Processing Tomato Research Articles

The optimal irrigation water salinity and salt component for high-yield and good-quality of tomato in Ningxia

Although saline water can be used as an alternative of freshwater resources for agricultural irrigation, especially in arid and semiarid areas, however, unsuitable saline water quality and unreasonable irrigation technology may result in the detrimental effects on plant growth, yield and quality of products. Thus, a three-year open field experiment was conducted in Ningxia to investigate the influence of three irrigation water salinity levels (1, 2 and 3 g/L) and five molar concentration ratios (MCR) of Na:Ca (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) on processing tomato planting, in terms of crop water consumption, tomato yield traits and fruit quality characteristics. The results are as follow: (i) The water consumption decreased significantly with the increasing irrigation water salinity and MCR of Na:Ca. (ii) With the increase of irrigation water MCR of Na:Ca, both the average fruit weight, marketable yield and total yield decreased linearly, as well, the ratio of marketable yield to total yield decreased. Additionally, irrigation water with higher salinity (2 g/L and 3 g/L) and lower MCR of Na:Ca (1 and 3) was more conducive to root water uptake and average fruit weight accumulation, than that with lower salinity and higher MCR of Na:Ca. (iii) With irrigation water salinity of 1 g/L and 2 g/L, both the vitamin C, lycopene, fructose, sucrose and starch content of tomato fruit have quadratic function relationship with the irrigation water MCR of Na:Ca. Moreover, the threshold of irrigation water MCR of Na:Ca for soluble solids, lycopene and starch accumulation was 7, while the content of total soluble sugar, fructose and sucrose achieved the maximum value as the MCR of Na:Ca arrived 5. (iv) With irrigation water salinity of 3 g/L, the total soluble sugar and glucose of fruit decreased with the increase of irrigation water MCR of Na:Ca, especially, the fruit fructose, sucrose and starch concentration decreased linearly, furthermore, the threshold of irrigation water MCR of Na:Ca for vitamin C and soluble solids accumulation was 5. Synthetically, saline water with salt content of 2 g/L and MCR of Na:Ca at 5 was optimal in the present study for mulched drip irrigation on tomato cultivation in the northern Yinchuan plain of Ningxia, obtaining the relatively high-yield (9.72 ×104 kg/hm2) and good-quality of tomato.

Concurrent data assimilation and model-based optimization of irrigation scheduling

Crop models can be combined with optimization algorithms in order to develop management tools. However, such model-based tools are inherently affected by the imperfectness of the model on which they are based. In this paper we describe a procedure in which data assimilation and partial re-parametrization of the model embedded in the optimization procedure used to determine irrigation scheduling are performed before each optimization run. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is performed before performing data assimilation, which ensures that only influential parameters are adjusted. The procedure was tested via simulation with DSSAT-CROPGRO for a hypothetical processing tomato crop in Davis, CA, in 2010–2019. Several scenarios that differed in terms of the measurements assumed to be available for assimilation (leaf area index, biomass and/or soil water content) were simulated. The results were compared to a benchmark scenario involving a perfect model, as well as a scenario in which data assimilation was not performed. The analysis focused on the overall performance of the irrigation schedule (yield vs. irrigation amount) derived using the model rather on the accuracy of the estimated model parameters. Assimilating weekly measurements of leaf area index led to overall performance that was within 3% of the benchmark performance. Adding weekly measurements of biomass or daily measurements of soil water content did not improve the performance. On the other hand, assimilating only daily soil water content measurements led to poorer results (5% decrease compared to benchmark) and also affected the repeatability of the results. Defining dynamically the subset of parameters for calibration via sensitivity analysis rather than calibrating a fixed subset of parameters or all parameters was beneficial, both in terms of overall performance and repeatability of the results. Overall, concurrent data assimilation and model-based optimization has potential to enhance irrigation scheduling decision making, particularly in water limited environments.

