Lycopene Content In Tomato Fruits Research Articles

The Biostimulation Activity of Two Novel Benzothiadiazole Derivatives in the Tomato Cultivation

Biostimulants are gaining more and more attention in modern agriculture. As follows from the definition, their role is aimed at influencing the plant’s metabolism, which results in increasing the quantitative and qualitative parameters describing the yield. Significant attention should be paid to biostimulants increasing the content of health-promoting substances contained in plants. Treatments with biostimulants should be properly incorporated into existing plant protection schemes, which, of course, requires detailed research in this area. However, reliable research on active substances contained in biostimulants should be made first, and the activity of a given biostimulant must be proven. This work presents the results of a field experiment in tomato cultivation for two new active substances belonging to the group of benzothiadiazoles. The results indicate a positive effect on plant yield and, above all, on the lycopene content in tomato fruits. Increasing the lycopene content in fruit is of key significance, as it opens up opportunities for these active substances to be incorporated into new plant protection programs.

Free and open-source software for object detection, size, and colour determination for use in plant phenotyping

BackgroundObject detection, size determination, and colour detection of images are tools commonly used in plant science. Key examples of this include identification of ripening stages of fruit such as tomatoes and the determination of chlorophyll content as an indicator of plant health. While methods exist for determining these important phenotypes, they often require proprietary software or require coding knowledge to adapt existing code.ResultsWe provide a set of free and open-source Python scripts that, without any adaptation, are able to perform background correction and colour correction on images using a ColourChecker chart. Further scripts identify objects, use an object of known size to calibrate for size, and extract the average colour of objects in RGB, Lab, and YUV colour spaces. We use two examples to demonstrate the use of these scripts. We show the consistency of these scripts by imaging in four different lighting conditions, and then we use two examples to show how the scripts can be used. In the first example, we estimate the lycopene content in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) var. Tiny Tim using fruit images and an exponential model to predict lycopene content. We demonstrate that three different cameras (a DSLR camera and two separate mobile phones) are all able to model lycopene content. The models that predict lycopene or chlorophyll need to be adjusted depending on the camera used. In the second example, we estimate the chlorophyll content of basil (Ocimum basilicum) using leaf images and an exponential model to predict chlorophyll content.ConclusionA fast, cheap, non-destructive, and inexpensive method is provided for the determination of the size and colour of plant materials using a rig consisting of a lightbox, camera, and colour checker card and using free and open-source scripts that run in Python 3.8. This method accurately predicted the lycopene content in tomato fruit and the chlorophyll content in basil leaves.

Application of Hyperspectral Imaging as a Nondestructive Technology for Identifying Tomato Maturity and Quantitatively Predicting Lycopene Content.

Maturity is a crucial indicator in assessing the quality of tomatoes, and it is closely related to lycopene content. Using hyperspectral imaging, this study aimed to monitor tomato maturity and predict its lycopene content at different maturity stages. Standard normal variable (SNV) transformation was applied to preprocess the hyperspectral data. Then, using competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), the characteristic wavelengths were selected to simplify the calibration models. Based on the full and characteristic wavelengths, a support vector classifier (SVC) model was developed to determine tomato maturity qualitatively. The results demonstrated that the classification accuracy using the characteristic wavelength led to the obtention of better results with an accuracy of 95.83%. In addition, the support vector regression (SVR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were utilized to predict lycopene content. With a coefficient of determination for prediction (R2P) of 0.9652 and a root mean square error for prediction (RMSEP) of 0.0166 mg/kg, the SVR model exhibited the best quantitative prediction capacity based on the characteristic wavelengths. Following this, a visual distribution map was created to evaluate the lycopene content in tomato fruit intuitively. The results demonstrated the viability of hyperspectral imaging for detecting tomato maturity and quantitatively predicting the lycopene content during storage.

