Amaranth is a hardy leafy vegetable, with most of its species able to grow wildly even under harsh environmental conditions. It is an important vegetable among many African communities, including those in East Africa. However, whether and how water stress affects its nutritional profile is still unclear. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the effect of water deficit stress on accumulation of selected nutrients, metabolites and on transcription of specific biosynthesis genes in leaf amaranth. Ten accessions of amaranth were grown in a greenhouse at temperatures between 25°C to 27°C. Half of the plants were subjected to drought stress conditions from the third week after transplanting, the other half were watered normally as a control for three days. Putative genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of oxalates, vitamin C and carotenoids were identified and their expression levels were compared under well-watered and water deficit stress conditions in the amaranth plants. Nutritional analysis of the leaves was also done for oxalates, vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, calcium, iron and zinc. There was no significant (P≤0.05)change in calcium, iron and zinc content due to the stress, while antioxidant biochemical components were significantly (P≤0.05) increased. Correlation analysis showed low correlation coefficients between the expression of most genes and the concentration of respective biochemical components. However, the GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase (GGP/VTC2) gene was up-regulated in all the accessions and showed a significant association with vitamin C content. There was also a significant correlation between the lycopene beta cyclase (LCY) gene with total carotenoids. All genes of the same pathways showed significant correlations. Significant partial correlations were also evident in gene-gene pair of the same pathway vs associated components. In conclusion, water deficit stress increased the accumulation of carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as vitamin C. It also resulted in changes in gene expression patterns. While a single gene in a pathway did not strongly affect a particular component, changes in vitamin C levels were associated with expression levels of GGP/VTC2 gene.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3 and the Malabo Declaration both address the critical issue of food loss and waste (FLW), but they differ in scope, timelines and regional focus. While SDG 12.3 provides a global framework and target of 2030, the Malabo Declaration reflects Africa’s pressing need to reduce FLW by 2025. Despite these targets and focus on FLW reduction by the global community, high FLW of fruits and vegetables continues to persist in many parts of Africa due to systemic constraints related to limitations in governance, financing and knowledge. It is estimated that up to 50% of nutritious fruits and vegetables are lost and yet supply hardly meets demand. The objective of this review was to identify the causes of FLW as well as possible solutions to reduce FLW in three fruit and vegetable values chains in East Africa. These three fruit and vegetable value chains were categorized as (i) “exotic, produced all year round, highly perishable and very inexpensive”, (ii) “exotic and indigenous, seasonal production, somewhat perishable and somewhat expensive” and (iii) “indigenous, produced all year round, extremely perishable and inexpensive”, represented by tomatoes, mangoes and indigenous leafy green vegetables, respectively. The upstream (farmer to market place) and downstream (market place to fork) causes of FLW are discussed and their respective solutions are suggested. The solutions provided herein are not only economically viable but also practical and can be adopted for the reduction of FLW in fruit and vegetable value chains in East Africa. This approach could result in the simultaneous increase of the access and affordability of fruits and vegetables for low-income consumers in East Africa.

The mango processing industry generates peels as byproducts, which are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including pectin. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of extraction methods on antioxidants and pectin yields from mango peels to determine the most effective techniques for recovery of bioactive compounds for potential applications in food industry. The antioxidants were extracted using microwave assisted extraction (MAE), enzyme assisted extraction (EAE), ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and water-bath assisted extraction (WBAE) while pectin extraction was performed using MAE, conventional acid extraction (CAE) and UAE. Drying methods (solar, oven, freeze) and mango varieties (Apple, Ngoe) were also analyzed for their influence on pectin yield. Antioxidant analysis revealed similar total phenolic content (TPC) across MAE, UAE, and WBAE, with EAE and UAE showing the highest DPPH scavenging activity (84

Biological raw materials and side-streams generated during food processing may contain chemically diverse compounds with biological activity, that can be harnessed towards food system and environmental protection. One of such side-streams is spent bixa seed, obtained after extraction of Annatto dye, much of which is often disposed into landfills. The objective of this research was to analyze biochemical components of spent bixa seeds in comparison to unprocessed bixa seeds, and explore their potential in upcycling into food products. Samples of raw and spent bixa seeds were collected from a bixa processing company in Kenya. Laboratory analysis for toxicological and biochemical components, including proximate, phytochemicals and antioxidative capacity was carried out using recommended protocols. The results of cardiac glycoside test turned negative for all samples. Nutritional components were significantly higher in raw bixa samples, indicating the effect of processing and storage. The spent bixa samples had protein content ranging 9–10

