Nutritional Quality Of Tomato Research Articles

Compost Made from Cow Dung and Sawdust Improves the Physicochemical and Biochemical Properties of the Soil, the Production and the Nutritional Quality of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

The effect of a compost based on cow dung and sawdust on the production and nutritional quality of tomatoes was evaluated. The compost was prepared by mixing the different constituents in variable mass/mass proportions: 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0. The experimental device for growing tomatoes in pots was made in completely randomized random blocks with 5 repetitions, and 3 compost/soil mass/mass proportions (5%, 10% and 15%) for each variant. The physicochemical, biological and biochemical parameters of the compost and amended soils, the production and the nutritional quality of the fruits were evaluated. The C3 variant of compost showed the highest pH (9.88 ± 0.01); C4 presented the highest C/N ratio (21.45 ± 0.42); C2 showed the highest contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium, the highest values of bacterial and fungal flora and cellulase, protease, β-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. Analysis of amended soils showed that: C2 (15%) has the highest pH. C1 (10%) presented the highest C/N ratio (42.12 ± 3.98) and C3 (15%) the highest contents of nitrogen, magnesium ions and calcium. C4 (15%) presented the highest potassium and sodium content. The compost significantly improved tomato production. The C2 (15%) compost was the most productive with 154 ± 3.00 fruits, 10 times more than the tomato produced with chemical fertilizer (15.00 ± 1.00 fruits). The Biological tomato showed higher proportions of ash, total sugars, lycopene, vitamin C and polyphenols than the chemical tomato. The results show that the organic treatment improved the physicochemical, biological and biochemical properties of the soil, the production and the nutritional quality of the tomato. The compost constitutes therefore an efficient method for sustainable agriculture.

Characterization of Compost Made from hen Manure and Wood Ash and Its Effect on Soil Properties, Production and Nutritional Quality of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

The effect of a compost based on chicken manure and wood ash on the production and nutritional quality of tomatoes was evaluated. The mixtures of the constituents of each compost were made at variable m/m proportions: 25/75 (C1); 50/50 (C2); 75/25 (C3) and 100/0 (C4). Tomato cultivation in pots was done in completely randomized random blocks with 5 repetitions, and 3 compost/soil m/m proportions (5%, 10% and 15%). The physicochemical and biochemical parameters of the compost and the amended soil, as well as the production and nutritional quality of the fruits, were evaluated. The compost showed higher pH values than the unamended soil. The C3 variant exhibited the highest pH (9.97±0.00). The C/N ratio varied from 14.78±0.67 to 15.30±0.35 values higher than that of the unamended soil (11.86±0.27); exchangeable ion concentrations were higher in the compost. The microbial biomass and the enzyme activities of the compost were significantly higher than those of the unamended soil, the greatest values were obtained with the C3 variant. pH, EC, C/N ratio, and exchangeable ion concentrations were higher in all treated soils than in soils amended with chemical fertilizer. Tomato production was higher with the variant (15% C3) with a value of 156.00 ± 1.00 fruits, the soil amended with chemical fertilizer having given 14.00 ± 1.00 fruits. Biological tomatoes obtained with compost were richer in lycopene, vitamin C, phenolic compounds and minerals than those obtained with chemical inputs (Chemical tomatoes). The compost has improved the production and nutritional quality of the tomato, which is an efficient alternative for sustainable agriculture.

Bacillus methylotrophicus Could Improve the Tolerance and Recovery Ability of the Tomato to Low-Temperature Stress and Improve Fruit Quality

Low-temperature stress seriously affects the growth, development, yield, and quality of tomato production. Bacillus methylotrophicus is an important plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). However, the role of B. methylotrophicus under low-temperature stress is poorly understood. Accordingly, the effects of B. methylotrophicus (‘VL-10′) on tomato cold stress (15 °C/8 °C, 12 h/12 h, and day/night) were studied. B. methyltrophicus ‘VL-10′ was added into the substrate at the time of sowing, and the plants were treated at a low temperature for 2 weeks after 40 days of growth. We found that the low temperature reduced the spatial distribution of the aboveground and underground sections of tomatoes and the leaf SPAD and photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fv/Fm). After low-temperature stress, the tomato flowering was delayed, the vitamin C and lycopene content in fruit decreased, and the nitrate content increased. However, inoculated with B. methyltrophicus ‘VL-10′ during sowing promoted the growth of tomato seedlings, enhanced the native defense ability of the tomatoes, and effectively reduced the cold shock response of the roots to cold damage and the adverse effects of low temperature on leaf SPAD and Fv/Fm. After the cultivation at normal temperature, the inoculat B. methyltrophicus ‘VL-10′ could rapidly regain plant growth levers, and eliminate the delay of low temperature on flowering. TOPSIS analysis showed that the nutritional quality of tomatoes could be effectively improved by inoculation with B. methyltrophicus ‘VL-10′ regardless of normal cultivation or low-temperature stress.

