1.1 Introduction
Orange is from the citrus family, the fruit size varies with cultivar and crop load, but most often measures between 2.5-4 inches in diameter. The shape of the fruit is spherical to oblong, with a peel thickness between that of grape fruit and tangerine and is either smooth or roughly pebbly. The presence and amount of seed, depends also on the cultivar (Nwobi et al., 2006).
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, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Citrus sinensis (L.), family Rutaceae, is one of the major commercial fruit crops that are widely consumed both as fresh fruit or juice due to its high vitamin C content and antioxidant potential (Gorinstein et’al., 2001). The Citrus sinensis popularly known as sweet orange seed in Igbo of Nigeria is of the Rutaceae family. The seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe after thoroughly rinsing it, sow stored seed in March in a greenhouse, germination usually takes place within 2-3 weeks at 130C. seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. Citrus sinensis Contains a wide range of active ingredients and research is still underway in finding uses for them. They are rich in vitamin c, flavonoids, acids and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins such as bergapten which sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes added to tanning preparations since it promotes pigmentation in the skin, though it can cause dermatitis or allergy responses in some people. Some of the plants more recent applications are as sources of anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in spercified cosmetics.
The fruit is an appetizer and blood purifier, it is used to allay thirst in people with fever and also treat catarrh. The fruit juice is useful in treatment of bilious infections and bilious diarrhea. The fruit rind is caminative and tonic cure for acne. The dried peel is used in the treatment of anorexia, cold cough etc.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Screening of Seed and Coat of Citrus Sinensis.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that microorganisms are associated, in a variety of ways with all the food we eat. They may influence the quality, availability and quantity of our food such as fruits and vegetables which normally contain some microorganisms and maybe contaminated with additional organisms during handling.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to screen the phytochemical and microorganisms involved in the Seed and Coat of Citrus Sinensis. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To screen the coat and seed of Citrus sinensis for the presence of phyhtochemicals of interest
- To determine the antifungal/antibacterial activities of the seed and coat of Citrus sinensis
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the antifungal/antibacterial activities of the seed and coat of Citrus sinensis?
- What is the coat and seed of Citrus sinensis for the presence of phyhtochemicals of interest?
1.6 Significance of Study
Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis) play a vital role in human nutrition by supplying the necessary growth factors such as vitamins and essential minerals in human daily diet and that can help keep a good and normal health. They are widely distributed in nature and can play an important role in health through the prevention of heart disease and cancer. This study will be of immense benefit to 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 scope of the research is focused on the Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Screening of Seed and Coat of Citrus Sinensis.
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.
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