1.1 Introduction
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a perennial tree crop, originating from South America, and now widely grown in the tropics. Cashew is a multipurpose tree crop, from which almost all parts (roots, stem, bark, leaves, apples and nuts) are used. The nut is considered the most valuable product. In the past, cashew was considered as a hardy crop, which needed little attention in terms of management and pest control. Current research findings indicate that this is no longer the case and that it is frequently attacked by various pests. This chapter deals with a number of aspects related to plant breeding, crop improvement and pest management, as well as agronomic practices that are equally crucial for cashew nut production and quality.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The cashew tree is evergreen, and serves as food to many in so many ways in that all the parts are consumable and they are highly medicinal. The trees are most frequent found in coasted areas. It grows up to 12 meters high and has a spread of 25 meters. Its extensive root system allows it to tolerate a wide range of moisture levels and soil types, although, commercial production is advisable only in well-drained, sandy, loam and red soil (Denny et al 2000).
The main commercial product of the cashew trees is the nut. In the main producing area of East Africa and India, 95% or more of the apple crop is not eaten, as the taste is not popular. However, in some parts of South America and West Africa, local inhabitants regard the apple, rather than the nut kernel, as a delicacy. In Brazil, the apple is used to manufacture jams, and alcoholic drinks (Douglas, 2005).
The cashew fruit (Anacardium Occidentale the family of Anacardiaceae) is unusual in comparison with other trees nuts since the nut is outside the fruit. The cashew apple is an edible false fruits, attached to the externally boom nut by a stem. In its raw sate, the shell of the nut is leathery, not brittle. It contains the thick vesicant oil, a thin taste skin surrounds the kernel and keeps it separated form the inside of the shell. The primary products of cashew nuts are the kernels which have value as confectionery nuts. Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is an important industrial raw material for resin manufacture and the shells can be burned to provide heat for the decorticating operation.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Extraction of Cashew Nut Oil and Its Effect on Caliform Bacteria.
1.3 Statement of Problems
In the third world, mostly in the villages, people still depend on herbal medicine. From literature it is know that eating the apple or their tender leaves of the cashew plant helps to relieve diarrhea. In Guyana, the stem bark are cut off cooked overnight and used for diarrhea treatment. In other parts of the world, the roots, leaves and cashew nuts are used. Since diarrhea is wide spread in the hinter land, it is essential to find out if the extracted oil will have the same effect as the whole cotyledon of the nut.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Extraction of Cashew Nut Oil and Its Effect on Caliform Bacteria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To extract oil from cashew nut
- To determine if the oil has any anti microbial effect in coliform organism like E. coil.
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: Cashew nut oil had no inhibitory effect on Esherichia coil.
- H1: Cashew nut oil had an inhibitory effect on Eschericha coil.
1.6 Significance of Study
This is initial since other part of the plant even the whole cotyledors have some preventive effect on diarrheic conditions. Cashew are eaten as a snack either on it’s own, salted or sweeted Cashew are nutty yet pleasantly sweet in taste. They are relished as garnish in sweets and desserts.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Extraction of Cashew Nut Oil and Its Effect on Caliform Bacteria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.9 Definition of Terms
E.coli: Is an acronym for Escherichia coli which is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning.
Staphylococcal: Staphylococcus (staph) is a group of bacteria. There are more than 30 types. A type called Staphylococcus aureus causes most infections. Staph bacteria can cause many different types of infections, including; skin infections which are the most common types of staph infections.
Isolates: isolate simply means cause (a person or place) to be or remain alone or apart from others.
Phytochemical: This is a substance produced mainly by plants, and these substances have biological activity.
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