Exploring the Potential of Tomato Processing Byproduct as a Natural Antioxidant in Reformulated Nitrite-Free Sausages

This study evaluated the potential of two dried processing by products, obtained from large and cherry tomatoes (LT and CT) after juice extraction to improve the oxidative stability of pork sausages during refrigerated storage for 20 days. For this purpose, reformulated nitrite-free sausages were manufactured by supplementation of raw sausage samples with dried large and cherry tomato processing byproducts (DLTB and DCTB) at a dose that provides a level of polyphenolic compounds equally with 50, 90, 180 and 270 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/kg of processed meat. The developed sausage formulas were subjected to heat treatment, such as smoking and drying and, smoking and scalding, respectively. The reformulated nitrite-free sausages were compared with control samples of sausages with or without the addition of sodium nitrite. Large and cherry tomatoes and their raw and dried processing byproducts were investigated for total and individual polyphenols content as well as lycopene content. The sausage formulas were evaluated in terms of proximate composition. Additionally, the progress of lipid oxidation developed in sausage formulas was assessed by specific indices, such as peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), TOTOX value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA), after 1, 10 and 20 days of storage at 4 °C. Based on the values of PV, p-AV, TOTOX and TBA, it can be stated that the dried tomato processing byproducts applied at doses that ensure a level of polyphenolic compounds of at least 180 mg GAE/kg of processed meat for DCTB and 270 mg GAE/kg of processed meat for DLTB, showed promising potential to replace sodium nitrite in meat products for both dried and scalded sausage formulas. For the same dose of tomato processing byproducts, it was noted a stronger inhibitory effect against lipid oxidation in the case of smoked and scalded sausages compared to smoked and dried ones.

Recent advances in the utilization of industrial byproducts and wastes generated at different stages of tomato processing: Status report

There has been an increasing focus on addressing the generation of byproducts and waste from food industries, intending to reduce carbon footprint, and improve the circular economy. Post-harvest processing of tomatoes generates byproducts and waste at various stages of industrial processing. Pomace (seed, peel, and pomace liquid) of processed tomato which constitutes valuable compounds for various commercial purposes. Generated waste from tomato processing is used for extraction of the carotenoids, preparation of the adsorption material and also as animal feed. The generated byproduct/waste has the scope to be utilized for different food (such as seed oil, lycopene as a natural colorant and as a good antioxidant compound for food product development and its stability) and non-food purposes such as dried byproduct/waste as adsorption material for removal of synthetic dyes and heavy metals from the aqueous waste, etc. This review aims to address the byproducts generated at different stages of unit operation during the processing of tomato since these byproducts have different matrix compositions at various stages of processing, and also summarizes the recent advancement in their utilization. Novelty impact statement This review provides the insight on byproducts generated in tomato processing industry at different stages and their use for food and non-food purposes. For the first time pomace liquid produced in tomato industrial processing has been discussed for its possible application.

Hydrogen and methane production from tomato processing plant waste by hydrothermal gasification

Hydrothermal gasification of tomato processing plant waste was examined in batch autoclaves at temperatures of 300–600 °C and pressures of 20.0–42.5 MPa. The catalytic effects of KOH and K2CO3 at the aforementioned temperatures and pressures were also investigated. While increasing the pressure enhanced methane yield, alkali addition improved both hydrogen and methane yields. The highest yields for H2 and CH4 were recorded as 27.4 and 21.8 moles kg−1 C at 600 °C and with KOH. In addition, carbon gasification efficiency (CGE) obtained was up to 86% while carbon liquefaction efficiency (CLE) was reduced to 3.5% with KOH at 600 °C and 20 MPa. A product gas with a calorific value of 24.9 MJ/Nm3 was obtained during hydrothermal gasification at 500 °C and 42.5 MPa, in the presence of KOH.

