Effects of pre-storage treatments and storage methods on sprouting and nutritional quality of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) Rhizomes

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) is an important spice crop throughout the world. Harvested ginger rhizomes are highly susceptible to damage during post-harvest storage due to soil-borne pathogens or pest attack. Improving the indigenous technology of pre-storage treatments and storage methods are necessary to achieve better and viable quality of ginger rhizomes. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted between December, 2014 and May, 2015 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of pre-storage treatments and storage methods on sprouting and nutritional quality of ginger rhizomes.The pre-storage treatments were 5g of hydrated lime per 2½ litres of water, 100 ml of Trichoderma harzianum, 5g of Mancozeb per 2½ litres of water and control. The storage methods were refrigerator, clay pots, pit storage lined with sand layer, pit storage lined with sawdust and black polythene bag with twelve perforations. Data were collected on percentage sprouting, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, percentage weight loss, diameter and nutritional quality of ginger rhizomes.Combination between pre-storage treatment and storage method combinations enhanced the percentage sprouting, growth .parameters and quality of ginger rhizomes at various storage periods. Ginger rhizomes treated with pit sawdust and Trichoderma harzianum as well as polythene and mancozeb recorded highest percentage sprouting of 100 % while rhizomes stored in refrigerator and the control recorded the least (21.00%) at various storage periods. In conclusion, the use of pit-sawdust in combination with T. harzianum proved to be most effective in sprouting and maintaining the quality of ginger rhizomes.