyl that also showed a significant effect. Practical Applications: Extension of the storage life of tomato is a challenge due to its perishable nature, high temperature of the growing areas and improper postharvest practices. The search for pesticide-free organic food has led to increase the interest in research to develop safe, healthy and environment friendly postharvest treatments. It was concluded that neem leaf extract used as a postharvest biopesticide for tomatoes under controlled atmosphere could serve as an alternative to postharvest hazardous chemicals. Copyright