Fresh Tomato Research Articles

Processing, Value Addition and Post-Harvest Technology of Tomato: A Scoping Review on Global and Indian Perspective

India, with its favorable climatic conditions, is a major producer of tomatoes, ranking second globally. However, the tomato processing sector in India is underdeveloped, with only 1% of the produce being processed compared to developed nations such as Italy (64.02%), Spain (39.41%) and the United States (10.34%). Of the more than 180 million tonnes of tomatoes produced annually, around 40 million tonnes are processed. India's substantial tomato output, which occurs primarily in the winter, has made it a prominent participant in the global tomato processing industry. This would help the Indian market utilize tomato-based goods throughout the off-season. Lycopene, a beneficial compound, is found to be higher in processed tomato products compared to fresh tomatoes. Prominent companies in the Indian tomato processing industry include Hindustan Unilever, Nestle India, Mother Dairy, and Dabur India. Despite the potential, the sector faces challenges such as inadequate processing facilities and limited varieties suitable for processing, leading to substantial post-harvest losses. The demand for tomato-processed products in India has been increasing at 30% annually in recent years, with a rising variety of products being offered. Increased support, improved supply chain management, and adoption of advanced processing techniques could reduce wastage, add value, and enable India to become a prominent player in the global tomato processing industry. With the adoption of modern technologies such as automated sorting, grading, and cold storage facilities, the efficiency of the tomato processing industry can improve. This would reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better quality control.

Microwave enhanced carbon dots synthesis from eggshell membrane: Versatile applications in heavy metal ion sensing, strain free detection of fingerprints, UV shielding, food packing and anti-counterfeiting

In this study, a one-step microwave irradiation process combined with a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution allowed for the quick and easy synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from eggshell membrane (ESM) ashes. The resultant CDs demonstrated exceptional selectivity for Fe3+ and excellent fluorescence (FL) with a quantum yield (QY) of 15.3%. Utilizing synthetic CDs, a sensitive nanoprobe is utilized to identify free Fe3+ within the 0-350μM (R2 = 0.9976) range, with a 0.281μM limit of detection (LoD). Additionally, the CDs were shown to be useful for intracellular Fe3+ detection applications because of their low cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. Investigations using real samples at 420 and 500nm excitation wavelengths showed promising results in terms of real-world application. In order to transform molecular data into FL signal outputs, a multi-input logic gate is also constructed. In the UV-A (93%), UV-B (88%), UV-C (98%) and HEBL (79%) regions, blue colour-emitting CDs had the maximum UV blockage, but pure polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) absorbed less than 22–30% of the light in all UV regions. The integration of CDs into the polymer improved the thermal characteristics of the PVA film. Additionally, testing of in vitro cell viability demonstrated that the CDs, when embedded in the PVA, did not cause cytotoxicity to the Neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY-5Y). As a paradigm for perishable commodities, the effects of CDs and PVA were assessed on the shelf life of tomatoes. When fresh tomatoes were coated with CDs@PVA and PVA, weight and moisture loss were effectively decreased, according to the results of the long-term monitoring study. Throughout almost 34 days at room temperature, it also dramatically reduced the growth of fungi and prevented spoiling, all the while maintaining the fruits original colour and appearance. The CDs FL under 365nm UV light excitation makes them well-suited for creating fluorescent inks to deter counterfeiting. Additionally, the study explored the CDs exceptional FL properties for use as a luminescent fingerprint powder, aiding in the detection of latent fingerprints (LFPs) on various surfaces. The findings from this study highlight the potential of cost-effective and safe CDs for a range of applications, including non-cytotoxic UV blocking, active packaging, Fe3+ sensing, fingerprint detection, anti-counterfeiting (AC) measures and flexible nanocomposite (NC) films.

Impact of harvest maturity and storage conditions on tomato quality: A comprehensive experimental and modeling study

