Postharvest Practices Research Articles

Influence of edible coatings composed of alginate, galactomannans, cashew gum, and gelatin on the shelf- life of grape cultivar ‘Italia’: Physicochemical and bioactive properties

Table grapes are widely consumed around the world due to the health benefits provided to consumers. As they are highly perishable, postharvest practices are required to maintain the quality and increase their shelf-life. This work aimed to optimize the combinations of alginate, galactomannans, and cashew gum using an experimental design of mixtures to produce edible coatings; and to evaluate their effects on the shelf-life of ‘Italia' table grapes. The influence of edible coatings on the physicochemical composition (weight loss, firmness, pH, acidity, soluble solids, and color), total phenolic content, and antioxidant properties measured by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays was evaluated. The edible coating composed of alginate (2.0%), galactomannans (0.5%), cashew gum (0.5%), and gelatin (2.0%) reduced weight loss in grapes and maintained their firmness and color at 9 days of storage as compared to the control. In addition, this formulation improved the content of phenolic compounds, contributing to the high antioxidant potential of coated grapes. The use of simplex-centroid mixture design proved to be an effective tool for determining different combinations of alginate, galactomannans, and cashew gum. The biopolymers demonstrated high potential to be used as edible coatings, and as an alternative to preserve the table grapes.

Emerging Concepts and Practices in Post-Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops Revisited

This paper offers a comprehensive account on the emerging concepts and practices in post-harvest management of horticultural crops. Post-harvest science and technology facilitates the industries to deliver safe, nutritious and fresh horticultural products to consumers at the end of the supply chain from farm to mouth. Substantial food wastages, which occur in the post-harvest period and such losses, could be reduced by improved post-harvest research, advancement, training and education. At present, many novel technologies and techniques are already being implemented to reduce the post-harvest losses which are witnessed at harvesting, during packing and transportation, in wholesale and retail markets, and during delays at various levels of handling. Improvements are also required to minimize the losses effectively and keep the process-cost low so that it could be applicable at commercial scale in a wide range of economic levels. By developing the practices utilized at post-harvest phase, the expenses accompanying for additional processing paces could also be reduced. Future studies should also be focused on incorporating various emerging technologies with post-harvest practices and appropriate improved practices should be adopted to an existing value chain and marketing system.

Determinants of knowledge about aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in sorghum and postharvest practices among caregivers of children aged 6-59 months in Kerio Valley, Kenya.

Stunting among children under five years old is still a problem in many developing countries including Kenya. However, there is little information linking stunting with mycotoxin contamination of complementary foods. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge about aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in sorghum alongside postharvest handling and storage practices among caregivers of children under five years old in Kerio Valley, Kenya. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to obtain data from 353 randomly selected caregivers of children aged 6–59 months. Qualitative data were obtained through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Overall, majority of the caregivers of young children had poor knowledge (61.8%) about mycotoxin contamination of food, and poor postharvest handling and storage practices (74.5%). The caregiver's knowledge about mycotoxins was significantly associated with age [(AOR=4.629, (95% Cl: 2.530–8.472), p < .001], education level [(AOR=0.275, (95% Cl: 0.088–0.434), p = .001], marital status [(AOR=15.187, (95% Cl: 1.830–126.007), p = .012], and household monthly income [(AOR=2.623, (95% Cl: 1.550–4.439), p < 0,001]. Furthermore, the caregiver's age [(AOR=3.845, (95% Cl: 1.558–9.490), p = .003], education level [(AOR=0.196, (95% Cl: 0.088–0.434), p < .001], monthly income [(AOR=3.291, (95% Cl: 1.550–6.986), p = .002], and knowledge on mycotoxin contamination of sorghum [AOR, 5.428 (95% Cl: 2.855–10.319), p < .001] were significantly associated with postharvest handling and storage practices except for marital status [AOR, 3.579 (95% Cl: 0.403–31.775), p = .252]. In conclusion, caregivers of young children had poor knowledge about mycotoxin contamination of complementary foods and suboptimal postharvest handling and storage practices of sorghum. This increases the risk of mycotoxin exposure to young children and necessitates mitigation measures including sensitization campaigns and social behavior change communication.

Degradation of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis proteins in corn tissue in response to post-harvest management practices.