Relationship of Textures from Tomato Fruit Images Acquired Using a Digital Camera and Lycopene Content Determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

This study aimed at correlating image features with the lycopene content of tomato fruit. Tomato cultivars with different fruit colors, such as ‘Ożarowski’ (yellow), ‘Marvel Striped’ (yellow-orange-pink), ‘Green Zebra’ (green), Sandoline F1 (red), Cupidissimo F1 (red), and Sacher F1 (brown) were selected for the study. The tomato fruits were imaged using a digital camera. The texture parameters were computed from the images converted to color channels R, G, B, L, a, b, X, Y, and Z based on the histogram, autoregressive model, gradient map, co-occurrence matrix, and run-length matrix. Lycopene content was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pearson’s correlation coefficients (R), regression equations, and coefficients of determination (R2) were determined. The lycopene content in fruit ranged from 0.31 mg 100 g−1 for ‘Green Zebra’ to 11.83 mg 100 g−1 for Sacher F1. The correlation coefficient (R) between lycopene content and selected image textures reached −0.99 for selected textures from color channels G, b, and Y. The highest positive correlation (R parameter equal to 0.98) was obtained for texture from color channel Y. Based on the individual color channel providing the highest results, one texture was selected for the determination of regression equations. Coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.99 were obtained for texture from color channel G. The regression equations may be used in practice for nondestructive, objective, and precise estimation of the lycopene content in tomato fruit.

Reflectance Based Models for Non-Destructive Prediction of Lycopene Content in Tomato Fruits

Reflectance Based Models for Non-Destructive Prediction of Lycopene Content in Tomato Fruits

Infection with Tomato Mosaic Virus Reduces Lycopene Accumulation in Tomato Fruits

Despite Lycopene content in tomato germplasm (both local and exotic) was evaluated against isolates of tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), using a locally preferred hybrid i.e., Rio Grande as a control. Promising lines with resistance to ToMV were assessed by total carotenoid and lycopene content in virus-challenged tomato genotypes using spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC. Our data showed that virus infection significantly lessens the total carotenoid and lycopene content in tomato fruit. Lycopene content was significantly reduced in infected tomato compared to healthy, in locally cultivated hybrid Rio Grande. The germplasm GT-47 (CLN-2123-E) showed 60% decrease in lycopene content in infected tomato when in comparison to healthy produce. The virus infection, however, exhibited less deleterious effect on DPPH-based anti-oxidant potential of the ToMV infected tomato genotypes.

Tomato Crop Performances under Chemical Nutrients Monitored by Electric Signal

Fertigation is considered an efficient alternative to the enhanced use of chemical fertilizers. Since most of the fertigation systems rely on a theoretical electrical conductivity value of the nutrient solution, we tried to evaluate if this is the real need of the plants as well as if all the nutrients are needed at once. Therefore, we analyzed the electrical signals of the nutrients applied individually or in different mixes, correlating the electrical signals with the leaf gas exchange processes, studying the relation between the electrical signals and different plant phenological stages and the influence of the treatments on the lycopene content, nutritional composition, and antinutritional factors as well as the mineral bioavailability of tomato fruits cv. Brillante F1. The study was carried out in a greenhouse under controlled conditions. Ten different treatments consisting of MaEs (major elements) (V1—MgSO4, V2—KNO3, V3—K2SO4, V4—Ca(NO3)2, V5—KH2PO4, V6—KCl, V7—MgSO4 + KNO3 + KH2PO4, V8—K2SO4 + Ca(NO3)2 + KCl, V9—the mix of V1 to V6, commonly used in agricultural practices, V10—one nutrient each day) were applied daily when plants were 42 days old. The results showed that the values of the electrical signals varied depending on the treatment and the plant phenological stage. Five different trends of the electrical signals were identified. In addition, the shape of the signals varied during the day in accordance with the photosynthesis and the amount of CO2 registered. The results of the treatments’ influence on the nutritional composition and lycopene content of tomato fruits suggested that plants do not need all the nutrients at once; the highest values are registered for K2SO4 fertilization. However, this fertilizer also had the highest registered tannin, saponin, and trypsin inhibitors content, constituting a disadvantage considering the high nutritional values and lycopene content. Regarding the bioavailability of zinc, calcium, and iron for the human diet, regardless of the treatment applied, phytic acid did not affect the availability of zinc and calcium, but it had a negative impact on iron availability; also, the amount of oxalate could impair the bioavailability of calcium. The study suggests that tomato plants do not need all nutrients at once for quality fruits. However, further studies are needed in order to develop a fertigation scheme based on a smart nutrient use that provides an improved nutritional composition and mineral bioavailability. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of treatments on yield.

