Quality Of Tomato Research Articles

Effects of Bio Stimulants on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato

Effects of Bio Stimulants on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato

Impact of Antioxidant-Enriched Edible Gel Coatings and Bio-Based Packaging on Cherry Tomato Preservation.

This research investigates the effects of using edible gel coatings and bio-based packaging materials on extending the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Two edible gel coatings (guar gum and guar gum +5% of a lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck pomace extract obtained in the research laboratory) were applied on cherry tomatoes, then they were packaged in bio-based materials (cellulose tray + PLA lid). Guar gum, glycerol, sorbitol, extra virgin olive oil, and tween 20 were used in coating formulation. Uncoated tomatoes packed in bio-based materials and conventional plastic (PET trays + lid) were tested as a control. Samples were stored for 45 days at 20 °C and their quality parameters were evaluated. Coated tomatoes maintained firmness and weight, and the enriched coated samples showed a significant increase in phenol content, derived from the antioxidant extract. Samples packed in PET showed a sensory unacceptability (<4.5) after 45 days correlated with a greater decline in firmness (from 10.51 to 5.96 N) and weight loss (from 7.06 to 11.02%). Therefore, edible gel coating and bio-based packaging proved to be effective in maintaining the overall quality of cherry tomatoes for 45 days, offering a promising approach to reduce plastic polymer use and food waste.

Machine Learning-Based Tomato Fruit Shape Classification System.

Fruit shape significantly impacts the quality and commercial value of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Precise grading is essential to elucidate the genetic basis of fruit shape in breeding programs, cultivar descriptions, and variety registration. Despite this, fruit shape classification is still primarily based on subjective visual inspection, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes prone to human error. This study presents a novel approach incorporating machine learning techniques to establish a robust fruit shape classification system. We trained and evaluated seven supervised machine learning algorithms by leveraging a public dataset derived from the Tomato Analyzer tool and considering the current four classification systems as label variables. Subsequently, based on class-specific metrics, we derived a novel classification framework comprising seven discernible shape classes. The results demonstrate the superiority of the Support Vector Machine model in terms of its accuracy, surpassing human classifiers across all classification systems. The new classification system achieved the highest accuracy, averaging 88%, and maintained a similar performance when validated with an independent dataset. Positioned as a common standard, this system contributes to standardizing tomato fruit shape classification, enhancing accuracy, and promoting consensus among researchers. Its implementation will serve as a valuable tool for overcoming bias in visual classification, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of consumer preferences and facilitating genetic studies on fruit shape morphometry.

Improving tomatoes quality in the Sahel through organic cultivation under photovoltaic greenhouse as a climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy

Climate change negative impacts on food production systems have forced large scale food producers to make available less healthy products. Although available on the markets, tomatoes are no more tasting as they used to be and providing fewer nutrients compared to then. This study investigates and compares the quality and yield of organic tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) produced in an insect net covered photovoltaic greenhouse against ambient production. Plant’s physical characteristics were measured, yields and nutrient content were found at harvest, and environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, solar irradiance and CO2) were recorded. Plants grew as high as 160 cm inside the greenhouse under an average afternoon temperature of 30.71 °C and a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of 1.88 kPa against outside plant growth of 72 cm height under averages of 36.04 °C and 3.05 kPa. Although, inside greenhouse tomatoes were physically more attractive and firm with two times healthier tomatoes (98%), 52.39% higher content in protein, 13.31% more minerals and 13.19% more dry matter than outside tomatoes, the yield from outside environment was 4.57 times higher than that of inside due to probably the used crop variety adapted to the harsh climate. Using a crop variety optimum for greenhouse, increasing ventilation and using better fertilizers with enough irrigation could help increase productivity while keeping high fruit quality inside the greenhouse, leading to healthier fruits for food security in the Sahel.