Effects of Extreme Root Restriction on the Nutritional and Flavor Quality, and Sucrose Metabolism of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Root restriction is suitable for horticultural soilless cultivation characterized by high efficiency and quality in the case of high density and low node order pinching. However, little research is available on the mechanism of root restriction improving the flavor and nutritional quality of tomatoes. We investigated the effects of Extreme Root Restriction (ERR, 750 mL/plant) on the content of metabolites, activity of enzymes, and gene expression level involving sucrose metabolism in different clusters of two tomato types. The fruit diameter and single fruit weight of common tomato at CIII were reduced by 5.6% and 14% under ERR, as a result, the fruit uniformity throughout the whole plant was improved. The ERR enhanced the accumulation of metabolites in tomato fruits, such as soluble sugars, amino acids, vitamin C, lycopene, and polyphenol, which was caused by ‘concentration effect’ that occurred with a reduction of fruit size. The activities of enzymes (SS, SPS, NI, AI) at CIII and CIV of cherry tomatoes increased by 3–4 folds under ERR. ERR enhanced accumulation of sucrose, glucose, and fructose in tomato fruits not only by modulating activities of metabolizing enzymes but also by inducing the expression of sucrose metabolism genes, including sucrose synthase genes (SS1, SS3–6) in common tomato, fructokinase genes (FKs), hexokinase genes (HKs), and sucrose phosphate synthase genes (SPSs), in cherry tomato. The above results are expected to provide a theoretical basis for root restriction cultivation techniques and practical guidance for high-quality tomato production in industrialized cultivation.

Impact of biochar on the yield and nutritional quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) under drought stress.

Undeviating climatic instabilities have increased the incidents of drought. Crop performance and yield attributes of tomatoes are negatively affected by drought stress. Biochar is an organic amendment that can increase crop yield and nutritional value under water-deficient conditions by retaining water and providing nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace elements). The present study was designed to investigate the effects of biochar on tomato plant physiology, yield, and nutritional quality under deficit moisture regimes. Plants were subjected to two biochar levels (0.1% and 0.2%) and four moisture levels [100%, 70%, 60%, and 50% field capacities (FCs)]. Drought stress, especially 50D (50% FC), severely affected the plant morphology, physiology, yield, and fruit quality attributes. However, plants grown in biochar-amended soil showed significant increase in the studied attributes. Plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight of root, the number of fruits per plant, fruit fresh and dry weight, ash percent, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, and lycopene contents were increased in plants grown in biochar-amended soil under control and drought stress. Biochar at 0.2% application rate depicted a more pronounced increment in the studied parameters than 0.1% and can save 30% water without compromising tomato crop yield and nutritional value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Pyroligneous Acid on the Productivity and Nutritional Quality of Greenhouse Tomato.

Pyroligneous acid (PA) is a reddish-brown liquid obtained through the condensation of smoke formed during biochar production. PA contains bioactive compounds that can be utilized in agriculture to improve plant productivity and quality of edible parts. In this study, we investigated the biostimulatory effect of varying concentrations of PA (i.e., 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% PA/ddH2O (v/v)) application on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Scotia’) plant growth and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions. Plants treated with 0.25% PA exhibited a significantly (p < 0.001) higher sub-stomatal CO2 concentration and a comparable leaf transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. The total number of fruits was significantly (p < 0.005) increased by approximately 65.6% and 34.4% following the application of 0.5% and 0.25% PA, respectively, compared to the control. The 0.5% PA enhanced the total weight of fruits by approximately 25.5%, while the 0.25% PA increased the elemental composition of the fruits. However, the highest PA concentration of 2% significantly (p > 0.05) reduced plant growth and yield, but significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced tomato fruit juice Brix, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and titratable acidity. Additionally, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly (p < 0.001) increased by the 2% PA. However, the highest carotenoid content was obtained with the 0.5% and 1% PA treatments. Additionally, PA treatment of the tomato plants resulted in a significantly (p < 0.001) high total ascorbate content, but reduced fruit peroxidase activity compared to the control. These indicate that PA can potentially be used as a biostimulant for a higher yield and nutritional quality of tomato.

