Assessment of Petiveria alliacea L. Extract on the Shelf life and Residue Analysis of Solanum lycopersicum L. fruits.

The widespread use of synthetic insecticides in crop production has raised concerns regarding residue accumulation in food products and associated environmental and health risks. Plant derived bioinsecticides offer biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives for sustainable pest management. Petiveria alliacea L. has been reported to possess insecticidal properties, however, information on its residue behavior and impact on postharvest fruit quality remains limited. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of P. alliacea root extract and its effects on residue persistence and shelf life of tomato fruits.The experiment was conducted at the Crop Garden, Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Treatments consisted of 50%, 75%, and 100% concentrations of P. alliacea root extract and an untreated control. The study was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four biological replicates and repeated twice. Tomato fruits harvested at the breaker stage were stored at 22 ± 2°C and 90% relative humidity. Physiological weight loss, firmness, colour development, and total soluble solids were evaluated throughout storage. Phytochemical and residue analysis were performed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. GC-MS analysis identified phytol (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-ol), a diterpene alcohol, as the predominant constituent with a relative peak area of 30%. Other constituents detected included dibenzyl disulfide (11.3%) and dibenzyl trisulfide (7.1%). Compound identification was based on retention time and mass spectral matching with GC-MS library databases. The 75% extract concentration significantly improved postharvest quality (p < 0.05), resulting in higher fruit weight, enhanced firmness and color, longer shelf-life compared with the control and other treatments. The 50% concentration showed moderate effectiveness and did not differ significantly from the control (p < 0.05). The 100% concentration increased tomato fruit decay. Residue analysis detected benzaldehyde at a retention time of 34.5 min in fruits treated with the 100% concentration, suggesting residue accumulation and possible phytotoxic effects. These findings indicate that a 75% P. alliacea root extract concentration may effectively extend tomato shelf life while minimizing residue related risks