The study was applied to fresh tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum, Marbone variety). First, a field survey was conducted to obtain statistical data on the temperature and duration (minimum, mode, maximum) at different stages in the supply chain. Then, the physicochemical, phytochemical and volatile compounds were measured at harvest and on five different days (3, 7, 11, 14 and 21 days) for two maturity stages at harvest (green-orange and light red) and under three storage temperatures (3 °C, 8 °C and 15 °C). These data were used to evaluate the combined impact of harvest maturity, time and storage temperature on the evolution of the different compounds. From the same data, quality models were developed based on the Arrhenius equation to describe the tomato quality evolution under different storage temperatures for (Z)-3 hexenal, total sum of acids, lycopene and chlorogenic acid. These compounds were chosen because of their relation to commercial and nutritional qualities. The model results were validated using additional data from a different study conducted on one constant temperature profile and two dynamic time-temperature profiles as in a supply chain. Finally, data from the field survey and the quality models were combined in a Monte Carlo process (105 product items) to simulate the variability of time-temperature profiles from the grower to the sales outlet and its impact on the quality attributes. For two maturity stages at harvest, the impact of the supply chain on the quality attributes of tomatoes at the sales outlet was also analyzed. Simulation results show that the maturity stage at harvest significantly impacts the final lycopene content and the total sum of acids in tomatoes at the sales outlet, with fruit harvested at the light red stage containing higher lycopene levels (and a lower hue angle) and a lower total sum of acids in comparison with fruit harvested at the green-orange stage. However, at the sales outlet, the concentrations of chlorogenic acid and (Z)-3-hexenal in fruit harvested at the green-orange and light red stages are similar. This information would be useful for fruit and vegetable stakeholders for time-temperature management of tomato fruit throughout the supply chain in order to optimally preserve the main quality attributes.

Impact of Irrigation Source on the Dissemination and Persistence of Coliforms and Foodborne Pathogens in Fresh Tomato High Tunnel-dripline System from Small Specialty Crop Farms

This study investigated the impact of irrigation sources (pond, stream, and well) in high tunnel-dripline systems on the dissemination and persistence of foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and the ‘big six’ Shiga toxin-producing E. coli [STEC]) in small specialty crop farms (SSCFs). Ten SSCF-growing fresh tomatoes using high tunnel-dripline systems were sampled between January and November 2022. Selective enrichment combined with PCR was used to detect the selected foodborne pathogens in the irrigation water (n = 240), soil (n = 240), and tomato fruits (n = 120). Overall, surface-originated water sources (streams and ponds) having potential contact with farm animals or wildlife harbored higher pathogen burden (cumulative prevalence of all the pathogens) compared to subsurface water source (well and underground spring water). STEC O26, O45, and O103 were detected at high frequency (up to 88% per SSCF per time point) in the water source and associated dripline irrigation system of 4/6 SSCFs using stream and pond water. Other foodborne pathogens (especially, L. monocytogenes) were detected in 6/10 SSCFs, but at low frequency (<25% per SSCF per time point). The prevalence of foodborne pathogens in the 10 SSCFs over time was positively correlated with the length of high tunnel and planting date (r2 = 0.93 and 0.79, respectively; P < 0.006). Our study highlighted that dripline irrigation systems may allow the long-distance transport of foodborne pathogens from the contaminated water source to the field. Risk assessment and mitigation measures should be implemented to assure the quality of the water source used for irrigation in SSCF.

Antioxidant packaging films based upon starch-montmorillonite with forsythia flower extract: characterization and application

Plastic pollution is one of the most acute environmental problems in the world, so active packaging materials made from biodegradable natural polymers have received widespread attention in recent years. In this paper, forsythia flower extract, serving as an active ingredient, was integrated into the starch-sodium alginate-montmorillonite composite film. The physicochemical properties and functional packaging applications of the composite films were investigated. The results demonstrate the formation of a tightly-knit network structure through molecular interactions among forsythia flowers, starch, sodium alginate, and montmorillonite. Notably, the addition of forsythia flower extracts conferred better UV resistance (from 200 nm to 400 nm) and outstanding antioxidant properties to the composite films. After 18 days of storage, in comparison with the control group, the decay rate of fresh cherry tomatoes packaged with the composite film containing forsythia flower extract showed a significant reduction of 40%, the hardness increased by 25%, and the content of vitamin C was enhanced by 33%. Hence, the forsythia flower extract composite film offers a novel perspective for the design and development of bio-based packaging films for preserving fresh fruits. The results serve as a foundation for the subsequent advancement and application of forsythia flower in the field of packaging.