Production Systems and Growing Environments Had Stronger Effects than Grafting on the Nutritional Quality of Tomato

Production Systems and Growing Environments Had Stronger Effects than Grafting on the Nutritional Quality of Tomato

Drip irrigation provides a trade-off between yield and nutritional quality of tomato in the solar greenhouse

To address the twin issues of food and nutrition security, the focus of agricultural production should be shifted from biomass productivity to nutritional gains. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of conversion from furrow to drip irrigation on the yield components, water productivity (WP), nutritional yield (NY) and nutritional water productivity (NWP) of tomato during two consecutive growth cycles (2017–2018) in a greenhouse in the arid area of Northwest China. Results showed that the environment under drip irrigation was more beneficial to the accumulation of phytochemicals and the formation of total antioxidant activity in tomato fruits, which also significantly increased the NWP. However, the notable decline in single fruit fresh weight reducing the tomato yield significantly under drip irrigation in summer, while the WP and NY were similar to furrow irrigation. This indicated that the NY of tomato was mainly determined by the fruit yield, while the NWP was strongly affected by the mass concentration of nutrients. In contrast, no difference was found in the single fruit fresh weight and tomato yield between drip and furrow irrigation in winter, which related to the similar environmental conditions, while the WP and NY were significantly higher under drip irrigation. In summary, the potential and water use efficiency in nutrient production of tomato were enhanced under drip irrigation, and the improvement of fruit quality can offset the negative effect of yield reduction. Therefore, drip irrigation can achieve a good balance between the high yield and superior quality of tomato fruits, meanwhile reducing the pressure on the environment caused by horticultural production. We propose that the drip irrigation should be employed in the greenhouse in arid areas for tomato production, and the concepts of NY and NWP can be further applied to other horticultural crops with high nutritional value.

Influence of Crop System Fruit Quality, Carotenoids, Fatty Acids and Phenolic Compounds in Cherry Tomatoes

Tomato is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world, and its intake is known to be beneficial for human health. The nutritional quality of tomato is connected with numerous factors namely the cultivation system. To achieve the highest fruit quality and yield, the cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. Moscatel RZ) was cultivated in three cultivation systems and its nutritional quality was evaluated. The highest fruit productivity, 2135–2240 g plant−1 dry weight (dw), was observed for the cherry tomatoes grown in the soilless systems. The cherry tomato from the hydroponic culture had the highest protein (13.41% dw), lipid (3.20% dw), sugar (354.94 mg g−1 dw) and taste index (1.24). It also comprised high amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, like oleic (1.28 mg g−1 dw) and linoleic acids (5.42 mg g−1 dw). With respect to cherry tomato from the organic culture, higher contents of carotenoids—lycopene (47.1 mg kg−1 dw) and polyphenols (56.7 mg GAE 100 g−1 dw) were verified. Flavonoids were the main family of phenolic compounds found in the cherry tomato. The highest levels of chalconaringenin (51.95 mg 100 g−1 dw) and rutin (39.69 mg 100 g−1 dw) were observed in the cherry tomatoes cultivated through organic practices. This study shows that the agronomic system greatly influences the different characteristics associated with fruit quality. Hydroponic cultures presented higher quality, namely texture and taste, while the higher amounts of bioactive compounds were found in the organic culture.

Impact of application of Trichoderma and biochar on growth, productivity and nutritional quality of tomato under reduced N-P-K fertilization

Extensive use of synthetic fertilizer to maximize the productivity often leads to depletion of essential soil nutrients, environmental degradation and adversely affects soil rhizosphere microbiota. The present study investigates the efficacy of Trichoderma and biochar co-application on tomato productivity, nutritional quality and soil health improvements under reduced N-P-K fertilizer application. The study comprised of five treatments: (i) standard application of N-P-K, (ii) 50% dose of N-P-K (control), (iii) Trichoderma + 50% dose of N-P-K, (iv) biochar+50% dose of N-P-K and (v) biochar+Trichoderma + 50% dose of N-P-K. The growth, yield, and antioxidant properties of tomatoes, as well as their mineral composition, were analysed. The results showed that the combined application of Trichoderma and biochar increased the growth attributes positively and produced 101.45% and 11.33% higher yield compared to half dose and standard dose of N-P-K, respectively. The combined application also elicited an increase in mineral contents, total soluble solids as well as bioactive molecules such as lycopene and ascorbic acid, thereby increased the nutritional and functional quality of the tomato fruits. Collectively, Trichoderma and biochar improved soil fertility, nutrient uptake and promoted the growth of rhizosphere fungal and bacterial populations, which combined resulted in higher tomato yields, antioxidants, and minerals. Therefore, the co-application of Trichoderma and biochar with a 50% dose of N-P-K can be considered an effective technique for the sustainable production of tomato with higher yield and superior quality.

