Gone wild: Integration of antioxidative, physicochemical, volatilomic and sensorial profiles ratify rustic relatives of cherry tomato as ideal mating partners

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most commercialized and studied fruit due to its nutritional contribution to human diet. Compared to other taxa of agricultural interest, tomato has a relatively high genetic variation, withholding a significant amount of diversity in its wild accessions. One of the most valued cultivars is known as "cherry type". Cherry excels in flavor and aroma traits as compared to commercial cultivars. We compared 10 wild cherry tomato accessions based on their sensorial and chemical characteristics to determine ideal mating partners that will increase crop benefits. Accessions were rated as important based on high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) both carotenoid-derived and phenylpropanoids, high rating in a sensory profile, high concentrations of lycopene, β-carotene and ideal physicochemical parameters (i.e., total acidity, vitamin C, pH, soluble solids, and color). Significant differences between accessions were evident. Non-red tomato fruits are not ideal partners because they do not have superior physicochemical parameters. Furthermore, low sensory profile scores and absence of VOCs are associated with flavor of non-red tomatoes. In conclusion, LA1480, IAC1624 and IAC401 accessions are the most promising for future breeding. We propose promising material of wild cherry tomato fruits based on commercial interest, taste, aroma, VOCs, and nutritional requirements to have the fruit regarded as a functional food.