Tropentag, September 16 - 18, 2026, Göttingen "Towards multi-functional agro-ecosystems promoting climate-resilient futures"

Gene-driven optimisation of soilless media to enhance tomato shelf life and support food security in Africa

¹Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dept. of Biochemistry
²Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dept. of Animal Production and Health

Abstract

Optimising postharvest quality of Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) is critical for food and nutrition security in Africa, where postharvest losses due to short shelf life significantly limit availability. The yield of tomato in Nigeria is low, the average in Western part of the country being only about 5 tons per hectare and 20 tons per hectare in Northern Nigeria. One of the reasons for this low yield in Nigeria is poor fruit set resulting from temperatures that are generally above optimum range for good fruit set. Soilless growing methods are on the rise due to the reality of climate change which is impacting on the efficiency of food production. The major types include substrate and non-substrate based as well as aquaponics and hydroponics. This study investigated the role of different soilless growth media on the growth and yield patterns of determinate S. lycopersicum (tomatoes) at the physiologic (growth, flowering, and fruiting) and genetic (growth, ovary development and fruiting) levels. We also investigated how alternative soilless substrates can enhance nutritional quality, safety, and storability of determinate S. lycopersicum, thereby reducing postharvest wastage. Seedlings were cultivated in cocopeat, topsoil+cocopeat (1:1), and cocopeat+rice hulls, with conventional topsoil as control under controlled environmental conditions. Cocopeat and cocopeat+rice hulls improved protein, fiber, and mineral contents, and enhanced antioxidant levels, supporting better nutritional value for vulnerable populations. Physicochemical assessments showed that these substrates reduced weight loss from 34.91% to 5.81% after 15 days, indicating extended shelf life and greater marketable yield. Gene expression profiling revealed favourable regulation of growth and quality-related genes, while safety assessment confirmed absence of aflatoxins and acceptable pesticide residues across all media. Conclusively, cocopeat-based substrates, particularly cocopeat+rice hulls, offer a sustainable strategy to prolong tomato shelf life, improve nutritional quality, and ensure safer produce, thereby contributing to reduced postharvest losses and improved food security in Africa

Keywords: Aflatoxin, antioxidants, food security, nutritional profile, soilless culture, Solanum lycopersicum

Contact Address: Oluwatosin Dosumu, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dept. of Biochemistry, ALABATA ABEOKUTA OGUN STATE, 110001 Abeokuta, Nigeria, e-mail: dosumuoafunaab.edu.ng