Impact of Water Deficit on Nutritional Quality of Tomatoes

Impact of Water Deficit on Nutritional Quality of Tomatoes

Enhancement of Antioxidants and Nutritional Quality of Tomato Inoculated with Agriculturally Importance Microorganisms (AIMs) Fortified Vermicompost

Enhancement of Antioxidants and Nutritional Quality of Tomato Inoculated with Agriculturally Importance Microorganisms (AIMs) Fortified Vermicompost

Nutritional Quality of Tomato (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lycopersicon lycopersicum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Varieties as Influenced by Combined Application of Human Urine and Rock Phosphate

There has been increasing interest in the quality of food produced in the sub-Saharan Africa and organic fertilizers can be used as palliative for eradicating malnutrition and improving the livelihood of the populace. A study was conducted in two phases, 4 × 5 × 2 and 2 × 4 factorial experiments in a completely randomized design with three replicates at the Department of Agronomy screenhouse, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. In the first experiment, five N levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kgN/ha) were combined with two P levels (0 and 20 kgP/ha) using urea and single superphosphate, respectively and four varieties (Roma VF, UC82B, Rio grande and Roma savana) of tomatoes were used. In the second experiment, optimum rates (60 kgN and 20 kgP/ha) from the first experiment formed the basis for the application of urea + SSP, urine + ORP, urea + SSP + urine + ORP and control. The best-performing varieties (Rio grande and Roma savana) in the first experiment were used. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. Combined application of N and P had higher N use efficiency and nutrient uptake than sole application of N or P. Urine + ORP based fertilizer mixtures were best for nutrient uptake and crop utilization of N and P. Increasing N levels led to decrease in nutrient use efficiency. Application of urine + ORP and urea + SSP gave better fruit qualities. The descending order of varietal superiority with respect to nutrient uptake, utilization and quality was: Rio grande > Roma savana > Roma VF > UC82B. Thus, urine + ORP based fertilizer mixtures have great potentials as substitutes for urea + SSP in the production of tomatoes.

Growth and Tomato Nutrition Content with Bandotan (Ageratum Conyzoides L) Bokashi Applied

Bandotan (A.conyzoides) is one of the most common weeds in dry land. Weeds can reduce the results of a variety of crops. On the contrary, the use of this weed as the organic material would be able to increase the nutrient content of the soil. The problem is, the decomposition of this weed is naturally longer than the process in the form of Bokashi. This study aims to determine the effect of Bandotan applied in the form of Bokashi on growth and nutrient content of tomato plants. This study was an experimental study and completely randomized design was used with 5 treatments and 3 replications. The treatment were rate of bandotan bokashi those 100, 120, 140, 160 g / polybag and 0,6g NPK / polybag as a control. The research was conducted in the Screen House of Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematic and Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang. Tomato growth observed was high, wet weight, biomass and weight of the fruit. While the nutritional quality of tomatoes was vitamin C and A. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a further test DNMRT at 5% level. The results showed that bokhasi bandotan 120g / polybag give best effect to the weight of tomatoes. However, bandotan bokashi do not give effect to the high, wet weight, biomass, vitamin C and vitamin A of tomato. Bokashi bandotan can be utilized as a substitute for synthetic fertilizer NPK for tomato plants.

Effect of ultraviolet irradiation on postharvest quality and composition of tomatoes: a review.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has recently emerged as a possible alternative to currently used postharvest phytosanitary treatments. Research has also highlighted other benefits associated with UV irradiation in postharvest technology. This review presents the effects of UV irradiation on postharvest and nutritional quality of tomatoes. The application of UV irradiation on tomatoes is discussed including its effect on biological (respiration rate, ethylene production and microbial growth), physico-chemical (firmness, colour, total soluble solids and titratable acidity) and nutritional (vitamins, carotenoids, phenolic and antioxidants) quality. UV-treated tomatoes have shown resistance to microbial growth and decay. Although UV irradiation reduces the loss of vitamin C during storage, the loss of vitamin E remains a concern. UV treatments lead to higher antioxidant capacity, flavonoids and phenolic content. UV irradiation significantly reduced carotenoids in certain cultivars. Based on the literature reviewed, the success of UV irradiation treatments is cultivar-dependent. While improved retention of phytochemicals has been reported in UV-C treated fruit, increased losses have been reported in certain cultivars. Research efforts on the development of cultivar-specific UV irradiation protocols are warranted. The effect of harvest maturity and seasonal differences in the efficacy of UV treatments is required to be investigated.