Identifying new Product Opportunities From Waste: Eliminating Waste in Tomato Production

The challenge of new product development (NPD) has seen a growth in literature on both idea generation and sustainability, but these two areas have not yet fully been integrated. The development of products from agricultural waste has particularly been overlooked, although the need to utilise sustainable materials and reuse waste is increasingly acknowledged. Our paper answers the question: How can different sources of agricultural food waste be utilized to create new product opportunities? We present a new framework for the identification and evaluation of NPD opportunities. This framework offers a new perspective to conceptualise different types of waste and identify their relative sensory, nutritional and functional properties. We present a case study of a UK tomato grower, using data gathered from interviews, attendance of meetings, observations and secondary data. Tomato production creates significant volumes of waste from unripe, imperfect, damaged and overripe fruits. Furthermore, processing tomatoes (for ketchup, passatas, juices, etc.) generates other kinds of waste such as seeds, skins and water. We show how firms can uncover new product opportunities through an analysis of each of these properties. For example, in tomato juice production around 5% of the raw material goes to waste since skins and seeds cannot be used. However, skins and seeds are nutritionally, sensorially and functionally useful and versatile. Nutrition: skins and seeds are rich in essential amino acids, minerals, fatty acids and lycopene, an antioxidant with several reported health benefits. Sensory: skin contains crystalline cellulose which can improve mouthfeel of food in low fat products, while seeds can increase hardness in flat breads. Functional: skins are partially permeable to liquids and gases, giving them potential for packaging and biodegradable tableware, while seed powder can be effective in removing organic dye molecules from coloured textile effluents. On the basis of our analysis we conclude that by examining the nutritional, sensory and functional characteristics of tomato waste, this can lead NPD managers to explore new alternatives in industries different from the original source of waste.

Teknologi Edible Coating untuk Memperpanjang Masa Simpan Tomat di Desa Lingga, Kecamatan Simpang Empat, Kabupaten Karo

Community Service The Stimulus Scheme (PKMS) is implemented as part of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education which aims to assist the community in increasing knowledge and skills in the field of post-harvest handling of tomatoes. The implementation of the activity lasted for 3 days with the location in Lingga Village, Simpang Empat District, Karo Regency. The service activity was carried out using an extension method (Focus Group Discussion = FGD) with material on the physiological process of tomatoes and demonstration of stearin-based edible coating applications. The results of the evaluation showed that there was an increase in participants' knowledge of the physiological processes of tomatoes. Increased knowledge is expressed by giving correct answers to the questions listed on the questionnaire sheet by 85.3%. The skills of the participants also experienced an increase which was marked by the ability to make edible coating formulations, and being able to apply edible coatings to tomatoes correctly.

Edible Coating from Banana Peel Waste to Extend Tomato Shelf Life

Kepok banana has been widely used as processed food by the community. The utilization of climacteric fruit is still limited to the use of fruit flesh. The banana peel, which still contains beneficial components like pectin, will therefore be wasted. In this study, pectin from banana peels is processed into an edible coating which will be used as a coating that will be applied to tomatoes. This objective of the study was to determine the best pectin extraction temperature which ranged from 70°, 80°, to 90℃ and the effect of edible coating of pectin extracted from kepok banana peel on the shelf life of tomatoes. Observation of the shelf life of tomatoes was carried out by observing weight loss and vitamin C content in tomatoes. The pectin extraction process and physiological characteristics of tomatoes were studied quantitatively for this study, and the physical characteristics of tomatoes were studied qualitatively throughout the course of 21 days. Based on the results of research on pectin extraction, a temperature of 90°C was discovered to be the best temperature for pectin extraction compared to temperatures of 70° and 80°. At 90℃, the amount of pectin produced was about 2.98%. Based on observations of fruit weight loss and vitamin C content in tomatoes, research on the shelf life of tomatoes revealed that edible coatings had no significant effect on fruit weight loss or vitamin C content. The results of observations of tomatoes at a temperature of 27℃ showed that vitamin C content of tomatoes coated with edible coating decreased by 6.1%, while at a temperature of 10℃, vitamin C content of tomatoes with edible coatings increased by 1.8%.