Knowledge of the persistence of Cry proteins in transgenic corn residue after harvest is necessary to assess the ecological risk to nontarget organisms. The amount of protein remaining in crop residue declines over time by a combination of microbial decomposition and leaching, both influenced by temperature, precipitation, and the amount of residue-soil contact. Here, we investigated how long biologically active Cry proteins persist in SmartStax corn residue expressing Cry1A.105, Cry1F, Cry2Ab2, Cry3Bb1, and Cry34/35Ab1, when subjected to four post-harvest practices (chisel plow tillage, flail mowing, cover crop planting, and undisturbed residue). Protein activity in residue samples collected up to 25weeks after harvest was measured by Ostrinia nubilalis feeding bioassays and cross validated with detection frequencies determined by ELISA. All corn residue remained above ground in the flail-mowed and undisturbed treatments, while the cover crop and chisel plow treatments left 88.3 and 39.6% of the residue remaining above ground, respectively. Cry proteins retained biological activity for as long as 24weeks after harvest when residue was left above ground with less soil contact, typical of no-till corn systems. ELISA detections were positively correlated with results of the feeding bioassays, which revealed the presence of active proteins beyond the point of ELISA detection.

Analysis on knowledge level of recommended plant protection technologies in areca nut (Areca catechu) cultivation in Salem district of Tamil Nadu

Areca nut (Areca catechu) is one of the important cash crops in India. India ranks first in terms of area and production of areca nut and accounts of 54.07 per cent of its world production. The harvesting of nuts commence on the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ (Mid-January to Mid-February) and spread over six months in carrying out the post-harvest practices and marketing of nuts. This study was purposively conducted in Salem district 2018-2019 and occupies first position in area (2,421 hectares) of areca nut in Tamil Nadu. The Peddanackenpalyam, Valapddy, Gengavalli and Attur blocks were selected based on the 87.28 per cent of the area under areca nut in this district with a sample size of 120 areca nut farmers selected by using a proportionate random sampling technique. Most of the respondents (80.00 per cent) had knowledge level of medium to high level of knowledge on the recommended plant protection technologies in areca nut cultivation. It was mainly due to the medium to the high level of information seeking behaviour and social participation. The study revealed that the areca nut growers differed widely in their social characteristics. Most of the respondents had a medium to a high level of knowledge on recommended technologies in areca nut cultivation. This finding stressed the importance of formulating different extension strategies for different audiences by the change agency system.

Knowledge of improved aonla cultivation by the tribal women of Udaipur district, Rajasthan

Aonla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) is a wonderful fruit and one of the precious gifts of nature to man. The popular use of this fruit is in indigenous medicines (Ayurvedic system) viz., trifla and chayavanprash. In addition, the aonla fruits are preserved and sold in the form of murabba, pickles, candy, jelly and jam. Aonla is an important and highly valued fruit grown in India. There is a wide scope to improve and increase the aonla production by enhancing the knowledge regarding improved aonla cultivation. Knowledge plays an important role in adoption of improved cultivation and post harvest practices of aonla. The present study was conducted in Jhadol panchayt samiti of Udaipur district, Rajasthan to assess knowledge of tribal women regarding improved aonla cultivation and post harvest practices. Total ten villages were selected from three clusters viz., Ogna, Jhadol and Baghpura. A sample of 200 tribal women was selected through random sampling technique from selected villages with proportion to the size of sample in the selected villages. Selected respondents were interviewed personally using well structured pre tested interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed by using appropriate statistical tool to infer results. The study revealed that the respondents possessed average knowledge with overall MPS 64.87 regarding improved cultivation practices of aonla. Knowledge assessment of the respondents regarding post harvest practices showed that they possessed average knowledge about post harvest practices with overall MPS 55.46.

