Control of Spoilage Microorganisms in Garden Egg (solanum Macrocapon)

Student: Hellen Oluwayemisi Akinola (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Bamidele Olumilua University of Edu. Science and Tech. Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State


Abstract

ABSTRACT The Microbial control of spoilage organisms in garden egg (Solanum macrocarpon) offers a sustainable approach to reducing postharvest losses and enhancing food security. This study investigated the potential of honey, water , and ethanol as natural agents for microbial control of spoilage microorganisms in garden egg ( Solanum macrocarpon). Spoilage organisms was isolated and identified through standard Microbiological techniques. Honey, water, and ethanol were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy using diffusion and contact assays. Ethanol demonstrated the highest inhibitory effect, significantly reducing Microbial growth , followed by honey , which exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity attributed to its osmotic pressure and bioactive compounds. Water showed limited effectiveness, likely due to its inability to inhibit microbial proliferation. These results highlight the potential of honey and ethanol as eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions for microbial control in garden egg preservation

Keywords
Spoilage Microorganisms Garden Egg Solanum macrocarpon Antimicrobial Ethanol Honey Preservation Bacillus spp. Postharvest Microbial Load Antibiotic Susceptibility