Prospects of Ethylene Absorbers in Reducing Postharvest Losses and Extending the Shelf Life of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Nigeria

Abstract

- Tomato moves quickly from harvest to deterioration, especially where fruit is exposed to heat, rough handling, water loss, poor packaging and delays in marketing. Ethylene is part of this process because it drives ripening and softening, but it is not the only cause of loss. This paper examines whether materials that remove ethylene from storage or packaging atmospheres could help preserve tomato in Nigeria. Evidence from original tomato experiments was considered separately from review articles, studies on other crops and treatments such as 1-methylcyclopropene and edible coatings. Modified zeolites, potassium-permanganate systems and promoted porous materials have reduced ethylene or delayed aspects of ripening under controlled conditions. The size of the benefit, however, changes with cultivar, maturity, temperature, humidity, dose, package design and the way shelf life is defined. One Nigerian experiment found that a treatment described as 5% potassium permanganate delayed complete spoilage, although the study did not establish the marketable life, commercial sachet design or cost of the treatment. The available evidence supports further development of ethylene absorbers as part of a broader postharvest system rather than as a stand-alone answer to tomato loss. Their practical value in Nigeria will depend on safe containment, reliable performance in warm and humid conditions, affordability and field testing with traders and farmers.