Enhancing Shelf-life and Quality of Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) Using UV-C Radiation and Natural Preservatives

AbThe influence of UV-C radiation and garlic extract on the shelf life and storage of tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum L. cv. Arka Rakshak) was investigated in this study. Fresh tomatoes were subjected to four treatments: control (untreated), UV-C (1.2 kJ/m²), garlic (10% w/v aqueous extract), and UV-C (1.2 kJ/m²) + garlic (10% w/v aqueous extract). The treated tomatoes were preserved at 4°C for 14 days, and their physical, chemical, and microbial properties were analyzed at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. The combination of UV-C and garlic treatments lowered the loss of firmness, maintained color, and minimized weight loss. The UV-C treatment enhanced the initial lycopene and total phenolic content, while the combination treatment showed the best retention of these bioactive compounds during storage. The garlic treatment contributed to the antimicrobial activity, and the combination treatment significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced the total plate count and yeast and mold count compared to the control. Pathogenic bacteria were not detected in the samples throughout the storage period. The results demonstrate the potential of UV-C radiation and garlic extract as natural preservatives for improving the shelf life. The combination treatment can be an effective approach to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure the safety and nutritional value of the produce.stract

Using Sensory Analysis and Stated Preference Valuation to Assess the Willingness to Pay for Fresh Tomato Attributes

ABSTRACTThis study combines sensory analysis and stated preference valuation techniques to assess the monetary value of organoleptic attributes of new tomato varieties. The tomatoes evaluated included two new varieties adapted to South Texas growing conditions, a commercial check, and tomatoes imported from Mexico. In a blind sensory test, participants sampled, rated, and valued the attributes of all tomato varieties. Willingness to pay responses were collected using a payment card elicitation approach and jointly analyzed with a multivariate ordered probit model. Price premiums were associated with males, smaller households, younger consumers, higher income, and the liking of different organoleptic attributes.

A Review of Fresh Market Sweet Corn Production and Price Trends from 2010 to 2022

This publication provides information on conventional fresh market sweet corn acreage, volume, and pricing for the top four producing states: California, Florida, Georgia, and New York. (Other states produce a substantial amount of processed market sweet corn but are not the focus here.) This is one in a series of Ask IFAS publications focused on trends in Florida’s five most economically important specialty crops (excluding citrus): fresh market sweet corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and strawberries. This information will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. This publication serves as a unique source summarizing important information about the specialty crop market and production trends.

Erosive Tooth Wear and Associated Risk Indicators in Schoolchildren from Rural and Urban Areas of the State of Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Limited access to health services and low educational levels are factors in the rural population that are associated with the development of oral pathologies. However, the specific risk indicators contributing to erosive tooth wear (ETW) in these populations remain unclear. The objective of this study was to identify risk indicators associated with the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) in schoolchildren aged 8-12 years from rural and urban areas in the State of Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out in public schools in rural and urban areas. The prevalence of ETW was evaluated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE). The risk indicators studied were gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting, vitamin C, food, beverages, dental hygiene, bruxism, and hyposalivation. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of ETW was higher in the rural area (77.3%) compared to the urban area (51.2%) (p = 0.001). The odds of presenting ETW were more than twice in schoolchildren from rural areas compared to those from urban areas (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.11-3.98). Risk indicators varied between rural and urban populations, with different factors such as the consumption of fresh tomato sauce, orange, tangerine, atole (artisanal corn-based drink), and teeth grinding in the rural area, and lemon, soft drink, fruit juice consumption, and the simplified oral hygiene index in the urban area (p < 0.05). To prevent ETW, strategies offering tailored dietary and hygiene advice should be proposed, considering the specific conditions of each geographic area.

Discussion of Consumers’ Preference for Food Product Traceability Information: Beijing Traceable Tomato Case Study

The paper exemplifies a practical application of combining MNL, RPL and LCM econometric models to study consumer preference heterogeneity in the multi-attributive setting, by analyzing a case study of information traceability preferences of Beijing consumers who buy fresh tomatoes in the post-COVID period. Methodologically, such application of different models (MNL, RPL, LCM) has initially allowed to identify general patterns in Chinese consumers’ preference in the tomato traceability information, then to identify and categorize distinct groups of customers and finally to provide details to their ‘marketing’ profiles towards their willingness to pay. As a result, consumer groups in this study were classified around three key attributes of tomato traceability information which reflect their priorities: consumers from “Price sensitivity” group demonstrated a higher willingness to pay for information on how products were produced (production condition) and products’ certification; “Testing Information Preference” group was willing to pay for the information about tomato’s product quality detection, and “Official Authority Approval Preference” group has developed priority for information on production condition. Such methodological approach provides rather precise characteristics about three different consumer groups, and thus fills in the existing lacunae in the literature and can serve a guiding tool for designing a regional food safety policy. The suggested methodology is transferrable for analyzing consumers’ choices for traceability information about other food products and beyond China.