Оцінка комбінаційної здатності вихідного матеріалу помідора за ознакою «уміст лікопену в плодах»

Goal. To assess the combinatorial ability of the tomato source material by sign «lycopene content in the fruit» in the system of diallel crosses. Methods. Field — to establish differences between variants of the experiment; laboratory — to determine the content of lycopene in the fruit; genetic — to determine the indicators of combinatorial ability; mathematical and statistical — to assess the reliability of the research results. Results. Studies identified samples that should be used for heterosis and varietal selections, as well as those that should be used only when creating synthetic varieties. The established advantages of additive effects in the genetic control of the sign «lycopene content in tomato fruits» made it possible to select phenotype in the 2nd hybrid generation. Conclusions. Samples MO 112 and T-3627 should be used to create heterosis hybrids and as a component of synthetic varieties. The Dark green sample, Alia variety, and the № 477 lines can be used to create synthetic varieties. The established advantage of additive effects in the genetic control of the sign «lycopene content in tomato fruits» makes it possible to recommend selection in the selection process by phenotype, starting from the 2nd hybrid generation.

Comparison of colorimeter and different portable food-scanners for non-destructive prediction of lycopene content in tomato fruit

Abstract Lycopene, the red colored carotenoid in tomatoes, has various health benefits for humans due to its capability of scavenging free radicals. Traditionally, the quantification of lycopene requires an elaborate extraction process combined with HPLC analysis within the laboratory. Recent studies focused simpler methods for determining lycopene and utilized spectroscopic measurement methods. The aim of this study was to compare non-destructive methods for the prediction of lycopene by using color values from colorimeter measurements and Vis/NIR spectra recorded with three commercially available and portable Vis/NIR spectrometers, so called food-scanners. Tomatoes of five different ripening stages (green to red) as well as tomatoes stored up to 22 days after harvest were used for modeling. After measurement of color values and collection of Vis/NIR spectra the corresponding lycopene content was analyzed spectrophotometrically. Applying exponential regression models yielded very good prediction of lycopene for color values L*, a*, a*/b* and the tomato color index of 0.94, 0.90, 0.90 and 0.91, respectively. Color value b* was not a suitable predictor for lycopene content, whereas the (a*/b*)² value had the best linear fit of 0.87. In comparison to color measurements, the cross-validated prediction models developed for all three food-scanners had coefficients of determination (r²CV) ranging from 0.92 to 0.96. Food-scanners also can be used for additional measurements of internal fruit quality, and therefore have great potential for fruit quality assessment by measuring a multitude of important fruit traits in one single scan.

