ISSN: 2474-8846
Authors: Babalola OS*, Iroka M, Paul T and Ezejiofor N
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a vegetable crop that easily loses its nutritional quality if stored under poor environment and structure respectively after harvest. Okra is a good source of vitamins A, B and C. It also has good contents of protein, minerals and iodine. The aim of this research is to assess and compare the performance of perforated sack bag, basket, perforated plastic can and wooden net cage as storage structures for okra under tropical humid environmental condition. The four storage structures were analyzed to determine their effectiveness as storage structures for okra handling and preservation. Perforated sack bag and palm basket were purchased, while perforated plastic can and wooden net cage were constructed. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory of ABE department, MOUAU, Nigeria. The use of perforated sack bag (13 days) and wooden net cage (12 days) showed higher resistance to rottenness than palm basket and perforated plastic can (11 days) by one day difference. The weight loss of okra crops in perforated plastic can (46.02%) was lower than other structures. The results showed that perforated sack bag and wooden net cage are preferred for retaining the quality of okra crop for average of 12 days under humid tropical region.
Keywords: Okra; Structures; Rottenness; Weight Loss; Perforated Plastic Can; Wooden Net Cage