2-Phenylethanol biocontrol postharvest tomato gray mold and its effect on tomato quality

Botrytis cinerea is a highly destructive fungal pathogen responsible for substantial economic losses in fruit and vegetable production. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants or microorganisms show promise as sources for novel biocontrol strategies. This study evaluated the effect of 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) on the quality of tomatoes and its antifungal efficacy against B. cinerea, alongside exploring possible mechanisms of action. The results showed that 2-PE notably increased the soluble sugar content in postharvest tomatoes without adversely affecting other quality parameters. Moreover, 2-PE markedly suppressed the growth of B. cinerea mycelium and reduced the incidence of infection in tomatoes in a dose-dependent manner. It also increased the activity of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), chitinase (CHI), and their corresponding gene expression, enhancing the host defense capability of tomatoes. Treatment with 2-PE led to the downregulation of genes linked with the pathogenicity of the fungus. Concurrently, 2-PE triggered the expression of autophagy-related genes and provoked the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in B. cinerea. The resulting ROS-induced oxidative stress compromised membrane integrity, which facilitated the leakage of cellular components and culminated in the death of B. cinerea cells. Collectively, these outcomes suggest significant potential for 2-PE in the development of a novel biocontrol agent.

Study on the optimal water−biochar management mode based on pan evaporation for solar greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Northeast China

Biochar is commonly employed to enhance soil structure. However, the soil structure degradation due to multi-year continuous cropping poses a significant obstacle to the advancement of solar greenhouse agriculture. This study aimed to optimize the water−biochar management mode for seasonal solar greenhouse tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.), which have been continuously cultivated over three years, with irrigation guided by the evaporation of a 20 cm evaporation pan (Ep-20). The experimental design employed a split–plot arrangement with two factors. The primary factor, irrigation amount, was tested at three levels: 0.6 Ep-20 (W1), 0.8 Ep-20 (W2), and 1.0 Ep-20 (W3). The secondary factor, biochar amount, was tested at three levels: 0 (B0), 20 t ha−1 (B1), and 40 t ha−1 (B2). The results revealed that biochar reduced soil bulk density and enhanced field capacity, tomato plant height, and photosynthesis. Increased irrigation improved tomato appearance quality but reduced nutritional quality, whereas higher biochar application improved both aspects. Principal component analysis (PCA) and grey relational analysis (GRA) results identified W2B2 as the optimal mode for the quality of spring tomato and autumn tomato. Compared to the control (W3B0), W2B2 exhibited an average increase of 18.0 % in yield and 47.5 % in irrigation water productivity (WPI) with a 20 % reduction in irrigation amount across two seasons. The technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) comprehensive evaluation determined that the W2B2 mode maximized comprehensive benefits, enhancing both the overall quality of tomato and achieving higher yield and WPI. This study utilized the Ep-20 to characterize the reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) and the crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The investigation demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing Ep-20 to guide irrigation under biochar application conditions and develop ETc estimation models for water−biochar management modes to optimize solar greenhouse tomato production.

Determination of soluble solids content in tomatoes with different nitrogen levels based on hyperspectral imaging technique.

Tomato is sweet and sour with high nutritional value, and soluble solids content (SSC) is an important indicator of tomato flavor. Due to the different mechanisms of nitrogen uptake and assimilation in plants, exogenous supply of different forms of nitrogen will have different effects on the growth, development, and physiological metabolic processes of tomato, thus affecting the tomato flavor. In this paper, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique combined with neural network prediction model was used to predict SSC of tomato under different nitrogen treatments. Competitive adaptive reweighed sampling (CARS) and iterative retained information variable (IRIV) were used to extract the feature wavelengths. Based on the characteristic wavelength, the prediction models of tomato SSC are established by custom convolutional neural network (CNN) model that was constructed and optimized. The results showed that the SSC of tomato was negatively correlated with nitrogen fertilizer concentration. For tomatoes treated with different nitrogen concentrations, the residual predictive deviation (RPD) of CARS-CNN and IRIV-parallel convolutional neural networks (PCNN) reached 1.64 and 1.66, both more than 1.6, indicating good model prediction. This study provides technical support for future online nondestructive testing of tomato quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The CARS-CNN and IRIV-PCNN were the best data processing model. Four customized convolutional neural networks were used for predictive modeling. The CNN model provides more accurate results than conventional methods.

Effect of micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Effect of micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Avoid Bruising of Tomatoes in Short Time

Cooling aluminum chambers have emerged as a promising solution for the storage of tomatoes, addressing the critical need to extend their shelf life while preserving quality post-harvest. This study delves into the efficacy of utilizing these chambers, aiming to optimize storage conditions for maximum preservation benefits. Through meticulous experimentation, various parameters such as temperature, humidity, and airflow dynamics within the chamber were meticulously examined. Additionally, the study scrutinized the influence of different packaging methods on tomato preservation efficacy. The findings underscore the remarkable capability of cooling aluminum chambers to regulate storage environments, effectively retard ripening processes and mitigating microbial proliferation. Lower temperatures within the chambers significantly curtailed the pace of tomato ripening, thus extending their shelf life appreciably. Moreover, meticulous humidity control within the chambers prevented moisture loss, curbing mold formation and decay. Furthermore, the study elucidated the profound impact of packaging methods on ethylene production and gas exchange, thereby influencing tomato quality during storage.

