Vol 16, No 3 ,2015 , African Scientist

Tomato fruits are perishable. Hence several methods have been adopted in their preservation which have not been generally accepted due to their health implications. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the potential of coconut oil and sheabutter in the preservation of tomato fruits. Tomato fruits were washed and treated with coconut oil and shea butter which was varied at different concentrations of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 % (w/v).

 This study aimed at assessing the presence of plant pathogenic fungi in soil samples collected from the immediate vicinities of anthill mounds and adjacent areas. Soil samples were collected from anthill mound and their corresponding adjacent soils, from four sites located in Ekosodin and Ugbowo respectively with both locations sited in Benin City, Nigeria. Enumeration, characterization and identification of fungal isolates were done using standard mycological methods.

Alstonia boonei De wild is famed for several bioactive properties; this study measures its in vivo antimalarial potentials as well as phytochemical, nutritional and antioxidant properties. Variants of its stem bark extract were screened for phytochemical, nutritional and antioxidant properties using established procedures.

The study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract against fungal phytopathogens isolated from diseased tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) fruit. Diseased tomato fruits were obtained and to establish a mixed culture. Two distinctive fungi were identified on the mixed cultures and subculture into freshly prepared potato dextrose agar medium.

The study was carried out to determine the effect of honey, palm oil and NPK fertilizer on the growth of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel. and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jack.) Kumm. on Celtis zenkeri Engl. sawdust.

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a cellulose derivative utilized as a thickener in food processing, as well as in non-food items including paints and detergents. In this study, CMC was produced from cellulose which was obtained from rubber seed shells (RSS).  The CMC was produced from cellulose by mercerization with 30% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and etherified using monochloroacetic acid. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the CMC produced therein. The amount of cellulose extracted from RSS was 55.15 %.

This study investigated the comparative profiling and bioaccumulation of PAHs in soil and Talinum triangulare harvested from charcoal production areas in Southern Nigeria. T. triangulare was cultivated in three sites (1, 2 and 3) in a charcoal production environment for seven weeks.

Tomatoes contribute to healthy, well-balanced diet. They are rich in minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, sugar and dietary fibres. It contains much vitamin B and C, iron and phosphorus. Tomato fruits are consumed fresh in salads or cooked in sauces, soup and meat or fish dishes. Phytochemical compounds are desirable compounds in our food because of their antioxidant properties. The study of phytochemical and proximate evaluation of fresh and spoilt tomatoes fruits obtained from five markets in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria was carried out.

This study determined the effects of Zinger officinale Rhizome ethanolic extract on blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic Wistar rats. Twenty five adult male Wistar (150±8 g) with an average blood sugar level of 145 mg/dL were used for the study.