Antimicrobial and antioxidative electrospun cellulose acetate-essential oils nanofibrous membranes for active food packaging to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits

Food preservation is critical to meeting the growing demand for fresh foods. We construct novel active packaging using active chemicals to extend the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables. In our study, we harnessed electrospinning technology to manufacture cellulose acetate nanofibers (CANFs) using natural, highly volatile cinnamon bark oil (CNO) and clove bud oil (CBO). The CNO and CBO loaded electrospun fibers were characterized and applied as active packaging membrane to evaluate the impact on shelf life of fresh grapes and tomatoes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis indicated a uniform volatile component distribution, average fiber diameters, regulated release kinetics, and substantial antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The use of 50 % w/w CNO and CBO-loaded CANFs as an active food packaging membrane for a shelf-life study of fresh grapes and tomatoes at 4 °C confirmed the microbiological safety of consumption for 40 days compared to 15 days in control samples, with a lesser reduction in physiochemical properties despite sensory evaluation revealing a shelf-life extension until 30 days.The efficacy and potential benefits of sustainable and effective packaging strategies are highlighted in this study, making it a promising alternative for preserving perishable tomatoes and grapes.

Assessment of microbial safety of fresh vegetables through Caenorhabditis elegans model

Caenorhabditis elegans is widely used as a model to predict the virulence of animal-origin human pathogens, as C. elegans and humans share similar intestinal epithelial cells. A study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of C. elegans for surveillance of foodborne pathogens in fresh vegetables. First, the virulent strains of four foodborne pathogens viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1), Escherichia coli (O157), Salmonella enterica (CI1), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923) were fed to the worm as sole diet and compared the survival, phenome traits, and gut integrity with standard E. coli OP50. Secondly, the vegetable surface microbiota (tomato) was enriched with gradient concentrations of PAO1, and the worm's survival and gut distension and leakage were assessed. Thirdly, the total microbiota of fresh vegetables (tomato, brinjal, and lablab) were evaluated for the worm's survival. The gut epithelial cell damage and leakage were monitored by blue dye-based smurf assay. Foodborne pathogens reduced the median lifespan (LT50) of the worm drastically, with PAO1 had 2.5 days, O157 (6 days), CI1 (8 days), ATCC25923 (6 days), while the standard diet OP50 had 16 days. The phenome traits of worms, viz., pharyngeal pumping, defecation cycle, body bends, head thrashes, touch stimulus, paralysis, gut leakage, and reproduction, were significantly negatively affected due to pathogen feeding. The gut epithelial integrity was severely affected, and blue dye leakage was the highest in O157 (73 %), followed by PAO1 (55 %), CI1 (40 %) and ATCC25923 (38 %), while the gut epithelial cells were intact in OP50 fed worms. The pathogen enrichment in tomato surface microbiota diet showed that LT50 of the worms was reduced from 8 days to 2.5 days and 10 to 8 days with increasing gradient of PAO1 in fresh tomato microbiota and 24-hours pre-enriched tomato microbiota, respectively. Smurf test also confirmed that an increase in PAO1 proportion in total microbiota distended the gut with high dye leakage. The total microbiota extracted from tomato, brinjal, and lablab did not affect the worm's health and had an extended median life span (11 – 13 days) when they were devoid of any foodborne pathogens. These findings provide a novel and straightforward approach for assessing foodborne pathogens using animal models.

Fresh Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in the Diet Improves the Features of the Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Study in Postmenopausal Women.

(1) Background: According to the 2005~2008 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT), more than half of Taiwanese women (57.3%) had metabolic syndrome during menopause. Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality. Epidemiological studies suggest that the consumption of tomato-based foods might reduce the risk factors for CVD. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of tomato consumption on lowering the metabolic syndrome risk factors among overweight postmenopausal women. (2) Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial using 8-week open-label dietary intervention. Overweight postmenopausal women aged 45-70 years old were recruited from Taipei Medical University in October 2013. They were randomly assigned into two groups (a control diet vs. a tomato diet). Blood samples were collected at the baseline and at the 4th and 8th weeks. The lipid profile, blood sugar, and antioxidant biomarkers, i.e., the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and serum carotenoids, were analyzed. Blood pressure, body weight, and body fat were also measured every week. (3) Results: After the 8-week dietary intervention, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly lower in both groups (p < 0.05). Body fat mass, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly lower in the tomato diet group than in the control diet group. The tomato diet group had significantly lower serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure and blood sugar, and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the control diet group. The antioxidant biomarkers, FRAP, beta-carotenoids, and lycopene were significantly higher in the tomato diet group than in the control diet group. (4) Conclusions: Fresh tomato consumption can increase antioxidant biomarkers to reduce risks of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Flavour improvement in early generations of fresh market tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.): II. Response to breeders' sensory and marker‐assisted selection

