EFFECTS OF WATER-STRESS ON THE POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF 2 LEAFY VEGETABLES, TELFAIRIA-OCCIDENTALIS AND PTEROCARPUS-SOYAUXII DURING STORAGE

The effect of water stress (excessive water loss) on the post-harvest quality of two leafy vegetables, Telfairia occidentalis and Pterocarpus soyauxii, at ambient (30-35 degrees C) and low temperature (10 degrees C) was investigated in south-eastern Nigeria. The effect of seal-packaging the vegetables in polyethylene and paper bags on quality decline of the leafy vegetables was also monitored. Unsealed leaves of T occidentalis and P soyauxii rapidly lost water during storage at either ambient or low temperature. There were decreases in the chlorophyll, protein and ascorbic acid contents in the stressed leaves. Packaging of the leaves in polyethylene bags alleviated these losses. Sealing of the leaves in polyethylene bags also alleviated water stress.