Effect of Different Edible Coatings on Postharvest Quality of Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

Although Nepal produces a large amount of mandarin it faces huge postharvest losses due to improper postharvest practices. Treating fruits with different edible coatings can minimize postharvest losses. The experiment was carried out in the horticulture lab of Prithu Technical College, Dang, Nepal to evaluate the effects of different edible coating materials on the postharvest quality of mandarin. The experiment was laid in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and seven treatments in each replication. Mandarins were coated with different edible coating materials i.e. paraffin wax (100%, 75% and 50%), mustard oil, Aloe vera, turmeric paste and control (non-coated). After coating with different edible materials, mandarins were kept at ambient room conditions (18±2℃ and 52.41±14.35%). The lowest physiological loss in weight at 7, 14and 21 days was recorded in mandarin coated with 75% paraffin wax which was 3.10%, 4.83% and 10.33%, respectively. The highest titratable acidity (0.68%), juice content (46.33%) and marketable fruit percentage (81.73%) were recorded in 75% paraffin wax. The highest total soluble solid (14.00 ˚Brix) was recorded in control. Based on the result obtained from our research, it is suggested to use 75% paraffin wax for the storage of mandarin at ambient room conditions (18±2℃ and 52.41±14.35% RH) as it gives a high percentage of marketable fruits and juice content and also minimizes the physiological loss in weight.

Modulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Signaling Pathway by Culinary Sage (Salvia officinalis L.).

Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a common spice plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) well known for its distinctive culinary and traditional medicinal uses. Sage tea has been used traditionally as a brain-enhancing tonic and extracts from sage have been reported to have both cognitive and memory enhancing effects. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an endogenous signaling molecule involved in cognition and memory function. In this study, activity-guided fractionation employing preparative reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of culinary sage extracts led to the discovery of benzyl 6-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-β-D-glucoside (B6AG) as a natural product that upregulates transcription of neurotrophic factors in C6 glioma cells. Purified B6AG showed a moderate dose response, with upregulation of BDNF and with EC50 at 6.46 μM. To better understand the natural variation in culinary sage, B6AG was quantitated in the leaves of several commercial varieties by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The level of B6AG in dried culinary sage was found to range from 334 ± 14 to 698 ± 65 μg/g. This study provided a foundation for future investigations, including quantitative inquiries on the distribution of B6AG within the different plant organs, explorations in optimizing post-harvest practices, and aid in the development of sage varieties with elevated levels of B6AG.

Investigation of cool‐season species, seeding rate, and nitrogen fertilization in sod production: II. Management and shelf‐life

AbstractResearch is required on sod to explore the differences in management and postharvest practices to help inform sod producers and reduce information inefficiencies that affect the supply and demand of cool‐season turfgrass sod. Replicated field experiments were conducted in Indiana and Minnesota to quantify the effect of turfgrass species (strong creeping red fescue [Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin], Chewings fescue [F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin], tall fescue [F. arundinacea Schreb.], and Kentucky bluegrass [Poa pratensis L.]), seeding rate (1, 2, and 3 pure live seed (PLS) cm−2), and N fertilization (98, 196, and 294 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on growth rate and shelf‐life storage. Turf height measurements occurred at multiple timings to calculate growth rates of treatments. Sod was harvested in the spring and autumn and stored on pallets for either 24 or 72 h and then reinstalled in its previous location and treatment effects were assessed. Seeding rate had no effect on growth rate or transplant success of sod. Differences in growth rates demonstrate potential savings for sod growers through less mowing requirement when producing fine fescue sod. Treatments did not influence internal heating of sod rolls, which were higher than, but similar to, diurnal fluctuations of air temperatures. There were minimal differences among turfgrass species and N rates, which indicates strong creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass sod stored for 24–72 h after a spring or autumn harvest in Indiana or Minnesota will not hinder transplant success.

English

In Kenya, meat value chain (MVC) is an important component of the food supply chain serving as a source of nutrients and income. However, information regarding processing practices, hygiene and equipment use as affecting meat quality still remains unclear despite its relevance for data and for assessment for development of meat quality in the meat trade. Therefore, a cross sectional survey of selected slaughterhouses and butcheries in Eastern region of Kenya was carried out to assess the postharvest handling practices and meat quality. Forty meat samples were collected from rump, neck, stomach and hind legs cuts of the carcass and analyzed for total viable counts, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The findings indicate that over 50% of the meat handlers in slaughterhouses and butcheries have not received any formal training in good hygiene practices for meat handling. Total viable counts ranged from 2.159 to 2.736 log CFU/g, Staphylococcus aureus ranged from 1.112 to 1.324 log CFU/g, Escherichia coli ranged from 1.211 to 1.320 log CFU/g and Listeria monocytogenes ranged from 0.101 to 0.193 log CFU/g in the meat cuts. In conclusion, the study showed poor handling of meat which poses risks to consumers. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp; Meat quality, post-harvest practices, meat value chain.

