Abstract Detail

Ecology

Olowoyo, Joshua [1], Aina, Olawole Emmanuel [2], Amoo, Stephen [3], Mugivhisa, Liziwe [3].

Effect of organic (animal manures) and inorganic (NPK chemical fertilizer) soil amendments on the phytochemical contents of Lycopersicon esculentum.

The study was a greenhouse experiment conducted to compare the level of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activities of Lycopersicon esculentum fruits cultivated on different soil amendments (cow dung, chicken droppings and NPK). Seedlings of L. esculentum were transplanted into pre-treated soils (two plants per pot) and watered daily in the afternoon for a period of five months. The Lycopersicon esculentum fruits were harvested at maturity (red-ripened stage) and subjected to both phytochemical and antioxidant activity analyses using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV) Spectrophotometer respectively. The level of beta-carotene was significantly different (p<0.05) in the fruits cultivated in the soil amended with NPK fertilizer. However, the concentrations of other phytochemical compounds were in the order of cow dung > control > NPK > chicken droppings and the differences obtained were significant (p < 0.05). The antioxidant activities evaluated showed the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhyrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity in fruits cultivated in a cow dung amended soil. The general pattern of the results showed that L. esculentum cultivated in the soils with amendments with low level of nitrogen produced higher levels of phytochemical contents and potential antioxidant activity. Keywords: Antioxidants; extract; phytochemicals; soil amendment; tomato fruit

1 - Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa, P.O. BOX 139, Medunsa, South Africa, Gauteng, 0204, South Africa
2 - Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Biology, Medunsa Campus, SMU, Natural Sciences Building, Ground Floor, Office 00, Pretoria, GT, 0204, South Africa
3 - Sefako Magatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa, P.O. Box 139, Medunsa, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0204, South Africa

Keywords:
tomato
antioxidant
trace metals
organic.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 2, Ecology Section - Functional Traits and Responses
Location: 104/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: 2003
Abstract ID:100
Candidate for Awards:None