Cactus pear fruits are rich sources of nutritional (essential vitamins, amino acids and minerals) and antioxidant compounds (flavonoids, carotenes, betalains, ascorbic acid and quercetin). The fruit is cultivated for fresh markets and also serves as nutraceutical and functional food, finding application in various forms such as juice, jam, wine, syrup and in dairy products. However, short postharvest life and negative perception has contributed to its underutilization in the local context. Total titratable acidity (TTA) and total soluble solids (TSS) are among the desirable attributes used to assess postharvest quality of Cactus pears. A portable near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS) can non-destructively determine the internal quality of Cactus pears’ thus reducing postharvest losses. This study evaluated the potential of a handheld NIRS coupled with chemometrics of partial least square regression (PLSR) for rapid, non-destructive, and simultaneous determination of TTA and TSS in intact Cactus pear fruits. Cactus pears at different stages of maturity were sampled from Laikipia county, in Kenya, and immediately subjected to spectral data acquisition and wet-chemistry analyses. The PLSR was used to train and validate predictive models for the determination of TTA and TSS content in intact Cactus pears. The prediction model for TTA gave an R-squared (R2) of 0.73, root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.28% citric acid, and residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 1.97. Additionally, the TSS model resulted in R2 of 0.75, RMSEP of 1.60° Brix, and RPD of 2.06. Overall, these findings highlight the effectiveness of NIRS in non-destructive measurement of TTA and TSS levels in whole Cactus pears. However, with further refinement and optimization of these models, the full potential of this technique for swift and precise assessment of these parameters in whole Cactus pears can be realized. This would greatly benefit farmers and processors by reducing expenses associated with quality assessment and facilitating market entry of Cactus pear derived food products.

The sustainability of fresh fruits and vegetables value chains is challenged by high levels of food loss and waste (FLW) in resource-limited economies. In Kenya, where smallholder farmers dominate the food production sector, FLW in fruits and vegetables is estimated at 30-40%. This study investigated the ecosystem of FLW solution providers in Kenya, examining the challenges faced in developing and scaling interventions, and identifying successful strategies to overcome these barriers. A qualitative approach was employed. Primary data on FLW was obtained from solution providers through key informant interviews. The FLW solution providers were categorized as either successful or partially successful based on their commercial viability and operational tenure. The study utilized purposive sampling and a structured interview guide. The study identified several key challenges faced by FLW solution providers which comprised insufficient technical knowledge in food processing and machine operation, limited financial capacity for both operation and scaling, inconsistent supply of raw materials due to seasonality, competition from established companies and artificial products, slow market penetration, and low product acceptability (for partially successful providers). Successful solution providers employed various strategies to overcome these challenges including partnering with universities, governmental and non-governmental organizations for research, development, and initial financing; undertaking comprehensive technical and commercial viability assessments before scaling; adopting product differentiation to capture diverse markets; utilizing preservation techniques like drying and establishing off-take contracts to counter supply inconsistencies and establishing stable external markets and reliable business to business models. The study also revealed the potential for gender-inclusive impact, as many solution providers tend to employ more women due to the nature of the work. The findings highlight the critical role of partnerships, comprehensive market research, and adaptive strategies in developing successful FLW solutions. The contrast between successful and partially successful solution providers underscores the importance of comprehensive planning, technical expertise, and market-oriented approaches. By learning from successful solution providers and addressing key challenges, stakeholders can create more sustainable and effective interventions to reduce FLW and improve food security and nutrition status, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

