Tomato Soluble Solids Research Articles

Effects of Organic Fertilizer Application on Tomato Yield and Quality: A Meta-Analysis

Tomatoes are a globally cultivated and popular vegetable. The output and quality of tomatoes are significantly influenced by the use of organic fertilizers. It was discovered that organic fertilizers increase tomato productivity and improve fruit quality. The influence of organic fertilizers on tomato yield and quality is shown to be complex and dependent on soil organic matter, total soil nitrogen, organic fertilizers kinds, and other variables. In this review paper, we evaluated 769 data sets from 107 research papers and determined that organic fertilizers can enhance the tomato yield by 42.18%. Compared to the control group, soluble solids, soluble sugar, lycopene, vitamin C, and nitrate were raised by 11.86%, 42.18%, 23.95%, 18.97%, and 8.36%, respectively. In general, the soil organic matter >20 g·kg−1 and organic fertilizers significantly improved the tomato sugar/acid content ratio and VC, whereas under total soil nitrogen >1 g·kg−1, organic fertilizers had significant differences in tomato soluble solids, soluble sugar, lycopene, and vitamin C, with different organic-fertilizer types having different effects on tomato quality. When comparing animal and plant organic fertilizers to other forms of organic fertilizers, we observed that tomato quality varied significantly. We also evaluated the impact of different cultivation methods, soil organic matter, total soil nitrogen, soil pH, and types of organic fertilizers on the tomato yield and quality. The results gave valuable information and direction for the use of organic fertilizers in greenhouse production.

Optimization and compensation of models on tomato soluble solids content assessment with online Vis/NIRS diffuse transmission system

This study developed an efficient and compensable model for predicting soluble solids content (SSC) of tomato, based on the self-developed online Vis/NIRS diffuse transmission system. The fruit stem-calyx axis horizontal coupled with suitable light settings (path and intensity) was determined as the best measurement parameters, which significantly reduce the stray light and also optimize the light propagation inside tomato. The pretreatment method of Savitzky-Golay smoothing (SGS) combined with multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) could eliminate the spectral difference between samples and the inherent system noise in the raw spectral of tomato. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model based on the 22 key wavelengths selected by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) had better model performance than the full wavelength model. Finally, the CARS-PLSR model was further optimized by compensating physiological traits of height and weight with Rp of 0.91 and RMSEp of 0.17%. Our results in the present study demonstrated the potential of using online Vis/NIRS diffuse transmission spectra combined with model optimization and compensation as a valuable method for tomato SSC assessment.

Non-Destructive Quality Assessment of Tomato Paste by Using Portable Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis.

This research aims to provide simultaneous predictions of tomato paste’s multiple quality traits without any sample preparation by using a field-deployable portable infrared spectrometer. A total of 1843 tomato paste samples were supplied by four different leading tomato processors in California, USA, over the tomato seasons of 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019. The reference levels of quality traits including, natural tomato soluble solids (NTSS), pH, Bostwick consistency, titratable acidity (TA), serum viscosity, lycopene, glucose, fructose, ascorbic acid, and citric acid were determined by official methods. A portable FT-IR spectrometer with a triple-reflection diamond ATR sampling system was used to directly collect mid-infrared spectra. The calibration and external validation models were developed by using partial least square regression (PLSR). The evaluation of models was conducted on a randomly selected external validation set. A high correlation (RCV = 0.85–0.99) between the reference values and FT-IR predicted values was observed from PLSR models. The standard errors of prediction were low (SEP = 0.04–35.11), and good predictive performances (RPD = 1.8–7.3) were achieved. Proposed FT-IR technology can be ideal for routine in-plant assessment of the tomato paste quality that would provide the tomato processors with accurate results in shorter time and lower cost.