Post-harvest practices of horticultural crops in Nepal: Issues and management

Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable in nature and have a very short shelf-life. During different handling and marketing procedures, there is massive post-harvest loss of horticulture produce, either or both qualitative and quantitative, between harvest and consumption. Factors affecting post-harvest losses differ with topography, varieties of crops, climate, etc. and are difficult to understand. Considering the fact, the present study aims to describe the status of post-harvest losses of horticultural produce and their potential management techniques. Secondary data is used to collect the related information. The demand of high-quality horticulture produce is increasing due to its healthy nutrition. Post-harvest management of the produce includes pre- and post-harvest practices, their handling, packaging, storage, distribution, and marketing. The storage life and marketable quality of the produce can be maximized by limiting (not stopping) the respiration and transpiration through proper control of temperature and relative humidity of the produce. The right selection of packaging materials and technologies play vital role in maintaining product quality and freshness during storage and distribution. Moreover, the innovative techniques like modified active packaging, active and intelligent packaging, controlled atmospheric storage, and use of antimicrobial could extend the shelf life of produce to a significant time. This review mainly focuses on the causes of qualitative and quantitative losses of horticulture produce along with the effective measures to control the losses in Nepalese context. It emphasized on the adoption of innovative technologies to improve the storage life, marketable quality and freshness of the produce.

Sensory and Physicochemical Quality, Residual Fungicide Levels and Microbial Load in 'Florida Radiance' Strawberries from Different Disease Control Treatments Exposed to Simulated Supply Chain Conditions.

Strawberries are greatly appreciated for their flavor and health-promoting properties. However, current agricultural and postharvest handling practices may result in decreased fruit quality. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of conventional or reduced fungicide applications on the quality of ‘Florida Radiance’ strawberries exposed to supply chain conditions. Strawberries held under steady temperature had better sensory and physicochemical quality than fruit exposed to supply chain conditions, regardless of the disease control treatment. Strawberries from the reduced fungicide treatment were firmer, lost less moisture, had higher sugar and higher or similar bioactive contents than fruit from the conventional treatment. Sensory scores were better for reduced fungicide fruit held under steady temperature conditions than other treatments at the consumer level. Microbial load increased during the supply chain but results strongly suggest that washing the fruit significantly reduces the microbial load and residual fungicide levels (fludioxonil, cyprodinil, pyraclostrobin, and captan) on the fruit. Overall, the use of reduced fungicide applications to control strawberry disease constitutes a promising alternative to conventional practices. It will help reduce costs by reducing labor and the amount of fungicides used while maintaining overall strawberry quality. Moreover, avoiding abusive and fluctuating temperature conditions during the supply chain will extend shelf-life and reduce strawberry waste.

HORTICULTURAL FARMERS’ ACCESS TO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION INFORMATION ON POST-HARVEST TECHNOLOGY IN KOMBO CENTRAL AND NORTH, WEST COAST REGION, THE GAMBIA

The study examines agricultural extension services and post-harvest technology of horticultural crop produce for smallholder farmers in Kombo Central and North, West Coast Region of The Gambia. The instruments designed to gather the primary data include; structured interview and focus group discussions (FGD) supported by secondary data using official documents and key informant interview for verification. The target population consisted of 398 respondents, 10 extension officers and three extension agent heads. The data was quantitatively analyzed using percentages and frequency distribution tables. The results show that the current horticultural post-harvest loss management and access to relevant information from the extension agents is inadequate, no/uneasy access to available market, poor road conditions, inadequate available facilities for post-harvest produce, and low support services from the authorities. The research comes out with the following recommendations; the need for continued research, effective and efficient communication to the farmers, availability of horticultural production and post-harvest handling information, and special extension agents training on post-harvest practices. Provision of storage and processing facilities in the vicinity of the farms as crucial, road improvement in the study areas and creating better improvement conditions for the extension agents.&#x0D; Keywords: Agriculture Extension Services, Post-Harvest Technology, Smallholder Farmer, West Coast Region, The Gambia, Horticulture Crop Produce, Kombo Central and North

