Evaluation Of Storage Strategies In Order To Curb Postharvest Losses Of Breadfruit Seeds In Nigeria (Treculia Africana)

ABSTRACT

Information on postharvest preservation strategies of stored breadfruit seeds are limited in Nigeria. The recent study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of postharvest storage strategies of breadfruit seeds in the country. The experiment consist of six treatment (2) metal silos, (2) rubber drum and (2) bags. Each among the storage container contains either alligator pepper or bitter cola as preservatives. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, moisture content, percentage weight loss of seed, presence of insects per treatment, proximate analysis and mineral content were determined during the two months of storage. Results shows that storage strategies such as silo with alligator pepper led to a significantly lower insect population compared to the control. Besides, use of silo also results in a significantly lower seed weight loss compared to control.The present result demonstrate the potential of preserving stored breadfruit without relying on synthetic insecticide but by using bitter cola and alligator pepper as preservatives. We recommend that metal silos and alligator should be promoted for use by farmers for postharvest preservation of their stored breadfruit.