In Kenya, the mango (Mangifera indica L) cultivar 'Apple' is commercially important but it often suffers excessive russeting, which both compromises its appearance and impairs its postharvest performance. Together, these effects seriously reduce its market potential. Exposure to surface moisture is implicated in russeting of cv. 'Apple' mango. The objective was to establish the effect of bagging on russeting. Developing fruit were bagged at the onset of the exponential growth phase, using brown paper bags (Blue star (R)). Un-bagged fruit served as controls. The brown paper bags were selected because of their high permeance to water vapor. At harvest maturity, bagged fruit were larger, less russeted and had smaller lenticels than un-bagged control fruit. Staining with aqueous acridine orange in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy revealed numerous microcracks and larger lenticels on un-bagged control fruit but these were not evident on bagged fruit. Postharvest mass loss (principally water loss) of bagged fruit was lower than of un-bagged control fruit. In the un-bagged control fruit, the skin's water permeance increased as the russeted surface area increased (r2 = 0.88 **). Fruit skins were less permeable to water vapor than the brown paper bags. The brown paper bags contributed not more than 4.2 to 9.1% of the total in -series diffusion resistance of skin + bag. The masses of isolated cuticular membranes, and of dewaxed cuticular membranes, and of wax per unit surface area were higher for un-bagged control fruit than for bagged fruit. Bagged fruit were also greener and showed less blush. There was little difference in skin carotenoid content between bagged and un-bagged control fruit, but skin anthocyanin content was lower in bagged fruit. The rates of respiration and ethylene evolution of bagged fruit were lower than those of un-bagged control fruit. There were no differences between bagged and un-bagged control fruit in their organoleptic and nutritional properties including titratable acidity, total soluble sugars, sucrose, glucose, fructose, vitamin C and calcium content. In conclusion, bagging decreased russeting and increased postharvest performance of fruit of mango cv. 'Apple'.

Poor energy and nutrient-dense complementary food for infants have resulted in malnutrition and poor growth. Some processes are known to improve the nutritional value while reducing the antinutrient factors in food formulations. Maize-soybean-based composite flours from nixtamalized maize and heat-treated soybean were used to formulate six composite flours (CFs). The proximate composition, mineral content, antinutritional effect, mineral molar ratios, and mycotoxin level were investigated. The nixtamalization of maize and the heat treatment of soybean substantially improved the nutritional properties of the CFs. The pH value varied with the nixtamalization process, from 6.82 ± 0.7 to 9.32 ± 0.4. The energy content of the complementary foods was in the range of 354.77 ± 3.2 to 429.56 ± 4 kcal, meeting the minimum standard set for a cereal-based CF , which is 400 kcal. The protein values of the CFs (9.48 ± 0.3 to 13.92 ± 1.92%) on a dry weight basis were slightly below 15% of the recommended levels set by Codex. The antinutrient levels were reduced with nixtamalization and heat treatment. The molar ratio of phytate to minerals (calcium, zinc, and magnesium) was lower than the reported critical value, except for phytate to iron, where only whole maize, nixtamalized maize, and composite flour 3 (CF3) had a molar ratio that exceeded the reported critical value of 1. Although all composite flours were contaminated with mycotoxin, aflatoxin content in CFs ranged from 1.35 ± 0.67 to 13.8 ± 0.29 g/kg and from 0.3 ± 0.07 to 0.63 ± 0.015 mg/kg for fumonisin. Only the control and CFs made from the untreated maize did not meet the EU regulatory threshold (4.0 g/kg) for total aflatoxins and total fumonisin (4 mg/kg). The soybeans were not contaminated with the mycotoxins. The composite flour 5 (Composite flour 25% HS + 75% NixM) can be considered the best composite flour with regard to its nutritional properties, mineral, antinutrient, and mycotoxin content. These findings have shown that nixtamalization and heat treatment can improve the nutritional properties and food safety of composite flours.

Summary Baobab fruit pulp powder (BFPP) is susceptible to economically driven adulteration owing to its incredible nutrient density and rapidly expanding demand worldwide. In this study, a portable NIR spectroscopy (wavelength 900–1700 nm) coupled with chemometrics was used for the detection of BFPP adulteration. BFPP samples separately adulterated with rice flour (RF), wheat flour (WF), and maize flour (MF) at 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% concentrations were subjected to NIR spectroscopy. Two‐class models proved to be reliable with sensitivity and specificity of above 0.98 and an error of below 0.01. Four‐class models attained sensitivity and specificity of above 0.68 and an error of below 0.276. The correlation coefficient ( R 2 ) and root mean square error (RMSE) of the prediction set were above 0.88 and below 6.20% respectively for PLSR models. The LODs were also below 13.79%. Therefore, NIR spectroscopy has a promising potential for rapid screening of BFPP adulterations.