Nutritional quality of tomato in response to different fertilization doses and conduction systems

The tomato, a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, plays a crucial role in human nutrition, promoting health and preventing diseases. In Brazil, its production is vital, involving significant resources and labor. The correct nutritional management of the crop can improve the nutritional attributes of tomato fruits, therefore the correct use of fertilizers is of great importance due to the high need for phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, throughout the crop cycle. Nutritional management is of great importance in tomato fields due to its high fertilizer requirements throughout the entire crop cycle. This study aimed to assess the effect of different fertilizer doses and management systems on the physicochemical characteristics of tomatoes. The experiment followed a factorial design with five fertilizer doses (A0: 0%; A1: 50%; A2: 100%; A3: 150%; A4: 200% of the recommended dose) and four conduction systems, with three replications. Productivity, lycopene content, total soluble solids (TSS), nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium fruit contents were evaluated. The results showed that higher fertilizer doses increased lycopene levels, reaching 80 μg g-1 with 200% fertilization, while 0% provided 30 μg g-1. Total soluble solids above 4°Bx were observed at doses above 150%, regardless of planting density. Nitrogen content reached 26 mg·100 g-1f.m., favored by lower densities. Calcium was influenced by fertilizer doses, with higher concentrations at 150%. In conclusion, the application of 150% fertilizer dose improved the nutritional quality of tomatoes, and the 200% dose provided suitable levels of TSS and lycopene for processing.

Effect of rabbit urine foliar spray on the yield and post-harvest quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Of all vegetable crops, tomato occupies the second-largest cultivated land after potato. However, its production is often lamed by insufficient nutrient supply and invasion by insect pests. Unlike inorganic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides commonly used, rabbit urine supplies nutrients to the crops, controls insect pests and has low mammalian toxicity. However, the most suitable rabbit urine foliar spray concentration for tomato production is currently unknown. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with six treatments and four blocks to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of rabbit urine foliar spray on the yield and post-harvest quality of tomato. The six treatments used include: five concentrations of rabbit urine (100%, 40%, 25%, 18.2% and 0%) and 0.1% Duduthrin 1.75EC. Results indicated that treatment 18.2% rabbit urine registered the highest marketable yield (129.14 t/ha) in trial 1. In trial 2, treatment 25% rabbit urine recorded the highest marketable yield (165.08 t/ha). These two treatments gave the highest marketable yields due to their sufficient nutrient supply, optimal pest control and zero foliage scorching. Unlike fruit firmness and sugar acid ratio, total soluble solids and titratable acidity increased with increase in rabbit urine concentration. Therefore, a rabbit urine foliar spray concentration of 25% optimally improves yield and post-harvest quality of tomato. More research work can be done to determine the effect of spraying intervals of rabbit urine on the yield and post-harvest quality of tomato.

Synergistic effects of SlCBF1 and ethylene signaling on the maintenance of tomatoes quality during long-term cold storage

Refrigeration is commonly employed for postharvest storage of fruit and vegetable; however, its usage can increase the risk of chilling injury (CI). C-repeat/dehydration-responsive element binding factors (CBFs) have been identified in various plants. However, the significance of CBFs in preserving fruit quality during cold storage remains understudied, particularly in transgenic fruit. In this study, we demonstrate that the mutation of SlCBF1 gene worsen CI symptoms in tomatoes, hinder cold-induced ethylene production, and influence the expression of genes associated with ethylene signaling. Notably, our correlation analysis reveals that the severity of CI is partially correlated with ethylene production. Additionally, blocking ethylene action using 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), decrease the cold resistance of tomatoes. Knocking out SlCBF1 gene impact the effect of 1-MCP-inhibited cold responses, including the suppression of antioxidant enzymes activities. These findings underscore positive regulation of cold resistance in postharvest tomatoes by SlCBF1 in collaboration with ethylene signaling.

Endophytic actinomycetes promote growth and fruits quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): an approach for sustainable tomato production.

