Shelf Life and Proximate Analysis of Gamma Irradiated Tomatoes (Lycopersicon Esculentum) Locally Grown in Benue State, Nigeria

In order to address the postharvest losses associated with the production of tomatoes locally grown in Gboko local Government Area of Benue state,the effect of Gamma irradiation on the shelf life and proximate composition of gamma irradiated Lycopersicon esculentum tomatoes locally grown in Gboko local Government Area of Benue State was investigated using the following gamma irradiation doses: 0.25 kGy, 0.50 kGy, 1.00 kGy and 2.00 kGy respectively from Gamma Irradiator (GS 1000) located at Nuclear Technology Centre, Abuja. The analysis of the investigation revealed that the dose range of 0.50 kGy to 1.00 kGy is effective for extension of shelf life of Lycopersicon esculentum tomatoes by 9 to 10 days respectively. Kjedal and iodometric methods were employed to determine the carbohydrate, crude fibre, ascorbic acid, moisture content, percentage ash, percentage protein and fat contents of non-irradiated and irradiated tomatoes. Results of the analysis revealed that the mentioned parameters decreased with increasing gamma irradiation doses except carbohydrate which increased with increasing gamma irradiation doses. The dose range of 0.5 kGy to 1.00 kGy is recommended for the extension of shelf life of Lycopersicon esculentum tomatoes locally grown in Benue State.