Faculty of Technology

Development of Nutrient Rich Biscuits Using Pineapple Residue After Juice Extraction

2026-06-24T21:30:33Z

Development of Nutrient Rich Biscuits Using Pineapple Residue After Juice Extraction H. P. I. S. Siriwardana This research focused on creating a nutrient-dense biscuit by integrating pineapple residue sourced from juice extraction, thereby improving nutritional content and fostering sustainable waste management. Four different formulations were developed by replacing wheat flour with various amounts of pineapple pulp: T1: (100% wheat flour, control), T2: (50% wheat flour + 50%o pineapple pulp), T3 (70% wheat flour + 30o/o ptneapple pulp), and T4 (I00% wheat flour * 10g pineapple pulp). The physicochemical, nutritional, sensory, and microbial properties of the biscuits were assessed using establi shed analyti cal techniques. The results demonstrated that the addition of pineapple pulp had a significant impact on the nutritional profile of the biscuits. The T3 formulation exhibited higher levels of fat (24.72%), fiber (5.46%), and ash (0.51%) compared to the control (T1), while showing a slightly reduced protein (8.33%) and carbohydrate (58.98%) content. The moisture content increased slightly with the addition of pineapple (T3: 2.0o/o, T7: 1.52o ), and the energy value was marginally elevated in T3 (49I.64kca11100 g). The pH of the pineapple biscuits decreased with greater pulp incorporation, with T3 measuring pH 4.84 compared to T1: 6.1 1 in the control, indicating a mild acidity that is advantageous for flavor and microbial stability. Sensory assessment using a seven-point hedonic scale indicated that Treatment 3 achieved the highest overall acceptability (5.50 + 0.09) in terms of color, aroma, taste, and appearance, followed by T2 and T1. Microbial testing confirmed that all samples remained within safe limits throughout storage. In conclusion, the incorporation of 30%o pineapple pulp (T3) into the biscuit formulation enhances nutritional quality, sensory appeal, and product stability. This study illustrates that pineapple residue can be effectively utilized to create value-added, nutrient-rich, and environmentally sustainable bakery products.

Development and Evaluation of Neem Seed (Azadirachta Indica) Basd Edible Coating to Extend The Shelf Life of Banana and Mango Fruits

2026-06-24T21:30:32Z

Development and Evaluation of Neem Seed (Azadirachta Indica) Basd Edible Coating to Extend The Shelf Life of Banana and Mango Fruits Wijegunawardhana, W. A. D. P. Mangoes and bananas are highly perishable and prone to postharvest losses, particularly due to fungal infections such as anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This study evaluated the effectiveness of neem-based edible coatings in extending shelf life maintaining fruit quality and controlling disease. Neem oil extract was prepared at two concentrations (0.5m1,1ml) and tested in vitro against anthracnose, with 1 ml showing the highest inhibitory effect. In the second experiment, mangoes and bananas were coated with three different neem seed oil-based edible coating formulations made from natural biopolymers, while another group of fruits was kept uncoated as the control for comparison. The coating formulations were prepared in four treatments; Tl contained 0.5o% neem oil along with pectin, guar gum, acetic acid, stearic acid, Tween 80, and potassium sorbate, T2had the same formulation but with 1olo neem oil, T3 included the base coating without neem oil, and T4 was kept as the uncoated control. Mangoes and bananas were coated and stored at room temperature (28-30 oC, 55-600 RFI) for eight days to evaluate changes in quality and disease incidence. The study evaluated the effectiveness of neem-based edible coatings in maintaining the postharvest quality of mangoes and bananas. Among the treatments, the coating containing 1% neem oil combined wfih 2o/o pectin (T2) was the most effective in preserving fruit quality. T2 significantly minimized changes in fruit firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA), while recording the lowest incidence of disease. In mangoes, T2 slowed ripening, with TSS values changing from 0.30 to 0.25, texture remaining around 3.8, pH ranging from 3.55 to 3.67, and TA at approximately 0.10. Similarly, in bananas, T2maintained firmness (3.8), pH (5.4), and TA (0.17), effectively extending shelf life compared to untreated fruits. These results suggest that neem-based coatings, particularly the T2 formulation, offer a sustainable approach for enhancing postharvest fruit quality and reducing spoilage.

Comparative Study Of Different Propagation Media Combined With Charcoal on The Growth Perfomance of Hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) Cuttings

2026-06-24T21:30:31Z

Comparative Study Of Different Propagation Media Combined With Charcoal on The Growth Perfomance of Hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) Cuttings Vanuja, V. The pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various growing media on the rooting and growth of hibiscus cuttings. The experiment was arranged under a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments potting materials used to prepare combined at the ratio volume basis in the treatment of 3.3:4 (T: to Ts). They are: Tr - Topsoil (control), T: - Topsoil + Charcoal + Compost, T: - Topsoil + Charcoal + Paddy husk, T+ - Topsoil + Charcoal + Cow Dung, and Ts - Topsoil + Charcoal * Cocopeat. The agronomic practices for cutting establishrrent were followed. Hibiscus variety of Hibisctts ro.sa-.sinensir semi-hard w-ood cutting (10-15crn) were used. Growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, wet weight, and dry weight were recorded at weekly inten'als from the 3rd to 8th week after planting. Statistical analysis revealed sigriificant differences (p < 0.05) anlong treaonents for all measrred pararneters. The results indicated that Ts (Topsoil + Charcoal+ Cocopeat) and T+ (Topsoil * Charcoal + Cow dung) produced the highest rreall values in shoot and root development, leaf number, and leaf area. These media combinations provided improved aeration. moisture retention, and nutrient availability. resulting in vi-eorous -erowth and hi-eher survival rates of hibiscus cuttings. In contrast, the control ffeatment (Tr) recorded the lowest performance in all parameters, likely due to limited nutrient and poor soil structure. Overall" the findings demonstrate that the inclusion of charcoal with organic components significantly enhances the propagafion success of hibiscus cuttings. The combination of Ts (Topsoil * Cocopeat + Charcoal) was found to be the most effective medium for rooting and growth performance arnong the tested medium. Therefore, it can be recommended as a low-cost and sustainable propagation medium for nursery-level hibiscus production.

A Study on Farmer's Knowledge and Adoption of Good Agriculture Practices in Rambuttan Cultivation : A Case Study in Kalutara District

2026-06-24T21:30:30Z

A Study on Farmer's Knowledge and Adoption of Good Agriculture Practices in Rambuttan Cultivation : A Case Study in Kalutara District Alwis, K. P. C. This study explores the knowledge and adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among rambutan farmers in the Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. GAP is a set of principles aimed at ensuring sustainable agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection. The main objective of this research was to assess the level of awareness, understanding, and implementation of GAP among selected rambutan cultivators. Using a qualitative approach, primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews guided by a structured interview guideline with six certified fatmers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses. Findings reveal that while most farmers had a basic understanding of GAP, their knowledge was primarily shaped by agricultural officers and training programs conducted by the Department of Agriculture and affiliated institutions. Key GAP components such as record-keeping, proper pruning, orchard hygiene, and responsible pesticide use were partially adopted, with varying levels of commitment. Farmers experienced notable benehts such as improved yield quality and quantity, though challenges remained particularly in marketing, price fluctuations, and lack of technical equipment. Furthermore, the study found low awareness of value-added opportunities like processed rambutan products, though farmers expressed interest in such initiatives if proper guidance is provided. The results emphasize the need for continuous farmer training, better market access, and policy support to enhance GAP adoption. This research contributes to understanding the current status of GAP in rambutan cultivation and provides insights for strengthening sustainable agricultural practices in Sri Lanka.