Tomato, a fruit with a high vitamin content, is popular for consumption and economically important in Thailand. However, in the past year, the extensive usage of chemicals has significantly decreased tomato yields. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) is an alternative that can help improve tomato production system growth and yield quality while using fewer chemicals. The present study aimed to determine whether endophytic actinomycetes promote growth and fruit quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The experiment was conducted in a net-houses at the Center for Agricultural Resource System Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. The randomized completely block design (RCBD) was carried out for four treatments with three replications, which was control, inoculation with TGsR-03-04, TGsL-02-05 and TGsR-03-04 with TGsL-02-05 in tomato plant. Isolated Actinomycetes spp. of each treatment was then inoculated into the root zone of tomato seedlings and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The height of tomato plants was measured at 14, 28, 56, and 112 days after transplanting. Final yield and yield quality of tomato was assessed at the maturity phase. The SEM result illustrated that the roots of tomato seedlings from all treatments were colonized by endophytic actinomycetes species. This contributed to a significant increase in plant height at 14 days after transplanting (DAT), as found in the TGsR-03-04 treatment (19.40 cm) compared to the control. Besides, all inoculated treatments enhanced tomato yield and yield quality. The highest weight per fruit (47.38 g), fruit length (52.37 mm), vitamin C content (23.30 mg 100g-1), and lycopene content (145.92µg g-1) were obtained by inoculation with TGsR-03-04. Moreover, the highest yield (1.47 kg plant-1) was obtained by inoculation with TGsL-02-05. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of fruits per plant, fruit width, brix, and antioxidant activity when various inoculations of endophytic actinomycetes were applied. Therefore, the use of endophytic actinomycetes in tomato cultivation may be an alternative to increase tomato yield and yield quality.

Water and fertilizer decision model for synergistic optimization of yield, quality and efficiency of cherry tomato based on combination evaluation

The scientific nutrient supply under deficit irrigation can ensure the yield and quality of crops, and balance water and fertilizer benefits. The model of the combination of water and fertilizer was constructed based on the analysis of the effects of irrigation, K2O and MgO application on yield, quality and water and fertilizer use efficiency of cherry tomato over two growing seasons. Deficit irrigation contributed to quality accumulation, while full irrigation resulted in higher yields. The optimal irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was attained with a moderate level of potassium and magnesium. An evaluation system of cherry tomato was established containing totally 6 indicators from 3 categories of yield, quality and efficiency based on correlation analysis, and yield obtained the highest weight of 0.402 and 0.373 in the two study seasons, respectively. The overall differential combination model was adopted to comprehensively evaluated combination of water and fertilizer factors by integrating three single models of TOPSIS, Membership function analysis and Grey relational analysis, and the correlation coefficient of any two single model was greater than 0.614. The response of comprehensive score for cherry tomato to each single factor of irrigation, K2O and MgO followed a downward-opening parabola. The analytical model revealed that the coupling of potassium and magnesium has a mutually reinforcing effect when they were both at medium level, while an inhibitory effect was observed at higher or lower level. The model verification showed that 7 out of the total 10 indicators reached more than 80 % of maximum value of the corresponding single indicator under the condition of the water and fertilizer with highest comprehensive score. Considering yield, quality and efficiency, the optimal combination of irrigation, K2O, and MgO was 80.6 ∼ 83.2 % Evaporation (Ep), 161.40 ∼ 171.27 kg/ha, and 19.59 ∼ 20.17 kg/ha in 2021S. The corresponding combination for 2021F was 75.4 ∼ 77.9 % Ep, 133.41 ∼ 140.45 kg/ha, and 13.99 ∼ 14.80 kg/ha. This strategy can maintain yield, improve quality, save irrigation amount, and increase fertilizer efficiency, which guides the production of deficient irrigation in northwest China.

Edible coatings on postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes grown in organic and conventional systems

Cherry tomatoes belong to a promising new group of table cultivars, but show significant post-harvest quality losses, which can be reduced with edible coatings use, considered eco-sustainable. In view of the high perishability of tomatoes, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different edible coatings on the shelf life of cherry tomatoes, cultivar Sweet Heaven, under organic and conventional cultivation. The experiment was conducted at the Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Morrinhos, GO, Brazil, and the treatments were composed of coatings of chitosan, cassava starch, lactic acid and control (no coating). The samples were stored at a room with environment external temperature (± 27°C) for 20 days, arranged in a completely randomized design, with three replications. Every 2 days, the following were evaluated: fresh mass loss and moisture; pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, lycopene, reducing sugar, vitamin C and ash; and molds and yeasts. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p&lt;0.05). The organic system promoted greater shelf life and fruit quality of cherry tomatoes, compared to the conventional. The coating with chitosan provided longer shelf life of organic cherry tomatoes, compared to the other coatings studied, being a strong ally in reducing post-harvest waste and increasing the commercial value of the organic product, with economic strengthening for producers and traders, in addition to reduction of damage to the environment. Under conventional cultivation, the evaluated coatings were not efficient in increasing the shelf life of cherry tomatoes, requiring further studies for this condition.