Supplemental blue and red light promote lycopene synthesis in tomato fruits

Lycopene, one of the strongest natural antioxidants known and the main carotene in ripe tomato, is very important for human health. Light is well known to be one of the most important environmental stimuli influencing lycopene biosynthesis; specifically, red light induces higher lycopene content in tomato. However, whether blue light promotes lycopene synthesis remains elusive and exactly how light stimulation promotes lycopene synthesis remains unclear. We applied supplemental blue and red lighting on tomato plants at anthesis to monitor the effect of supplemental blue and red lighting on lycopene synthesis. Our results showed that supplemental blue/red lighting induced higher lycopene content in tomato fruits; furthermore, we found that the expression of key genes in the lycopene synthesis pathway was induced by supplemented blue/red light. The expression of light signaling components, such as red-light receptor phytochromes (PHYs), blue-light receptor cryptochromes (CRYs) and light interaction factors, phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) were up- or down-regulated by blue/red lighting. Thus, blue and red light increased lycopene content in tomatoes by inducing light receptors that modulate HY5 and PIFs activation to mediate phytoene synthase 1 (PSY1) gene expression. These results provide a sound theoretical basis for further elucidation of the light regulating mechanism of lycopene synthesis in tomatoes, and for instituting a new generation of technological innovations for the enhancement of lycopene accumulation in crop production.

Lycopene Is Enriched in Tomato Fruit by CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Multiplex Genome Editing.

Numerous studies have been focusing on breeding tomato plants with enhanced lycopene accumulation, considering its positive effects of fruits on the visual and functional properties. In this study, we used a bidirectional strategy: promoting the biosynthesis of lycopene, while inhibiting the conversion from lycopene to β- and α-carotene. The accumulation of lycopene was promoted by knocking down some genes associated with the carotenoid metabolic pathway. Finally, five genes were selected to be edited in genome by CRISPR/Cas9 system using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Our findings indicated that CRISPR/Cas9 is a site-specific genome editing technology that allows highly efficient target mutagenesis in multiple genes of interest. Surprisingly, the lycopene content in tomato fruit subjected to genome editing was successfully increased to about 5.1-fold. The homozygous mutations were stably transmitted to subsequent generations. Taken together, our results suggest that CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used for significantly improving lycopene content in tomato fruit with advantages such as high efficiency, rare off-target mutations, and stable heredity.

Yield and nutraceutical quality of tomato fruits in organic substrates

The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of sand, solarized manure, vermicompost and soil capable of increasing tomato fruit yield and lycopene content. The treatments were: T1: 80 % Sand- 20 % Vermicompost (SV), T2: 80 % Sand- 20 % Solarized manure (SSM1), T3: 80 % Sand - 20 % Pelite ?Steiner solution (SPSS), T4: 80 % Sand- 5 % Soil - 15 % Vermicompost (SSoV), T5: 85 % Sand - 15 % Solarized manure (SSM2) and T6: 80 % Sand - 5 % Soil - 15 % Solarized manure (SSoSM). The organic substrates T5, T4, T1 and the control (T3) obtained larger fruits and yields. The lycopene content in tomato fruits grown in the organic substrates was 26 % higher than that obtained in the control treatment. Organic fertilizers improve the nutraceutical quality of tomato fruits, without signi cantly degrading yield.

Lycopene estimates in terms of chromaticity value in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Lycopene content as well as colour are the most important factors in the visual and nutraceutical quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and these factors are affected by temperature and light in different condition. In the present study color development in terms of chromaticity value (L, a, b and a/b) and lycopene accumulation in tomato fruits cv. Naveen known for virus resistant with prolific bearing, was assessed independently at different maturity stages, viz. breaking, turning, pinkish, red and red ripe, grown in greenhouse and compared with the fruits grown in open condition. The data on light and temperature were recorded periodically throughout the experimental period. The lycopene content (0.779±0.008 mg/FW) and chromacity value (a/b 0.908) were maximum in red ripe tomato fruits harvested from greenhouse as compared to open condition (0.099±0.006 mg/FW and 0.612 , respectively) . The direct relationships between chromaticity value and lycopene concentration at different stages was obtained. Thus the assessment of chromaticity value can be used as a nondestructive method to envisage the lycopene content in tomato fruits.

