Journal of Biotechnology
E-ISSN: 2814-1040
Volume 2, No. 1, 2023
Pages 48-63
DOI: 10.36108/jbt/3202.20.0140
The Outlook of Tomatoes with extended Shelf Life in Nigeria and the Ensuing Safety Measures and Regulated Introduction by Nigerian Regulatory Authorities
*YUSUF, Hajara Oyiza1, ADEBOYE, Seyi Ebun2,3, IWEAJUNWA Sarah Ogochukwu3, AGHA, Ukpai Agha4
1 Environmental Biotechnology and Bio conservation Department, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Along Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja
2 Plant Stress Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology New Delhi
3Agricultural Biotechnology Department, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Along Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja
4 Biosecurity Department, National Biosafety Management Agency, National Park Service premises, Abuja, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: Email:haj4yusuf@gmail.com Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4296-6674
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is widely consumed worldwide. The primary chance to influence tomatoes’ edibility and market value lies in regulating the synthesis and function of the plant hormone ethylene responsible for ripening. The usage of harmless substances on tomato surfaces, a reduction in storage temperature, the implementation of modified atmosphere packaging, or a combination of these approaches have been associated with increasing tomatoes’ shelf life. As crop plants containing a genetically modified trait through molecular techniques continue their transition from the laboratory to the field, the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has been reported to be developing genetically modified (GM) tomatoes by deactivating polygalacturonase (PG) gene that is responsible for polygalacturonase which is the enzyme that aids fruit softening and subsequently increases the shelf life of the tomatoes to be released in the Nigerian market. This article looks at tomatoes (S. lycopersicum) and the methods used in increasing their shelf life with more focus on the genetically modified tomatoes and the needed regulations by the Nigerian regulatory bodies before its commercialization in the country. Environmental and health hazards that require careful consideration in the course of embarking on the genetical modification and introduction of the hybrid tomatoes into the Nigeria markets encompass potential biodiversity loss, adverse impacts on natural food chains, and the potential rise of more virulent pathogen populations. Nevertheless, it is crucial to emphasize that the biotechnological processes and products must be accompanied by effective regulations to mitigate these concerns, National Biosafety Management Agency is believed to be engaged with these needs.
Keywords: Genetically modified, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Polyglacturonase, Solanum lycopersicum, Tomato