Influence of wood species on moist sawdust storage of fresh tomatoes

Abstract

The effect of using moist sawdust from three different wood species for the storage of fresh tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) was studied. The three wood species were Triplochiton scleroxylon, Terminalia ivorensis and Chlorophera excelsa. Tomato at three ripening stages, matures green, breaker and light red were used in the study. The water uptake capacities of sawdust of Terminalia ivorensis and Chlorophora excelsa were found to be comparable and better than the sawdust of Triplochiton scleroxylon. This trend did not influence the rates of physiological loss in weight. The rates of physiological loss in weight of of the tomatoes at all the three ripening stages were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the moist sawdust of Chlorophora excelsa than in the moist sawdust of Terminalia ivorensis was slower as compared to the rest. High bacterial and mould counts were found on fruits stored in the sawdust of Chlorophora excelsa