Tomato is the second most important exotic vegetable after potato widely consumed in Kenya and its production constitutes one of the fastest growing markets edging towards a vital cash crop. Production of tomatoes however faces major challenges caused by pests and diseases and application of agrochemicals is considered as the main control strategy. However, widespread and rampant agrochemical use can contribute to food safety hazards to consumers. The study was carried out with an objective of determining the level of pesticide residues in tomatoes harvested from farmers' fields and the adjoining markets in Kajiado, Siaya and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties. A total 300 tomato fruits in 44 batches were collected at both mature green and turning stages and subjected to pesticide residue analysis against 58 pesticides standards using the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) multi-residue extraction, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Out of the 58 pesticide residues analysed, 20 chemical residues were detected with 17 of them categorized as insecticides and 3 fungicides. The fungicide chloroneb (1,4-dichloro-2,5-dimethoxybenzene), not listed in the registered active ingredients of the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) of Kenya was detected in all the samples from the 3 counties. The transformation metabolites of the organochlorine insecticide, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), that is listed as banned by PCPB were still detected at levels of up to 24 ppm from the samples. None of the pesticides, even those safe to use pesticides (pyrethroid based pesticides) detected, were within the allowable limits. In summary, in all the counties, other than the predominant use pesticides banned by both European Union commission and PCPB, there is also the likelihood of using high pesticide dosage. This calls for an urgent need to develop comprehensive intervention measures to reduce the potential health risk posed to the general public through the consumption of such tomato products.

The mango cultivar 'Apple' is an important fruitcrop in Kenya, but it is highly susceptible to russeting. The objective was to establish whether lenticels predispose cv. 'Apple' mango to russeting. Fruit mass and surface area increased in a sigmoidal pattern with time. The frequency of lenticels per unit surface area decreased during development. The number of lenticels per fruit was constant. Lenticels were most frequent in the apex region and least common in the cheek and nak (ventral) regions. The cheek region also had lenticels with the largest core areas, whereas the lenticel core areas in the apex region were significantly smaller. Microscopy revealed stomata became covered over with wax deposits at 33 days after full bloom (DAFB). By 78 DAFB, periderm had formed beneath the pore. At 110 and 161 DAFB, cracks had developed and the periderm had extended tangentially and radially. The presence of lenticels increased the strain released upon excision of an epidermal segment, further strain releases occurred subsequently upon isolation of the cuticle and on extraction of the cuticular waxes. The number of lenticels per unit surface area was negatively correlated with the fruit surface area (r2 = 0.62 **), but not affected by fruit size. Mango cv. 'Apple' had fewer, larger lenticels and more russet, compared with 'Ngowe', 'Kitovu' or 'Tommy Atkins' mango. In cv. 'Apple', the lowest lenticel frequency, the largest lenticels and the most russeting occurred at a growing site at the highest altitude, with the highest rainfall and the lowest temperature. Moisture exposure of the fruit surface resulted in enlarged lenticels and more microcracking of the cuticle. Our results establish that russeting in 'Apple' mango is initiated at lenticels and is exacerbated if lenticels are exposed to moisture.