Flavour improvement in early generations of fresh market tomatoes (<scp><i>Solanum lycopersicum</i></scp> L.): II. Response to breeders' sensory and marker‐assisted selection

Response of tomato fruit to consecutive impact loading

Tomato fruits receive successive impacts during harvest and postharvest operations. This paper is a study of the response of tomato fruit to mono and multiple dynamic loadings and the ability to withstand consecutive impacts, which play the most critical role in downgrading and postharvest loss of fresh tomato fruits and designing harvest, and postharvest handling and processing equipment. The fruits were subjected to consecutive impacts by an instrumented pendulum one to three times successive impacts at the same location with the three different impact energy levels: 125, 250, and 500 mJ to establish a comprehensive model and refining by adding various groups of contributing factors to understand better and find out which parameters are more likely to cause and contribute in tomato mechanical damage. Twenty sub-models were evaluated using AIC and R2 values. The parameters of the preferred logistic model consist of response variables (peak contact force, contact time, and Elast), loading conditions (one, two, and three-times impact at the same location), and fruit quality parameter (total soluble solids). Also, another model was suggested for rapid assessment of bruise development.

دراسة التأثير الحراري لعملية تجفيف الطماطم باستخدام نظام الطاقة الشمسي

This study developed a hybrid solar greenhouse dryer (lean-to) incorporated with a solar collector and photovoltaic (PV) system for smallholder processors of tomatoes and evaluated the thermal performance of forced convection mixed-mode solar dryer with two pretreatments of fresh tomatoes (halves and slices) with salt and sugar. Tomatoes dipped in a 40% sucrose solution for 72 hours before drying exhibited a greater initial drying rate than those treated with salt. The hourly average incident solar radiation without a reflector was 673.8 (±214.2) W/m2 outside and 754.6 (±284.5) W/m2 inside the lean-to solar dehydrator during operation. The incident solar radiation in the collector ranged from 390.3 to 1156.0 W/m2, indicating higher levels at the tilt angle. The hourly average air temperatures outside and inside the solar dehydrator and solar collector during the experiment, respectively, were 30.7 (±2.3), 52.7 (±10.1), and 30.7 (±2.3), 79.7 (±26.9)°C for the salt treatment and 31.0 (±2.0), 55.1 (±15.3), and 31.0 (±2.0), 84.8 (±28.0)°C for the sugar treatment. Thus, the solar dehydrator and the solar collector raised the dehydrating air temperatures over the outside for the salt and sugar treatment by an average of 22.0, 49.0, 24.1, and 53.8ºC, respectively. The average hourly air-relative humidity inside the solar dehydrator was 33.5%, while outside was 47.2%. The pretreated tomatoes had an initial moisture content of 93.1% (w.b). The solar dehydrator's thermal efficiency was 72.21%, and its drying efficiency was 56.48%. Consequently, solar energy contributed 84.28 and 71.18% of the generated heating power. The solar dehydrator lost 15.72 and 28.82% of its remaining solar energy due to exhausted air. The solar dehydrator had a daily average energy of 59.375 kWh, and the heating power was 47.473 kWh during the experimental period (29 h).

Facile preparation of covalent-organic framework composites for magnetic solid-phase extraction of naphthaleneacetic acid in food prior to HPLC-UV analysis

Novel magnetic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were prepared by one-pot synthetic strategy and employed as an efficient adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in food samples. Depending on the predesigned the hydrogen bonding, π-π and hydrophobic interactions of magnetic COFs, the efficient and selective extraction process for NAA was achieved within 15 min. The magnetic COFs adsorbent combined with HPLC-UV was devoted to develop a novel quantitative method for NAA in complex food. The method afforded good coefficient in range of 0.002–10.0 µg mL-1 and low limit of detection was 0.0006 µg mL-1. And the newly established method afforded less adsorbent consumption, wider linearity and lower LODs than the reported analytical methods. Ultimately, the method was successfully applied to determine NAA in fresh pear, tomato and peach juice. The magnetic COFs based MSPE coupled with HPLC-UV method provided a simple, efficient and dependable alternative to monitor trace NAA in food samples.

