EFFECT OF LEAF EXTRACT OF ASURO (Justicia Adhatoda L.) ON POST-HARVEST LIFE AND QUALITY OF TOMATO.
ABSTRACT
A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of leaf extract of Asuro (Justicia adhatoda L.) on postharvest shelf life and quality attributes of tomatoes at IAAS, Paklihawa, Rupandehi. Two tomato varieties (Samjhana and Sarba-Shrestha), freshly harvested, were treated with aqueous extract of J. adhatoda and stored in ambient conditions. The experiment was laid out using a completely randomized design. Treatments used were 50% and 100% aqueous extract of J. adhatoda along with 2% calcium chloride and control. Each treatment was composed of 10 tomatoes and replicated thrice. The data were recorded on alternate days and analyzed using ANOVA with R-stat version 4.1.2. The treatment with 50% Asuro extract gave the most promising result in TSS and pH followed by 2% CaCl2. In comparison, no treatments had any significant impact on TA and vitamin C. Maximum weight loss was recorded in 50% Asuro leaf extract treated tomatoes. In comparison, minimum weight loss was seen on 2% calcium chloride showing a higher shelf life. Considering all parameters Samjhana variety was found to have better performance than the Sarba-Shrestha variety.