Rot is a major cause of bulb onion losses in Kenya, accounting for about 14 % of total postharvest losses. In Kenya, the fungi associated with bulb onion postharvest rot of onion postharvest rots are not well known. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying the fungal pathogens contributing to bulb onion postharvest rot in major growing regions of Kenya. Bulb onion samples were collected from seven major markets and isolates were obtained by cutting 3 mm tissue segments from the edges of rotten lesions. These were cultured in water agar followed by incubation for seven days at room temperature (23 ± 3℃). After seven days, mycelia plugs from the growing edge of each colony were sub-cultured in potato dextrose agar and incubated for ten days. A total of fifty fungal isolates were obtained from the isolations and in vitro pathogenicity test was done on bulb onions. Eighteen fungal isolates that turned out to be pathogenic were inoculated in bulb onions to assess their level of virulence by measuring lesion size after 21 days of incubation at room temperature (23 ± 3℃). The fungal isolates caused statistically (P<0.001) different sized lesions, ranging from 0.4±0.1 cm to 2.6±0.5 cm. Based on morphological characteristics the eighteen fungal pathogenic isolates were identified as Fusarium spp. and were grouped into three clusters. Molecular technique confirmed the three Fusarium spp. clusters as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae (55%), F .acutatum (17%) and F. solani (28%). F. oxysporum f.sp. cepae was predominantly isolated from bulb onions collected in Bungoma County, while F. solani was mainly obtained from samples in Kajiado County and F. acutatum on bulb onions from Meru County. This study indicates that these three Fusarium species are the main fungal species causing postharvest rot in the major bulb onion growing regions of Kenya. Application of appropriate postharvest technology such as curing before storage would minimize postharvest rot in bulb onion.

Background and Objective: Amylase is a hydrolytic enzyme that breaks starch into simple sugars. This enzyme includes uses in starch production, brewery, detergent formulation, paper production and pharmaceuticals as a digest aid. The aim of the present study was to isolate, identify and characterize an alkaline amylase from bacteria of food wastes.Material and Methods: Bacteria were isolated using serial dilution, screened on agar plates and characterized through biochemical assessments and 16S rRNA sequencing. After optimizing the bacterial growth conditions using one factor at a time method, the alkaline amylase was extracted from the culture broth and partially purified using Sephadex G-75 chromatography. Enzyme activity generated by submerged fermentation was assessed using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic and recorded as the mean of three replicates.Results and Conclusion: The bacterial isolate W3SFR5 showed high amylolytic activity in agar culture. Biochemical analysis and sequencing of the 16S rRNA verified the bacterial isolate as Bacillus subtilis (GenBank accession number: OM258620). Bacillus subtilis W3SFR5 was propagated within 30-50 celcius and pH 6-9. The partially purified Bacillus subtilis W3SFR5 amylase included a molecular weight of 65 kDa and demonstrated a maximum specific activity of 216.02U mg-1. The optimum temperature for the enzyme was 60 degrees C and the pH was 9. The W3SFR5 amylase was actively stable under temperatures of 50-70 degrees C and pH of 7-9. Furthermore, 5 mM Fe2+ increased W3SFR5 amylase activity. The enzyme was more resistant to organic solvents, surfactants, inhibitors and oxidizing agents than that most amylases were. Additionally, results showed that W3SFR5 amylase was compatible with most commercial detergents, indicating that it could be used as a detergent additive. - - -

Exposure to surface moisture triggers cuticular microcracking of the fruit skin. In mango fruit cv. apple, microcracking compromises postharvest performance by increasing moisture loss and infections with pathogens. This study reports the effects of exposing the fruit's skin to surface moisture on the incidence of microcracking and on water vapor permeance. Microcracking was quantified microscopically following infiltration with a fluorescent tracer. Water mass loss was determined gravimetrically. Moisture exposure increased cuticular microcracking and permeance. During moisture exposure, permeance increased over the first 4 d, remained constant up to approximately 8 d, then decreased for longer exposure times. Fruit development followed a sigmoid growth pattern. The growth rate peaked approximately 103 days after full bloom. This coincided with the peak in moisture-induced microcracking. There were no increases in water vapor permeance or in microcracking in control fruit that remained dry. When experimental moisture exposure was terminated, microcracking and water vapor permeance decreased. This suggests a repair process restoring the barrier properties of the fruit skin. Histological analyses reveal a periderm forms in the hypodermis beneath a microcrack. Our study demonstrates that surface moisture induces microcracking in mango cv. apple that increases the skin's water vapor permeance and induces russeting.

