EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON THE SHELF-LIFE OF ONION (Allium cepa L)
EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON THE SHELF-LIFE OF ONION (Allium cepa L)
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Date
1980-03
Authors
AGBAJI, ABEL SIMON
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Abstract
The effect of gamma irradiation on the shelf-life
of onion was investigated. Onions of variety DS x WS'78
and DS'79 harvested 14 days prior to the experiment were
treated at about 25°C with 5,8 and 15 krad doses of
gamma irradiation. Bulbs were stored in a well ventilated
room (temperature 20-25°C and RH 20-82%) in
vegetable mesh bags on wooden shelves for 7 months.
Onions were weekly investigated for sprouting and rotting-
Chemical analyses were carried out monthly for ascorbic
acid, fl -our, protein, dry matter, lipid, ash and
reducing sugar.
Irradiation dose of 5-15 krad completely inhibited
sprouting throughout the whole storage period but
irradiated bulbs showed a higher tendency to rot. In
comparison with the control, irradiation did not have any
significant effect on ascorbic acid, dry matter, flavour
and lipid but the protein content was siginificantly lower
in the irradiated bulbs. Irradiation had significant
effect on the ash and reducing sugar. The compositional
differences found between irradiated and untreated onion
seem to be of no nutritional or organoleptic significance -
Almost 100% loss was recorded for local storage trial.
Description
A Thesis submitted in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY
ZARIA
NIGERIA
Keywords
EFFECT,, GAMMA,, GAMMA IRRADIATION,, SHELF-LIFE,, ONION,, Allium cepa L