Determination of the Optimum Dosage of Gamma Irradiation on Tomatoes for Effective Shelf-Life Extension in Benue State

In this study, the determination of tomato shelf life under agroclimatic condition using gamma radiation was undertaken. The AOAC method was employed to determine the nutritional profiles of freshly harvested matured unripe tomatoes (Roma VFN and UTC) free of mechanical injury or physiological disorder packaged inside an envelope and irradiated using gamma irradiation (Co-60 irradiator, 220 Gamma cell Excel) and statistical analysis carried out. Results of the study indicate that irradiation of tomatoes with gamma irradiation doses of 0.4kGy, 0.7kGy and 1.0kGy had no significant effect on the nutritional content of the tomato varieties irradiated. The study showed that gamma irradiation at 0.40kGy to 1.0kGy was effective in reducing rotting and enhancing the extension of the shelf life of the tomatoes with the optimum dose for shelf life extension being determined to be 1.0kGy.