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Evaluation of Shelf Life of Lettuce Grown on Different Organic Media

Nsikan Imoh Udonyah, Hassan Abdulmumini, I

Abstract

This study evaluated the shelf life and postharvest quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown on four different organic media—Coconut Peat, Rice Hulls, Groundnut Hulls, and Palm Peat— under controlled greenhouse conditions at the Department of Crop Production, Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using a drip irrigation system and NPK 20:15:15 nutrient solution. Physical quality parameters, including leaf color, texture, and appearances, as well as microbiological characteristics, were assessed at harvest and during storage at 15°C and 70% relative humidity. Results indicated that lettuce grown on Coconut Peat and Palm Peat exhibited superior physical attributes, with higher leaf color (4.5 and 4.2), texture (4.2 and 4.0), and appearance (4.5 and 4.2) scores compared to Rice Hulls and Groundnut Hulls. Microbiological analysis revealed lower total plate counts (3.2 and 3.8 CFU/g) and yeast and mold counts (2.1 and 2.5 CFU/g) for Coconut Peat and Palm Peat, respectively. Consequently, the shelf life of lettuce grown on Coconut Peat (14 days) and Palm Peat (12 days) was longer than those grown on Rice Hulls (10 days) and Groundnut Hulls (8 days). The findings suggest that Coconut Peat and Palm Peat are effective alternative growing media for lettuce production, providing improved postharvest quality, extended shelf life, and potential economic benefits for sustainable vegetable farming in Nigeria.

Keywords

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)organic mediaCoconut PeatPalm Peatpostharvest

References

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