Yield and fruit quality of tomato as influenced by different sources of calcium

Yield and fruit quality of tomato as influenced by different sources of calcium

Evaluation of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Varieties under Different Salt Stress Levels

Tomato is a crop of immense economic importance worldwide and salinity is one of the major abiotic factors limiting its production and productivity in Ethiopia. The study was conducted to assess growth, physiological activities and yield responses of two tomato varieties to six different salinity levels. Evaluation of the varieties for salt tolerance was carried out in greenhouse in 2018/19. Each treatment was replicated three times and arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design in factorial arrangement. Most of the traits showed significant decrease (P&lt;0.0001) as salinity level increased from lower to higher concentration. The highest shoot fresh weight (163.13g/plant), shoot dry matter (32.8g/plant) and leaf area (26.93cm2) were recorded for the control treatment and the highest root fresh weight (12.27g/plant), root dry weight (5.53g/plant) and fruit yield (22.71 tone/ha) were recorded at 1dSm-1for variety Melka Shola, while the lowest shoot fresh weight (79.9g/plant), shoot dry matter (22.67g/plant), leaf area(17.63 cm2), root fresh weight (6.12g/plant) and root dry weight (3.8g/plant) were recorded at 5 dSm-1 for variety ARP tomato-d2. The lowest yield (16.73 tone/ha) was recorded at 5 dSm-1 for variety ARP tomato-d2. The highest and the lowest values of photosynthetic rate (0.82 µmolCo2m-2s-1 and (0.47 µmolCo2m-2s-1 respectively) were obtained from the control treatment and the highest salinity level for variety Melka Shola, whereas, corresponding values of (0.84µmolCo2m-2s-1 and 0.56 µmolCo2m-2s-1 were recorded for variety ARP tomato-d2. Results of laboratory analysis showed that, sodium and Na/K significantly increased with increased salinity level. However, potassium, Sulfur and phosphorus showed significant decrease with increasing salinity level. Melka Shola was found to be more salt tolerant as compared to ARP tomato-d2. Since the present experiment was conducted for one season and under controlled condition, it deserves further evaluation and verification under field condition in salt affected areas and the effect of salinity on tomato quality also deserves further investigation.

Aplikasi Edible Coating dari Lidah Buaya dan Karagenan untuk Memperpanjang Umur Simpan Buah Tomat (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)

Tomato fruit (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) is a food material with a high water content so it is easy to decompose. This shows that efforts to prevent reduction in food quality can be developed in the form of edible coating from aloe vera gel with concentration of 0%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, and carrageenan with concentration of 1%, 2%, and 3%. The aims of this research were to determine the concentration of aloe vera gel and carrageenan based on the characteristics of edible film and to determine the effect of edible coating and storage time on the quality of tomato. The first stage of this research is making edible film based on analysis parameters such as water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength, elongation, and thickness. The selected concentration used in the second stage of this research for making edible coating was 40% of aloe vera gel and 3% of carrageenan. The selected concentration has a WVTR value of 1.758±0.20 g.mm/m2.hour, tensile strength value of 0.248±0.00 N/cm2, elongation value of 25.164±0.10%, and thickness value of 0.074±0.00 mm. Tomato samples coated with edible coating and control tomatoes is stored for 9 days at room temperature (24-25oC and 65–70% relative humidity aproximately) and samples are analyzed every 3 days based on analysis parameters such as vitamin C content, weight loss, hardness level, pH, ohue, lycopene content, and total dissolved solids value. The application of edible coating and storage time can inhibit the decrease of vitamin C levels, lycopene levels, weight loss, hardness, also can inhibit the increase in pH value and total dissolved solids value. Meanwhile, the change in color (hue) of tomato is not affect by the use of edible coating. Keywords: aloe vera, carrageenan, edible coating, storage time, tomato