Vplyv dĺžky skladovania na obsah lykopénu v plodoch rajčiaka jedlého (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)

We focused on tomatoes for industrial processing due to its economical importance for its lycopene content. The objective of our research is to find the variation of lycopene content in tomato fruits depending upon the length of after harvest storage and thermic treatment, which is inevitable when being industrialy processed. From the point of view of nutritional qualities the most relevant contentual substance of tomatos are carotenoids, included lycopene.At average for tree following experimental years we learnt significant differences regarding the content of lycopene and the length of storage of tomato fruits. Immediately after the harvest and proccesing tomato fruits contained, at average for tree years, 103.24 mg of lycopene. After 14 days the content of lycopene declined to 46.76 mg . kg−1 of fresh mass. After 30 days the average value dropped to 29.26 mg . kg−1. This fact comfirms that boiling respectively thermic treatment increases the content of lycopene in tomato fruits, particulary in our experiment to the value 83.33 mg . kg−1. At varieties Ladislav, Peto 86, Prémium, Salus the content of lycopene has even risen in comparison with its content up to 48 hours after the harvest. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) belongs to the most signifficant vegetable varieties either for its exploitation in processing industry as well as for its nutritional value with extraordinary beneficial effect for human organism.Although the content of lycopene is genetically stable attribute, its content in our experiment ranged from 45.39 mg . kg−1 (Prémium variety) to 77.98 mg . kg−1 (Zámčan variety), which are significant differences.

Genotypic Variability in Tomato for Total Carotenoids and Lycopene Content during Summer and Response to Post Harvest Temperature

Lycopene is the major carotenoid responsible for fruit colour in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). However, colour of the fruit is greatly affected by high temperature prevailing during fruit growth in the summer crop. To select a genotype suitable for summer conditions that can maintain colour better, a set of 52 tomato genotypes were evaluated for lycopene, total carotenoids and for TSS during summer in Bengaluru. Among the genotypes screened, IIHR 2892 recorded very high lycopene content (328.4mg/100g dry weight) and IIHR 2866 recorded very low lycopene content (25.2mg/100g dry weight). TSS values ranged from 2.6° Brix in cv. Vybhav to 7.0° Brix in IIHR 2866. In addition, study was carried out to determine the effect of postharvest temperature on biosynthesis of lycopene in five selected tomato cultivars (Arka Rakshak, Arka Samrat, Arka Ananya, Lakshmi and Abhinava). Tomatoes harvested at breaker stage were stored at 27° C, 35° C and 40° C for ripening. High temperature reduced lycopene content in tomato fruits. Lycopene synthesis in fruits was completely inhibited above 35°C. In this study, mean lycopene content in tomatoes stored at 27° C was 3-4 times higher than that in tomatoes stored at 40° C. This indicates that in tomatoes, temperature at which the fruits are stored after harvest, is a more important factor for colour development.

Visible reflectance and content of isomeric ratio of lycopene in commercial and elevated lycopene tomato varieties by different technological traits

Quantification of red pigment content of fruits using destructive techniques is expensive and it enables only the analysis of batches but not of individual items. This study examined the feasibility of using non-destructive, spectrophotometric method to predict one of the most valuable internal quality indices, lycopene, in individual tomato fruits. An open field experiment was conducted to study the effect of irrigation and potassium supplementation on the yield and lycopene content of processed tomato fruit. Three different treatments (regularly irrigated RI, irrigation cut-off 30 days before harvest CO, and rainfed RF unirrigated control) and two different potassium fertilisations (P) were applied. Regular irrigation significantly decreased the lycopene content of tomato fruits. The CO treatment resulted in the highest total lycopene without potassium supplementation. Potassium supplementation, given at the time before fruit maturity, significantly increased the lycopene concentration of cultivar Briga...