Physicochemical and nutritional quality of tomatoes grown in a photoselective screenhouse

Physicochemical and nutritional quality of tomatoes grown in a photoselective screenhouse

Modelling the Thin-Layer Drying Kinetics of Untreated and Blanch-Osmotic Pre-treated Tomato Slices

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-treatment and drying temperature on the drying kinetics and nutritional quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculantum L.) under hot air drying. Tomato samples were blanched at 80oC and osmotically dehydrated using 20% w/w sodium chloride solutions at 30oC for 20 min. The blanch-osmotic pre-treated and untreated tomato slices were dried at temperature of 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80oC, respectively in a hot air-dryer. The results showed that blanch-osmotic pre-treatment offered a higher drying rate and lower or faster drying time than untreated condition. The tomato drying regime was characteristically in the constant and falling rate period. The tomato drying rate curve showed characteristics of porous hygroscopic solids. The optimum drying temperature for tomato was found to be 60oC. Four semi-empirical drying models of Newton, Page, Henderson and Pabis, and Logarithmic were fitted to the drying data using non-linear regression analysis. The most appropriate model was selected using the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE). The Page model has shown a better fit to the drying kinetics data of tomato in comparison with other tested models. Transport of moisture during drying was described by Fick’s diffusion model application and the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) thus estimated. The Deff at 60oC was 4.43 × 10-11m2/s and 6.33 × 10-11m2/s for blanch-osmotic pre-treated and untreated tomato slices, respectively.

Yield and Nutritional Quality of Tomato as Affected by Chemical Fertilizer and Biogas Plant Residues

Yield and Nutritional Quality of Tomato as Affected by Chemical Fertilizer and Biogas Plant Residues

Effects of different organic anti-fungal treatments on tomato plant productivity and selected nutritional components of tomato fruit

SummaryOrganic farming and horticulture require the use of more environmentally-friendly chemicals to reduce potentially harmful side-effects on producers and on consumer health. Sulphur is one of the most important natural fungicides used in organic farming to protect plants against attack by powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica). The use of natural elicitors to induce natural resistance against fungal diseases may provide an alternative to conventional treatments. In this work, we compared the effects of wettable sulphur and two elicitors (Chitoplant® and Milsana®) on the productivity and nutritional quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L cv. Belladonna). Both elicitors, and a conventional sulphur treatment resulted in a similar degree of protection against powdery mildew. One or more of these three treatments positively affected the concentrations of some natural phytochemicals in tomato fruit (e.g., ascorbic acid, quercetin trisaccharide, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, β-carotene, and potassium) compared with untreated control plants. The minimal environmental impact and absence of any negative side-effects on growers and consumer health may encourage the use of these elicitors in organic farming and horticulture.

Trichoderma-Enriched Biofertilizer Enhances Production and Nutritional Quality of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and Minimizes NPK Fertilizer Use

Effective biofertilizer reduces not only the load of chemical fertilizers in crop production but also minimizes the pollution by excessive uses of the latter. The impact of Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer (BioF), i.e., BioF/compost (household/kitchen wastes composted by Trichoderma harzianum T22) and BioF/liquid (T. harzianum T22 grown in liquid media, i.e., broth culture) were evaluated to recognize their roles in growth, yield and nutritional quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in field studies. Encouraging responses were monitored in all respects. Above 200 and 336.5 % yield increase were recorded over control by BioF/compost alone (T3) and its combination with N:P:K (Nitrogen:Phosphorus:Potassium) application (T4), respectively. Application of 50 % BioF/compost and 50 % BioF/liquid with 50 % N:P:K, provided statistically similar and significant (P ≤ 0.05) performance over control but not significant with standard dose of N:P:K. Total soluble solids, sugar, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, lycopene, phosphorus and manganese content in tomato were significantly higher when fertilized with BioF/compost. In addition, protein content and some essential minerals were increased in 50 % BioF/compost + 50 % N:P:K treatment. Trichoderma composted kitchen wastes can serve as prospective biofertilizer for improvement in yield and quality of tomato cultivation.