EFFECTIVENESS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES TO MINIMIZE POST-HARVEST LOSSES OF HORTICULTURAL CROP PRODUCE WEST COAST REGION OF THE GAMBIA

The study examines agricultural extension services and post-harvest technology of horticultural crop produce for smallholder farmers in West Coast Region of The Gambia. The objective of the study is to examine the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in minimizing post-harvest losses of horticultural crop produce. The instruments designed to gather the primary data include; structured interview and focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interview supported by secondary data using official documents. The sample population consisted of three hundred and ninety-eight (398) respondents using a minimum sample calculation of Taro Yamane in which ten extension officers (10) and two extension agent heads (2) as key informants for a period of three months from September to November 2017. This study employs cluster, purposive and simple random sampling procedures to draw its population. The data was quantitatively analyzed using SPSS to run percentages, frequency distribution tables, t-test, chi-squared correlation test and factorial analysis. Qualitative data from the in-depth interviews and FGDs were also analyzed and presented appropriately. The findings of the study showed that extension services are not very much effective or proactive to post-harvest loss reduction in this region. The study recommends there is the need for continued research, development and investment programme in both extension and post-harvest technologies, effective and efficient communication to the farmers, special extension agents training on post-harvest practices among others.&#x0D; Keywords: Agricultural Extension Services, Effectiveness, Post-Harvest Losses, Horticultural Crop Produce, Smallholder Farmer, The Gambia

Impact of pollen genetic origin on compatibility, agronomic traits, and physicochemical quality of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) beans

Incompatibility within and between cocoa trees or cocoa clones is incontestably one of those factors which reduce cocoa yield in fields. Indeed, the traceability of raw materials is one of the major challenges that agro-industries face today. Improvement of cocoa and cocoa products’ quality passes through the identification of cocoa genetic and geographic origin as well as the farm where cocoa is produced and harvested. Hand-pollination was used to assess compatibility between clones, to select interested agronomic traits (pod length, pod cortex thickness, average beans number, average beans weight, average weight of fresh or dry beans) and to improve specific cocoa beans quality through physicochemical parameters after post-harvest practices. Three different parents were used as female-clones: ICS40 (higher Trinitario), SNK16 (Trinitario), SCA12 (Lower Amazon Forastero) and four clones added to the female ones as pollen donors: SNK16, SNK13 (Trinitario), UPA134 (Upper Amazon Forastero), T79/467 (Amelado, Forastero), T60/877 (Amelado, Forastero), ICS40 and SCA12. Crosses within Trinitario clones showed a low level of compatibility (0–18%) whereas the general combination ability between Trinitario×Forastero (59–81%) and within Forastero (84–88%) and between Forastero×Trinitaro (78–88%) was very promising. SCA12 showed a high level of compatibility efficiency compared to the two Trinitario female-clones studied. The pollen grains from SCA12 increased the pod length and average weight of fresh beans in ICS40 female-clone meanwhile those of T60/877 also increased the pod cortex thickness and average weight of fresh/dry beans in SNK16 female-clone. The genetic description of each pollen clone donor played a key role in the resulting hybrids. The pH values of fermented dried beans, ranged from 5.31 to 6.26 and was female-clone dependent. A strong negative correlation was observed between the average beans weight (fresh or dry) and pH. These results highlighted that the genetic origin of pollen grains could increase compatibility between clones, agronomic traits and consequently the physicochemical parameters of beans.

Postharvest Handling Practices of Sweetpotato in Kenya: A case of Bungoma and Homabay Counties

