Investigating Human Perception on Extent of Postharvest Spoilage of Potato in Two Local Government Areas in Ogun State, Nigeria.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62050/fjst2025.v9n1.458Keywords:
Food security, Human perception, Postharvest handling, Preservative, StorageAbstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally important crop that plays a vital role in providing food and income for many populations. Several factors have been identified as limiting the realization of food security in many countries around the world. Increasing food availability thus involves not only increasing agricultural productivity, but also reducing food losses.
This study focused on evaluating the incidence of potato postharvest spoilage among local store owners in Ijebu North and Ijebu Ode local governments using a descriptive design methodology. Supermarkets and local store owners in Ijebu North and Ijebu Ode local governments were included as participants, and data was collected using structured questionnaires. A sample size of 150 respondents was used; the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. The findings of the study indicated that potato postharvest spoilage predominantly occurs during the wet seasons. It was observed that proper handling of potatoes during storage and the use of suitable storage areas can help reduce the incidence of potato rot diseases.
In conclusion, Potato rot disease is a significant problem for potato farmers in Nigeria, and it can have devastating effects on their livelihoods. The disease has the potential to reduce crop yields, deteriorate potato quality, and even lead to complete crop failure. Therefore, implementing appropriate measures such as proper handling and proper storage practices are crucial for mitigating the occurrence and impact of potato rot diseases thus promoting food security in Nigeria.
Downloads
References
Bangar, S. P., Purewal, S. S., Trif, M., Maqsood, S., Kumar, M., Manjunatha, V. and Rusu, A. V. (2021). Functionality and applicability of starch-based films: An eco-friendly approach. Foods, 10(9), 2181.
Bhardwaj, V., Salej, S., Ashwani, K., Vanishree, G., Sanjeev, S. and Sundaresha, S. (2019). Efficiency and reliability of marker assisted selection for resistance to major biotic stresses in potato. Potato J., 46(1), 56-66.
Burt, S. (2004). Essential oils: their antibacterial properties and potential applications in foods – A review. International Journal of Food
Microbiology, 94(3), 223-253.
Chipley, J. R. (2020). Sodium benzoate and benzoic acid. In: Antimicrobials in Food (pp. 41-88). CRC Press.
Fayinminu, A. O., Liamngee, K., Gbira, T., Fru, N. G., Rekiya, Y., Mohammad, A., Kum, A.B., Mbateng, L. W., Ligom, T. G. and Awua, D. T (2025). Identification and Pathogenicity of Fungi Causing Postharvest Decay of Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Tubers Sold in
Makurdi. European Journal of Ecology, Biology and Agriculture, 2(1), 3-13. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2018). Food Loss and Waste. http://www.fao.org/food-loss-and-food-waste/en/
Hair Jr, J. F., LDS Gabriel, M., Silva, D. D. and Braga, S. (2019). Development and validation of attitudes measurement scales: fundamental and practical aspects. RAUSP Management Journal, 54(4), 490-507.
Jimoh, M. O., Adejumo, S. A., Adeosun, O. A. and Afolabi, R. O. (2018). Evaluation of extracts from some tropical plants for the control of postharvest fungal rot of Irish potatoes. J. of Plant Diseases and Protection, 125(5), 537-544.
Nxumalo, K. A., Aremu, A. O. and Fawole, O. A. (2021). Potentials of medicinal plant extracts as an alternative to synthetic chemicals in postharvest protection and preservation of horticultural crops: A review. Sustainability, 13(11), 5897.
Opara, L. U. and Mazhar, H. (2016). Strategies for reducing food waste and losses: A case study of fresh produce supply chain in Canada. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 7(4), 297-311.
Osafo, R., Balali, G. I., Amissah-Reynolds, P. K., Gyapong, F., Addy, R., Nyarko, A. A. and Wiafe, P. (2022). Microbial and parasitic contamination of vegetables in developing countries and their food safety guidelines. Journal of Food Quality, 1, 4141914.
Ramos, B., Miller, F. A., Brandão, T. R. S., Teixeira, P., & Silva, C. L. M. (2013). Fresh fruits and vegetables—An overview on applied methodologies to improve its quality and safety. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 20, 1-15.
Sama, V., Molua, E. L., Nkongho, R. N. and Ngosong, C. (2023). Potential of sodium benzoate additive to control food-borne pathogens and spoilage microbes on cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) fufu and shelf-life extension. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 11, 100521.
Singer, S. D., Laurie, J. D., Bilichak, A., Kumar, S. and Singh, J. (2021). Genetic variation and unintended risk in the context of old and new
breeding techniques. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 40(1), 68-108.
Singh, A. K., Dubey, A. and Kumar, A. (2021). Advances in food preservation technologies and their impact on food safety. Journal of Food
Safety, 41(1), 128-221.
Singh, G., Bhadange, S., Bhawna, F., Shewale, P., Dahiya, R., Aggarwal, A., ... and Arya, S. K. (2023). Phytoremediation of radioactive
elements, possibilities and challenges: special focus on agricultural aspects. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 25(1), 1-8.
Vlaiculescu, A., & Varrone, C. (2022). Sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to reduce the use of pesticides. In: Pesticides in the Natural Environment (pp. 329-364), Elsevier.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
How to Cite
