Evaluation of the microbiological quality of vegetables treated with bioorganic preparations in the Cooperative Association of Agricultural Products and Multiple Services Organic Products

Abstract

The research consisted of determining the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in four organically grown vegetables: radish (Raphanus sativus), chives (Allium schoenoprasum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia), with bioorganic preparations: chicken manure, bocashi and EM-5. The presence of fecal coliforms in spray irrigation water was also investigated. The microbiological analysis of the sprinkler irrigation water in the plots showed that it was contaminated with fecal coliforms, which indicates that it is not acceptable for crop irrigation. The results obtained from the microbiological analysis for Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in fresh vegetables showed that out of 20 samples analyzed, only two (radish and lettuce) from different plots showed the presence of Escherichia coli. In the case of Salmonella, the pathogen was not detected. In the samples of bioorganic preparations: chicken manure, bocashi and EM-5 used in the crops, Escherichia coli was not detected. Salmonella was also not found in bocashi and poultry manure. EM-5 was also free of this pathogen, as no bacterial growth was observed in the XLD and Salmonella Shigella media. A manual entitled “Good Agricultural Practices. Fertilizers and Bioorganic Products” was prepared to promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) as a tool to reduce risks, microbiological hazards and ensure safe vegetables for consumption. Producers associated with the Cooperative also received training.