Development of power ultrasound‐modified industrial tomato waste as an efficient biosorbent: Characterization, application on synthetic dyes, and optimization using artificial neural networks

Power ultrasound (US)-modified tomato waste (pomace) was used to prepare a highly efficient novel biosorbent, which was then used to remove congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB) dyes from an aqueous solution. Characterization of produced biosorbent using the US was done using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET analysis), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV–visible spectrophotometer. Compared with response surface methodology (RSM), the artificial neural network (ANN) model best fitted the experimental data with an R2 value of 0.998. The application of US on raw pomace resulted in increased surface area by 84.25%, an increase in a large number of pores as evident through SEM, conversion of crystalline nature of biosorbent to amorphous nature, and removal of one compound (–COOR) at 288 eV of binding energy for power ultrasound-assisted pomace (UAP) biosorbent. Further, the Langmuir isotherm model described the best adsorption behavior and showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 436.68 and 317.76 mg/g for MB and CR dyes from aqueous solution, respectively. Novelty Impact Statement Tomato waste pomace is widely generated from processing industries, which leads to an environmental burden. Moreover, industrial effluents (synthetic dyes) are contaminants that lead to diseases like cancer in humans and affect the natural and aquatic environment. For the first time, industrial tomato processing waste pomace was used for the preparation of a highly efficient biosorbent by using power ultrasound technology to remove synthetic dyes from an aqueous solution. Ultrasound application resulted in the creation of more sites for adsorption, further, the overall process was low energy and environmentally sustainable for the preparation of biosorbent. The present study highlights an interesting phenomenon and a novel application for the utilization of by-products generated from the tomato industry which was well explained by the artificial neural network.

Development of a Multi-Scale Tomato Yield Prediction Model in Azerbaijan Using Spectral Indices from Sentinel-2 Imagery

This paper presents the development and update of a multi-scale yield prediction model for processing tomatoes. The study was carried out under the EU-funded programme “Support to Development of a Rural Business Information System (RBIS)”, and the performance of the updated crop-specific yield prediction models and their generated predictions at regional and national levels are presented. The model was built using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to obtain cumulative values of six (6) selected vegetation indices (VIs). The data were collected on five (5) different dates for processing tomato fields in the Khachmaz region of Azerbaijan during summer 2021 (June to August) at 10- to 13-day intervals. In addition, a targeted field sampling campaign was conducted on selected Khachmaz pilot fields towards the end of the growing season to assess the potential of Sentinel-2 data to determine yield variability in tomato fields. Finally, actual recorded yields were collected at the field level to build the yield prediction regression model and evaluate its performance at different spatial scales, ranging from single field to national level, as well as under different data availability scenarios (number of consecutive Sentinel-2 images used). The results showed a high degree of correlation between all implemented VIs and processing tomato yield, with a coefficient of determination of up to 0.89 for the NDVI, providing valuable information for future estimates of tomato production across multiple spatial scales. The developed prediction model could also be used in the agri-food sector for national yield estimates to support policy and regulatory decisions at the national level.

Modeling water and nitrogen dynamics from processing tomatoes under different management scenarios in the San Joaquin Valley of California

Study regionThe Southern San Joaquin Valley (SSJV), California. Four representative soil types were evaluated. Study focusEvaluation of regional scale hydrology and nitrogen (N) fate and transport requires a robust modeling framework that considers critical local scale environmental conditions and crop root zone physical processes. Two widely used yet conceptually and mechanistically different models, HYDRUS(2D/3D) and SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool), were used to investigate water and N dynamics in processing tomato fields across a range of soil types and management scenarios over a 30-year period in the SSJV. New hydrological insights for the regionThis study implements a framework to evaluate a regional scale model against a field scale model and provides a framework for assessing percolation and N transport results from regional scale simulations in the absence of extensive field observations. Field scale models developed in HYDRUS (2D/3D) produced similar results to a regional-scale SWAT model in four specific soils in terms of responses to percolation and N losses as a function of varying N fertilizer and irrigation management practices. This model-to-model agreement at the local scale provides confidence in region-scale hydrological and N fate and transport findings, particularly in the absence of extensive field observations. Both models suggest that promoting conservation practices targeting the optimization of irrigation and fertilizer-N management would have a large impact in protecting regional groundwater quality.