Growth Characteristics and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes Planted with Nasturtiums, as a Companion Plant, in Building-Integrated Urban Agriculture

Background and objective: This study was conducted to promote a companion plant for building-integrated urban agriculture and determine appropriate spatial conditions for planting cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), a companinon plant, in response to the increasing demands for eco-friendly agricultural practices in urban.Methods: The growth and quality of cherry tomatoes (CTs) and nasturtiums achieved with different planting ratios were analyzed: CC (when only CTs were planted), C2N1 (ratio of CTs to nasturtiums: 2:1), C1N1 (1:1), C1N2 (1:2), NC (when only nasturtiums were planted) on the rooftop and wall. A one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the significance of test results based on planting ratios, followed by Duncan's multiple range test at a 95% confidence level. Independent sample t-tests were conducted to examine the growth and quality of CTs between the rooftop and wall.Results: Overall, CTs in CC showed significant growth compared to companion planting with nasturtiums. Among the treatment plots, the CTs in C2N1 had the highest plant weight and sugar concentrations on the rooftop. Similar patterns were observed on the wall. When planted in a 2:1 ratio as a companion plant to CTs (C2N1), nasturtiums had larger leaves and flowers. In terms of leaf size, plant weight, fruit weight, and sugar content CTs appeared to grow better on the wall than on the rooftop when planted with nasturtiums. For optimal CTs growth and quality, it is recommended to plant CTs in a 2:1 ratio with nasturtiums on the wall.Conclusion: Due to the distinctive spatial features of urban agriculture using buildings, specialized management strategies for different crops should be suggested. Further research should focus on a quantitative analysis of fruit and seed quality, as well as on a qualitative analysis to comprehensively understand the potential outcomes.

Modulation of cherry tomato performances in response to molybdenum biofortification and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a soilless system

Molybdenum (Mo) is a crucial microelement for both, humans and plants. The use of agronomic biofortification techniques can be an alternative method to enhance Mo content in vegetables. Concomitantly, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) application is a valuable strategy to enhance plant performances and overcome plant abiotic distresses such as microelement overdose. The aim of this research was to estimate the direct and/or indirect effects of Mo supply at four doses [0.0, 0.5 (standard dose), 2.0 or 4.0 μmol L−1], alone or combined with AMF inoculation, on plant performances. In particular, plant height and first flower truss emission, productive features (total yield, marketable yield and average marketable fruit weight) and fruit qualitative characteristics (fruit dry matter, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene, polyphenol, nitrogen, copper, iron and molybdenum) of an established cherry tomato genotype cultivated in soilless conditions were investigated. Moreover, proline and malondialdehyde concentrations, as well as Mo hazard quotient (HQ) in response to experimental treatments were determined. A split-plot randomized experimental block design with Mo dosages as plots and +AMF or -AMF as sub-plots was adopted. Data revealed that AMF inoculation enhanced marketable yield (+50.0 %), as well as some qualitative traits, such as fruit soluble solids content (SSC) (+9.9 %), ascorbic acid (+7.3 %), polyphenols (+2.3 %), and lycopene (+2.5 %). Molybdenum application significantly increased SSC, polyphenols, fruit Mo concentration (+29.0 % and +100.0 % in plants biofortified with 2.0 and 4.0 μmol Mo L−1 compared to those fertigated with the standard dose, respectively) and proline, whereas it decreased N (−25.0 % and −41.6 % in plants biofortified with 2.0 and 4.0 μmol Mo L−1 compared to those fertigated with the standard dose, respectively). Interestingly, the application of AMF mitigated the detrimental effect of high Mo dosages (2.0 or 4.0 μmol L−1). A pronounced advance in terms of plant height 45 DAT, fruit lycopene concentration and fruit Fe, Cu and Mo concentrations was observed when AMF treatment and Mo dosages (2.0 or 4.0 μmol Mo L−1) were combined. Plants inoculated or not with AMF showed an improvement in the hazard quotient (HQ) in reaction to Mo application. However, the HQ - for a consumption of 200 g day−1 of biofortified cherry tomato - remained within the safety level for human consumption. This study suggests that Mo-implementation (at 2.0 or 4.0 μmol L−1) combined with AMF inoculation could represent a viable cultivation protocol to enhance yield, produce premium quality tomato fruits and, concomitantly, improve Mo dose in human diet. In the light of our findings, further studies on the interaction between AMF and microelements in other vegetable crops are recommended.