Postharvest losses in sweet potato can occur due to poor handling practices and inadequate knowledge on maintaining the quality and safety of the roots by handlers across the value chain. This study involved an assessment of postharvest handling practices of sweet potato in Bungoma and Homabay Counties, Kenya. A survey was carried out between November 2015 and February 2016, structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 165 respondents comprising 96 farmers, 64 traders, and 5 processors drawn from two constituencies of each of the Counties. Four key informants were also interviewed. Results showed that 68%, 87%, and 40% of sweet potato farmers, traders, and processors respectively, were women. Iron bars and wooden sticks were used in piecemeal harvesting while hoes (jembes) and ox-plows were used in wholesale harvesting of roots. Informal marketing systems that quantified roots using bags, buckets, and heaps were prevalent. Motorcycles, donkeys, bicycles, public service vehicles, foot, and carts were used by 26%, 21%, 11%, 8%, 7%, and 6% respectively to transport roots to the markets. Storage was rarely practiced by 43% of farmers and 45% of traders. Root curing was not common. Processed products included flour, puree, and dried chips. High perishability and unreliable supply of roots were major challenges indicated. The establishment of storage facilities, promotion of processing opportunities as well as formulation and enactment of a comprehensive sweet potato policy could move this industry to a commercial level. There is a need for collective action by policymakers and other stakeholders to address the challenges noted to ensure the reduction of postharvest losses for food security and better incomes.

Multi-mycotoxin profiling in maize reveals prevalence ofFusarium mycotoxins in South and West Ethiopia

Multi-mycotoxin exposure data are missing to guide risk assessment and legislation in Ethiopia. This study therefore aimed to determine mycotoxin contamination levels in maize samples from 176 randomly selected household storages in three agro ecological zones of South (Sidama zone) and West (Jimma zone) Ethiopia, and to examine the post-harvest practices and household processing. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify 23 mycotoxins. The majority of the households regularly consumed maize (more than once per day). More (77%) samples in Sidama were contaminated withFusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol than in Jimma (29%) (P&lt;0.001); Similar distributions of fumonisin B1 (19%), fumonisin B2 (19%) and fumonisin B3 (12%, Sidama vs 13%, Jimma) contamination were observed (P&gt;0.05). In Sidama, only one sample was contaminated with theAspergillus mycotoxin aflatoxin B2 and another sample with aflatoxin B1. From all samples, 40% were contaminated with 3-5 types ofFusarium mycotoxins and only 4% of the samples were contaminated with 6-8 types of mycotoxins. After the harvested maize was dried on the field, the majority of respondents in Jimma reported that they removed the maize within one day, which was less practiced in Sidama. The majority of households in Sidama, and some in Jimma, reported that they dried maize before storage, mainly using the sun. Close to two third of the study participants in the two zones reported that they applied the chemical dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) during maize storage. All households in both zones reported that they sorted visible mouldy maize grains before preparation of maize flour while most of them kept the mouldy maize for animal feed. Protective strategies ofFusarium mycotoxin contamination, with special focus on deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, should be well promoted in the study areas as they are possible human and animal health threats.

Current postharvest practices and aflatoxin contamination awareness amongst maize producers in Jimma Zone, Southwest of Ethiopia

Grain contamination by mycotoxins can cause significantly negative health and economic impact in areas where poor agricultural practices and food insecurity is prevalent. This study was conducted to investigate the current postharvest practices and aflatoxin contamination awareness level amongst maize producers in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for quantitative and qualitative data collection from 90 randomly selected maize producers in two districts through a cross-sectional study design. The study revealed poor postharvest practices due to lack of proper infrastructure. Maize is harvested after maturation with the use of traditional sun drying. Plastic sheets are commonly used to protect harvested maize from rain during field drying. The majority of the respondents reported the use of traditional storage structures (81.1%) with great potential for possible mould proliferation and aflatoxin production. Maize producers of up to 62.2% were ignorant about aflatoxins and up to 26.7% reported the possible usage of aflatoxin contaminated maize in human food preparation and animal feed production. Up to 53.3% of the respondents were ignorant of aflatoxin risks in human health and stability during food processing hence the usage of mouldy maize fortella brewing. Further investigations on aflatoxin levels in maize-based food and beverages, and human exposure studies are needed. Moreover, there is a need to enhance the maize producers’ knowledge on good agricultural practices and mycotoxicosis through awareness programmes.