Genotypic Differences Affecting Biometric, Processing and Functional Quality Attributes in Tomato Fruits

Processing tomato is an important agricultural crop worldwide suffering from genetic erosion due to a severe genetic diversity reduction and domestication hindrance. In Tunisia, some old underutilized tomato cultivars are increasingly being considered as genetic resources and are marginally used by small farmers constituting a real safety valve for the sustainability of the processing tomato value chain. Those tomato cultivars differ in their biometric, processing and functional quality attributes. Therefore, there is an increasing interest to examine their performances for processing and fresh market quality improvement. Recently, there was also a particular focus on improving the quality of fresh fruit via the introgression of high-pigment genes in processing tomato in order to obtain a high quality processed products. The results are important as large differences are highlighted and the main traits affecting tomato quality are also reported and clearly discussed. This suggest that maintaining of the existing genetic pools among cultivated tomato is as important as creating novel hybrids.

Dicamba residue persistence in processing tomato

AbstractThere is zero tolerance for dicamba and dicamba metabolite residue in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit following exposure to dicamba. Field trials were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to determine the persistence of dicamba and metabolite (5-hydroxy dicamba and 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid [DCSA]) residue in processing tomato shoots and fruits. Dicamba was applied 49 d after transplanting at 0, 0.53, 5.3, and 53 g ae ha−1. Tomato plants were harvested 5, 10, 20, 40, and 61 d after treatment (DAT). No 5-hydroxy dicamba was recovered from any sample. In 2020, the DCSA metabolite was detected from tomato shoot tissue when dicamba was applied at the 53 g ha−1 rate at 0 (14 µg kg−1), 5 (3 µg kg−1), and 20 DAT (5 µg kg−1) and from tomato fruit tissue at 53 g ha−1 at 20 (2 µg kg−1) and 61 DAT (2 µg kg−1). In 2021, DCSA was not detected from tomato shoot or fruit tissues at any harvest date. By 5 DAT, dicamba was only detected from tomato shoot tissues treated with 53 g ha−1. At 0 DAT, dicamba residue was detectable only from tomato fruit on plants treated with 53 g ha−1. Tomato fruit dicamba residue from plants treated with 5.3 g ha−1 had a predicted peak of 19 µg kg−1 at 11.3 DAT. Tomato fruit dicamba residue from plants treated with 53 g ha−1 decreased from 164 to 8 µg kg−1 from 5 to 61 DAT. Furthermore, this study confirms that dicamba is detectable from tomato fruits at 61 DAT following exposure to 5.3 or 53 g ha−1 dicamba. Growers who suspect dicamba exposure should include tomato fruit tissue with their collected sample or sample tomato fruits separately.

Tomato SlYTH1 encoding a putative RNA m6A reader affects plant growth and fruit shape

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant and common modification on eukaryotic mRNA, plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes through controlling endogenous gene activity in organisms. The m6A reader specifically recognizes the m6A mark to mediate the regulation of m6A on mRNA, and determines the fate of its target mRNA. In plants, the currently confirmed m6A readers are YTH (YT521B homology) domain-containing proteins. We previously reported that tomato contains 9 YTH genes, of which SlYTH1 has the strongest expression. The present study reports the functional characterization of SlYTH1 in tomato. SlYTH1 mutants generated via CRISPR/Cas9 technology exhibited pleiotropic phenotypes, including low seed germination rate, shortened seedling root, retarded plant growth and development during vegetative development, and elongated and longitudinally flattened fruit with reduced the locule number. SlYTH1 knockout reduced GA3 content and downregulated the expression of related genes in gibberellin biosynthesis pathway. Moreover, exogenous GA3 application could partially restore the phenotypic defects caused by SlYTH1 mutations. SlYTH1 knockout could alleviate the inhibition of seedling root elongation by exogenous GA3 application at relatively low concentration. These facts indicated SlYTH1 is involved in regulating gibberellin biosynthesis and plays important roles in multiple physiological processes in tomato.