An all-out assault on a dominant resistance gene: Local emergence, establishment, and spread of strains of tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) that overcome Sw-5b-mediated resistance in fresh market and processing tomatoes in California.

Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) causes substantial economic loss to tomato production, and the Sw-5b resistance gene is widely deployed for management. Here, we show (i) the emergence of resistance-breaking (RB) TSWV strains in processing and fresh market tomato production in California over the past ten years, and (ii) evolutionary relationships with RB strains from other areas. A specific RT-PCR test was used to show the C118Y RB strain that emerged in Fresno County in 2016 quickly became predominant in the central production area and remained so through this study. In 2021, the C118Y strain was detected in the Northern production area, and was predominant in 2022. However, in 2023, the C118Y strain was unexpectedly detected in fewer spotted wilt samples from resistant varieties. This was due to emergence of the T120N RB strain, previously known to occur in Spain. A specific RT-PCR test was developed and used to show that the T120N RB strain was predominant in Colusa and Sutter counties (detected in 75-80% of samples), and detected in ~50% of samples from Yolo County. Pathogenicity tests confirmed California isolates of the T120N strain infected Sw-5b tomato varieties and induced severe symptoms. Another RB strain, C118F, was associated with spotted wilt samples of Sw-5 varieties from fresh market tomato production in southern California. Phylogenetic analyses with complete NSm sequences revealed that the C118Y and T120N RB strains infecting resistant processing tomato in California emerged locally, whereas those from fresh market production were more closely related to isolates from Mexico. Thus, widespread deployment of this single dominant resistance gene in California has driven the local emergence of multiple RB strains in different tomato production areas and types. These results further emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring for RB strains, and identification of sources of resistance to these strains.

Fabricating active Egg Albumin/Sodium Alginate/Sodium Lignosulfonate Nanoparticles film with significantly improved multifunctional characteristics for food packing

In food packaging, sodium lignosulfonate nanoparticles (SLS NPs) showed significant antibacterial properties, antioxidant and UV barrier activities. Herein, the SLS NPs were synthesized via a sustainable green method and were added into egg albumin/sodium alginate mixture (EA/SA) to fabricate a safe, edible EA/SA/SNPs food packaging. A composite film EA/SA/SNP was examined microstructurally and physicochemically. The mechanical characteristics, UV protection, water resistance, and the composite film's thermal stability were all enhanced by the inclusion of SLS NPs, and water vapor permeability reduced by 44 %. This composite film exhibited robust antioxidative properties with DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rates reaching 76.84 % and 92.56 %, and effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with antibacterial rates reaching 98.25 % and 97.13 % for the positively charged nanoparticles interacting with the cell membrane. Freshness tests showed that the EA/SA/SNPs packaging film could delay the quality deterioration of fresh tomatoes. This composite film can slow down spoilage bacteria proliferation and prolongs food's preservation period by eight days at ambient temperature.

Review on Status of Tomato Leaf Miner and It’s Management Practices

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most important edible and nutritious vegetable crops of the world. It is consumed as fresh table tomato and as raw material for food processing industries It grows both on a small and commercial large scale as cash crop. Tomato production is highly constrained by several factors including insect pests and disease. The most important insect pest that is constraining tomato production tomato leaf miner- Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). Tuta absoluta is one of the most devastating tomato leaf miner and it spreads extensively in almost all parts of the world. Tomato leaf miner is a pest of other Solanaceous crops in many vegetable crop growing areas around the world. It is a serious threat for tomato production and it results in highest damage. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;T. absoluta&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; has fast growth rate with developmental stages of egg, larvae, pupa, and adult and it adapts to different environmental conditions. A larva is the most destructive one that consumes preferably leaves stems and fruits of the tomato plant on which they develop creating mines and galleries. by hiding within mesophyll of the plant tissues. To control tuta absoluta focused on different environmental friendly approaches that inclusively termed as IPM strategies. These are cultural practices, biopesticides, and biological using parasitoids, predators, inheritance sterility development in insect and pest resistant plant cultivar production are considered as promising alternatives to control &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;T. absoluta&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Therefore, this review briefly describes the current status of these methods used to design suitable and sustainable management strategies against &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;T. absoluta&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. The aim of this review paper is describing the status of the pest and its control methods.