Abstract:
Tomato production has increased in recent years due to the economic and nutritional importance of the crop. This increase
is made possible by the numerous research advances made along the entire value chain. However, scientific research has been
focussed mainly on production whilst neglecting postharvest issues. Tomato producers have therefore enjoyed good harvests
in recent times, though the good harvests of those from developing countries do not translate into profit as most are lost after
harvest. From this study, it was revealed that the postharvest quality and shelf life of the fruit in part will depend on some
postharvest handling practices and treatments carried out after harvest. Handling practices like harvesting, precooling, cleaning
and disinfecting, sorting and grading, packaging, storing, and transportation played an important role in maintaining quality and
extending shelf life. Using appropriate postharvest treatments like refrigeration, heat treatment, modified atmosphere packaging
(MAP), and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and calciumchloride (CaCl2) application was also vital. It was concluded by this study
that the quality of the harvested fruit can be maintained and shelf life extended by using appropriate postharvest handling practices
and treatment methods. Failure to adhere to these practices will result in a high amount of loss.