Impacts of deficit irrigation and organic amendments on soil microbial populations and yield of processing tomatoes

Altered precipitation patterns and increased water demands from urban, industrial, and environmental needs often reduce the volume of irrigation water available for agriculture. Strategies that reduce irrigation water inputs, e.g., deficit irrigation (DI), need further evaluation to determine potential impacts on yield and soil microbial communities driving critical soil biogeochemical cycles. Whether soil organic amendments can stabilize DI effects on yield and microbial communities remains unknown. Processing tomato beds were established in a full factorial experimental design of soils unamended or amended with a one-time application—four to five years before sampling—of either biochar or biochar with compost and three irrigation regimes: full (100 % of plant water demand), or DI treatments at 75 % or 50 % of full irrigation. We profiled soil bacterial and archaeal community compositions for two growing seasons and determined soil C and N metabolic potentials and biomass of microbial groups using high throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and phospholipid fatty acid analysis. We tested the discrete and interactive effects of DI and soil amendments on soil chemical and biological properties, and crop yield. DI had stronger effects on the bacterial and archaeal community composition than soil organic amendments. However, 75 % DI did not strongly affect bacterial and archaeal community composition or the total and individual biomass of microbial groups, but it increased irrigation water productivity of processing tomatoes. Although soil amendments did not stabilize the compositional shifts induced by DI, their recalcitrant C still had residual effects on the bacterial and archaeal community composition years after their incorporation. Furthermore, soil moisture correlated with bacterial and archaeal community's C and N metabolic potentials, likely augmenting the amendments' C and N residence time in DI soils. Our results provide insight into water-saving mechanisms that could increase profit margins in water-scarce years without affecting microbial populations that support plant growth and productivity.

Potential Use of Superabsorbent Polymer on Drought-Stressed Processing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in a Mediterranean Climate

Drought risk is significantly increasing as a consequence of climate change, and the Mediterranean basin will be among the most affected areas by water scarcity in Europe. The development of agronomic strategies enabling the reduction in drought stress in cultivated crops is, therefore, a crucial priority. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are soil amendments capable to retain water and release it when drought occurs. In the present study, the ability of a commercial SAP to improve the drought tolerance of processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was assessed on a commercial farm located in northern Italy. A strip plot experimental design was adopted, where three irrigation treatments (IRR100, IRR75, and IRR50, respectively, restituting 100%, 75%, and 50% of crop evapotranspiration) were combined with the application of the SAP (control vs. soil amended with SAP). No significant interaction was observed between irrigation treatments and SAP application in yield and quality traits. SAP application allowed for an average increase in tomato yield (+16.4%) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) (+15.8%), determined by a higher number of marketable fruits. The irrigation strategy IRR75 + SAP maintained the same yield and quality as the full irrigation control (IRR100), increasing the IWUE by about 37%. The experiment demonstrated that, for processing tomatoes grown in the Mediterranean, it is possible to reduce the water supply by 25% when SAP amendment is applied to the soil.