Leafy vegetables play a crucial role in the human diet providing numerous nutrients and health benefiting compounds. Leafy vegetables like collard (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum l.) are commonly consumed leafy vegetables in Kenya. However, their high perishability and short shelf life (usually 1-2 days at ambient temperature) limits their utilization resulting in significant high postharvest losses. This study assessed the effect of harvest stage and nitrogen fertilization on the postharvest shelf life of collard and black nightshade. Experiments were conducted at Kabete field station, University of Nairobi, using collard and black nightshade. Field experimental layout was a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Factors were nitrogen levels and harvest stage. Four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N/ha) were applied on black nightshade and (0, 55.5, 111.1 and 166.6 kg N/ha) in collard where 0 kg N/ha was the control. Collard and black night shade were harvested at three harvest stages: 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks after transplanting. The harvested vegetables were kept at ambient room condition (20 ºC, 55% relative humidity). Data collection was performed daily for quality related parameters which included color change, wilting index and cumulative weight loss. Results show that there was a progressive deterioration in quality of the collard and black nightshade with storage time regardless of harvest stage and nitrogen level. Harvesting at 8 weeks after transplanting resulted in longer shelf life in collard (three days) and black nightshade (two days) when compared to harvesting at 4 weeks or 6 weeks after transplanting. Collard and black nightshade showed reduced hue angles over storage time at different harvest stages. Black nightshade subjected to 90 kg N/ha and harvested at 4 weeks after transplanting had the highest wilting index of 33%. The highest cumulative weight loss of 29% was recorded in collard that were harvested at 8 weeks after transplanting. Black nightshade subjected to 90 kg N/ha and harvested at 6 weeks after transplanting showed the best color at a hue angle of 145°. Overall, harvesting at 8 weeks after transplanting resulted in the longest shelf life of both black nightshade and collard. These results show that low application of nitrogen fertilizer in black nightshade (30 kg N/ha) and in collard (55.5 kg N/ha) had minimal effects on weight loss and wilting and resulted in good keeping quality. Key words: Black nightshade, Collard, Harvest Stage, Nitrogen nutrition, Shelf life

Globalization of trade and increasing demand for baobab fruit pulp powder (Adansonia digitata) has led to more adulteration incidence with physically similar products, e.g. sifted cereal flours. In this study, 135 baobab samples drawn from trees in Kitui and Kilifi (Kenya) and North and South Kordofan (Sudan) were used as the reference and compared with adulterated (with 10-30% sifted rice, maize and wheat flours) baobab samples using multi-imaging by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The ethanol - water extracts were separated on a normal phase. Any differences were detected via multi-imaging (UV/Vis/FLD) including diphenylamine alanine o-phosphoric acid, p-anisaldehyde sulfuric acid and p-amino benzoic acid reagents. Raffinose was identified as a marker compound for cereal-based adulteration. The method accuracy (recovery of 95%) and detection from 10-30% flour addition onwards are sufficient to curb economically motivated adulteration, to control product quality and to ensure consumer protection for local and international trade.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and postharvest quality characteristics of intra- and interspecific grafted tomato fruit. Anna F1, a commercial tomato variety was interspecifically (Tomato Scion and African eggplant rootstock (Solanum aethiopicum)) and intraspecifically (Tomato Scion and bacterial wilt resistant hybrid tomato rootstock) grafted. The tomatoes were grown in a greenhouse and harvested at mature green, turning and ripe stages respectively. The tomatoes were analyzed for size, weight, cumulative weight loss, color changes, texture, respiration and ethylene gas production rates, vitamin C and lycopene content. Interspecific grafting on Manyire green, AB2, and intraspecific grafting on Armada, and B.B rootstocks significantly improved physical and physiological attributes of the tomato fruit. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in size and weight of grafted tomatoes and control at all the three maturity stages. Intraspecific grafted tomato fruits on Armada rootstocks had the best quality characteristics in terms of firmness, low weight loss, respiration and ethylene production rates which are associated with extended postharvest shelf-life. Intraspecific grafting reduced respiration and ethylene gas production rates with tomatoes grafted onto Armada rootstocks attaining the least climacteric peaks of 20.20 ml CO2 Kg-1h-1 and 0.34 μL C2H4 Kg-1h-1 respectively at mature green stage, thus leading to extendend postharvest life of these tomatoes. Tomatoes grafted onto B.B rootstock had the highest vitamin C content (28.11 mg/100 g). In general, intraspecific grafting recorded the best quality traits over the interspecific grafting. However interspecific grafting of tomato onto African eggplant Manyire and AB2 rootstocks had lower but comparable fruit quality to intraspecific grafting.