EFFECTS OF SELENIUM ENRICHMENT OF TOMATO PLANTS ON RIPE FRUIT METABOLISM AND COMPOSITION

EFFECTS OF SELENIUM ENRICHMENT OF TOMATO PLANTS ON RIPE FRUIT METABOLISM AND COMPOSITION

An increase of lycopene content in tomato fruit is associated with a novel Cyc-B allele isolated through TILLING technology

Tomato Cyc-B gene encodes a chromoplast-specific lycopene β-cyclase that converts lycopene to β-carotene during ripening of the fruit. By screening the tomato Red Setter mutant population with the TILLING method, we identified eight new alleles at the Cyc-B locus. Results of greenhouse phenotypic analysis revealed that the novel A949G Cyc-B allele produced modifications in the carotenoid profile and content of tomato petals and fruit. The cyc-b7 genotype, carrying the A949G Cyc-B allele, was therefore evaluated in an open field trial for standard agronomic traits as well as carotenoid content of the fruit. Results of the field trial confirmed that the induced A949G missense mutation favored the accumulation of lycopene in the fruit with no detrimental effects on the yield or on other agronomic and technological properties such as fruit firmness and Brix degree of fruit juice. On the basis of these results, it can be affirmed that the A949G Cyc-B allele constitutes a useful new genetic variant which can be used for improving carotenoid content in tomato fruit and for the development of new tomato commercial lines. Finally, the results presented here furthermore demonstrate that TILLING is a powerful methodology not only as a confirmatory system for gene functional analysis but also for selecting new gene variants useful for genetic improvement of important crops.

Effect of Ethylene and 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on Color and Firmness of Red and Breaker Stage Tomato Stored at Different Temperatures

The red color of the tomato fruit during ripening is due to the presence lycopene, a compound known for its antioxidant property. This compound is influenced by temperature, ethylene and 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment. It was believed that ethylene application at chilling temperature could help increase the amount of lycopene content of tomato fruits. In addition, application of 1-MCP was assumed to reduce the action of ethylene on production of lycopene content and decrease loss of firmness of tomato fruit under chilling temperature. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to see the effect of ethylene and 1-MCP treatment on color and firmness of tomato fruit under different storage temperatures. A tomato variety (cv. Rotarno) grown under greenhouse condition harvested at red and breaker stage was stored at 4, 8 and 20°C to assess color and firmness. Tomato fruits were treated by ethylene (85.7 ppm) and 1-MCP (2.9 ppm) gases starting from the first day of storage throughout the experimentation period. The color and firmness of the fruits were measured by pigment analyzer and Zwick respectively. Results showed that there was significant difference in color value of ethylene treated breaker stage tomato. 1-MCP treatment reduced the color value of tomato fruits stored at 20°C more than the fruits stored at 4 and 8°C. However, 1-MCP treatment helped to reduce loss of firmness of the fruits. We conclude that external ethylene application on red tomato fruits stored at chilling temperature generally has no effect on the subsequent accumulation of lycopene or to maintain the loss of accumulated lycopene during chilling storage. However, external ethylene treatment on breaker stage tomatoes helps for red color development. In addition, 1-MCP treatment helps to reduce loss of firmness of the fruits.

Color Changes and Antioxidant Content of Vine and Postharvest-ripened Tomato Fruits

Tomato fruit ripening is a complex, genetically programmed process that culminates in dramatic changes in texture, color, flavor, and aroma of the fruit flesh. The characteristic pigmentation of red ripe tomato fruit is the result of the de novo synthesis of carotenoids, mainly lycopene and β-carotene, which are associated with the change in fruit color from green to red as chloroplasts are transformed to chromoplasts. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ripening conditions on color development and antioxidant content. Detached tomato fruit stored at 15 and 30 °C and vine-ripened fruits were studied to characterize the ripening process by Hue (°) index (CIELab color system), which is strongly influenced by the circumstances of ripening. Total polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and lycopene content of tomato fruits were analyzed at the end of the experiment. Changes in the color of fruit stored at 15 °C and vine-ripened fruit showed significantly higher a* compared with fruit stored at 30 °C. Storage temperature influenced positively ascorbic acid and negatively lycopene content, whereas total polyphenols did not show differences among the different ripening conditions.