Towards the Optimal Mineral N Fertilization for Improving Peeled Tomato Quality Grown in Southern Italy

Nitrogen (N) fertilization has often been used in excess by farmers to improve commercial yield and the profitability of processing tomato crops. However, N fertilizers greatly affect the overall tomato quality, including technological traits, nutritional characteristics, and mineral fruit composition. The aim of this work was to study the effects of increasing mineral N fertilization rates on processing tomato yield and quality when grown in Southern Italy conditions. The study was carried out at Battipaglia (Southern Italy) cropping cultivar “Messapico”, suitable for peeled tomato, and fruit quality was evaluated at the ripening stage. Results showed that N fertilization reduced sunburned fruits and resulted in increasing total yield, average fruit weight, as well as other fruit parameters (size, firmness, color indexes, pH, N, and calcium content). On the other hand, N fertilization negatively affected other fruit traits, such as dry matter and soluble solids content, total sugar index, ascorbic acid, and sodium content, while it had no effect on potassium and magnesium concentration in tomato fruits. Our results show that, in the investigated area, 200 kg N ha−1 is the best compromise to satisfy farmers and processors expectations, improve yield, and at the same time maintain good fruit quality attributes.

Relationship between ergosterol and mycotoxins in tomato paste and tomato juice

The relationship between ergosterol and three important mycotoxins (alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, and tenuazonic acid) in tomato paste and tomato juice was investigated. Test samples of tomato paste and juice were collected from 15 different tomato processing plants in Turkey. HPLC method was used for the determination of ergosterol and alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether and tenuazonic acid toxins. All the sample had trace or zero amounts of contaimination with Alterneria toxins and ergosterol. Thus, the ergosterol and alternaria toxin concentrations of the samples are safe according to national and/or international legal limits. The contents of TA and AOH in test samples significantly correlated with the ergosterol contents for both paste and juice products, whereas no significant correlation only in tomato juice was found between AME and ergosterol contents. Novelty impact statement Ergosterol has great potential for the assessment of tomato paste and tomato juice samples as related to Alternaria toxins. Alternariol (AOH) and tenuazonic acid (TA) toxins correlated with the ergosterol in mold tomato paste and tomato juice. Depending on mold genera, different concentrations of Alterneria toxins and ergosterol can be produced on the tomato paste and tomato juice samples.

The Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Rhizophagus irregularis on the Growth and Quality of Processing Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Seedlings

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most valuable horticultural crops, not only for its economic importance but also for its high nutritional value and sensory qualities. The arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungus Rhizophagus irregularis can improve plant nutrient uptake and decrease seedling transplanting shock. Although R. irregularis is one of the most extensively studied AMF species, there is a paucity of data on the effects of this species on processing tomato seedlings produced in an aerated hydroponic float system. A greenhouse experiment with four treatments and three replications was established in a completely randomized design. The treatments contained the addition of 0, 40, 80, and 120 fungal spores per L of nutrient solution (control, AMF1, AMF2, and AMF3, respectively). Root colonization analysis proved that the maximum dose of applied AMF (AMF3) supported colonization to a large extent, succeeding 36.74%. In addition, the highest values of total dry weight (1.386 g), survival rate (94.79%), N content (3.376 mg per 100 g DW) and P content (0.497 mg per 100 g DW) were also observed under AMF3 treatment. In conclusion, the application of high doses of the AM fungus R. irregularis in nutrient solutions of float system leads to a substantial improvement in the quality and growth of processing tomato seedlings.

Tomato skin drying

The aim of this work was to study the convective drying of tomato skin as by-product of tomato processing industry and the influence of this operation on the lycopene content extracted with Moringa oleifera oil. The effect of combining of air temperatures (40, 55 and 70 °C) and air velocities (1, 2 and 3 m/s) on the drying kinetics of tomato skin were studied. Diffusional and empirical models were fitted to the experimental data. The effect of the drying conditions on the lycopene content was determined from its extraction in moringa oil. Temperature and air velocity combination had a significantly (p > 0.05) influence on the drying kinetic. This combination can promote a reduction on the lycopene content. Drying process was satisfactory described by diffusional and empirical models and their coefficients were reported for the material investigated. A threshold range of air velocity with influence on the external resistance to the moisture transfer was detected.