Effect of Drying Methods and Type of Packaging Materials on Phytochemical Content and Total Antioxidant Capacity of Five Medicinal Plants with Cosmetic Potential over Three Months Storage at Ambient Temperature

Drying and storage are the most integral parts of the post-harvest practices of herbal materials. These practices directly influence the physical and chemical quality of the processed product. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of drying methods and packaging materials on total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, and total antioxidant capacity of five medicinal plant leaves with cosmetic potential. Leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Senna alata (L.) Roxb., Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and Justicia adhatoda L. were dried to a constant weight using shade drier at 30-35°C, solar drier at 30-40°C and oven at 40°C. Thereafter, dried leaves were stored using three different packaging materials namely glass jars, polythene bags and gunny bags at ambient temperature for three months. Aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, folin-ciocalteau method, and phosphomolybdate assay were employed to analyze the total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of ethanolic extracts of leaves respectively in each month. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation of minimum three replications. Significant interactions of the drying methods and packaging materials on TAC, TFC and TPC of dried leaf materials were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA. Results showed that the maximum TFC, TPC and TAC in oven dried H. rosa-sinensis (23.48±2.49 mg RE/100g DW, 1.09±0.24 mg GAE/100g DW and 0.39±0.05 mg AAE/100g DW respectively) and C. asiatica (128.64±10.59 mg RE/100g DW, 2.38±0.32 mg GAE/100g DW and 2.2±0.05 mg AAE/100g DW respectively) leaves stored in glass jars and solar dried S. alata (117.43±9.00 mg RE/100g DW, 3.99±0.29 mg GAE/100g DW and 1.07±0.04 mg AAE/100g DW respectively), O. tenuiflorum (216.02±0.75 mg RE/100g DW, 1.92±0.12 mg GAE/100g DW and 1.07±0.03 mg AAE/100g DW respectively) and J. adhatoda (11.13±1.23 mg RE/100g DW, 1.02±0.19 mg GAE/100g DW and 0.42±0.04 mg AAE/100g DW respectively) leaves stored in glass jars at the end of the storage period. However, statistically significant interaction (p value < 0.05) was not reported between drying method and packaging material on TPC of C. asiatica and O. tenuiflorum leaves and TFC of S. alata leaves. In conclusion, determining the effect of different processing methods on chemical constituents of aforementioned plant leaf materials is suggested to assure the quality of the final product.

CORRELATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLURALISTIC EXTENSION APPROACH USED IN THE MADISKARTENG PAGSASAKA (INGINUITIVE FARMING) PROGRAM

The study aimed to determine the relationship between the Pluralistic Extension approach used in the Madiskarteng Pagsasaka program to the farmer-students' attitude towards the use and adoption of the rice and rice-based technologies discussed in the program. Overall, the socio-demographic profile of the respondents had a weak to no relationship with their perceived effectiveness of the program. Results showed that only monthly income was positively and significantly related to the respondents' perceived effectiveness of the PhilRice Text Center (r= .281*, p< .05). Findings, however, showed that only the learning center and the program content had a significant relationship with the perceived usefulness of some technologies. Perceived usefulness of water management was positively and significantly related to the perceived effectiveness of the learning site (r= .274*, p< .05). However, results showed that only two components of the program had a significant relationship with one of the technologies in the PalayCheck™ System. Among the economic variables, monthly income and family income were significantly related to the respondents’ perceived usefulness of the component technologies under the PalayCheck™ system. Results showed that respondents who perceived the technologies as easy to use also perceived that the technologies were useful. The result of the correlation analysis for perceived usefulness, ease of use, and adoption for Area 1 or seed quality and variety showed a positive and significant relationship for both usefulness and ease of use to adoption. Unlike area 1 where significant relationships were seen between adoption, usefulness, and ease of use, adoption of component technologies under area 2 was more related to ease of use. For area 3, adoption of component technologies was mostly positively related to ease of use, while some also showed a positive relationship to usefulness. Adoption of component technologies under area 4 or nutrient management was mostly highly and positively significant to perceived usefulness and ease of use of the technology except for first nutrient application during 0-14DAT which was only positively related to ease of use (r= .356**, p< .01). There were two component technologies under area 5 or water management. Adoption of alternative wetting and drying observation well was both highly and significantly related to usefulness (r= .483**, p< .01) and ease of use (r= .356**, p< .01. For management area 7 or harvest management, most of the component technologies were significant to the respondents’ perceived ease of use. Lastly, component technologies under area 8 which tackled more post-harvest practices, were all positively significant to the respondents’ perceived usefulness and ease of use of the technologies.