Assessment of tomato soluble solids content and pH by spatially-resolved and conventional Vis/NIR spectroscopy

Spatially-resolved spectroscopy (SRS) enables better interrogation of tissue properties at different depths, and it thus has the potential for enhancing quality assessment of horticultural products like tomato, which are heterogeneous in structure and chemical composition. This research was aimed at assessing quality of tomato fruit by using a newly developed SRS system with 30 detection optic fibers covering the wavelength range of 550–1650 nm and comparing its performance with two conventional single-point (SP) spectroscopic instruments covering the visible and shortwave near-infrared (Vis/SWNIR) (400–1100 nm) and near-infrared (NIR) (900–1300 nm) regions, respectively. Spatially-resolved (SR) spectra and SP interactance spectra were acquired for 600 ‘Sun Bright’ tomato fruit. Partial least squares (PLS) models for individual SR spectra and their combinations and for SP Vis/SWNIR and NIR spectra were developed for prediction of soluble solids content (SSC) and pH. Results showed that SSC and pH predictions by SRS varied depending on the light source-detector distance, with the correlation coefficient of prediction (rp) ranging 0.608–0.791 and 0.688–0.800, respectively. Combinations of two or more SR spectra resulted in better, more consistent SSC and pH predictions. SR predictions of pH (rp = 0.819) were better than for SP Vis/SWNIR (rp = 0.743) and NIR (rp = 0.741) predictions, whereas SR predictions of SSC (rp = 0.800) were comparable to SP NIR predictions (rp = 0.810) but better than SP Vis/SWNIR predictions (rp = 0.729). This research showed that owning to its ability of acquiring spatially-resolved spectral information, the SRS technique has advantages over conventional SP spectroscopy for enhancing quality assessment of tomatoes.

Winter cover crops on processing tomato yield, quality, pest pressure, nitrogen availability, and profit margins.

Much of cover crop research to date focuses on key indicators of impact without considering the implications over multiple years, in the absence of a systems-based approach. To evaluate the effect of three years of autumn cover crops on subsequent processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in 2010 and 2011, a field split-split-plot factorial design trial with effects of cover crop type, urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer rate (0 or 140 kg N ha-1 preplant broadcast incorporated) and tomato cultivar (early vs. late) was conducted. The main plot factor, cover crop, included a no cover crop control, oat (Avena sativa L.), winter cereal rye (hereafter referred to as rye) (Secale cereale L.), oilseed radish (OSR) (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiferus Metzg Stokes), and mix of OSR and rye (OSR + rye) treatments. Cover crop biomass of 0.5 to 2.8 and 1.7 to 3.1 Mg ha-1 was attained in early Oct. and the following early May, respectively. In general, OSR increased soil mineral N during cover crop growth and into the succeeding summer tomato growing season, while the remaining cover crops did not differ from the no cover crop control. The lack of a cover crop by N rate interaction in soil and plant N analyses at harvest suggests that growers may not need to modify N fertilizer rates to tomatoes based on cover crop type. Processing tomato fruit quality at harvest (rots, insect or disease damage, Agtron colour, pH, or natural tomato soluble solids (NTSS)) was not affected by cover crop type. In both years, marketable yield in the no cover crop treatment was lower or not statistically different than all planted cover crops. Partial profit margins over both years were 1320 $ ha-1 higher with OSR and $960 higher with oat compared to the no cover crop control. Thus, results from a systems-based approach suggest that the cover crops tested had no observed negative impact on processing tomato production and have the potential to increase marketable yield and profit margins.

Relationship between In‐line Viscosity and Bostwick Measurement during Ketchup Production

The Bostwick consistometer remains an integral part of assessing the consistency of tomato products in the factory. This work addresses the blending of tomato pastes, packed at different Bostwick readings, for use in tomato ketchup production. The objective of this study was to correlate in-line viscosity measurements of 12 degrees Bx tomato concentrates to final product quality. Five blends of tomato concentrate were prepared by blending 2 pastes and diluting the mixture to a soluble solids level of 12 degrees Bx. In-line viscometry measurements at process temperature were made using magnetic resonance viscometry. The resulting Herschel-Bulkley parameters were used to evaluate an apparent viscosity at a characteristic shear rate. The apparent viscosity and Bostwick measurement for the blends were correlated based on a gravity current flow analysis, yielding a coefficient of determination of over 0.99. Ketchup was made from the tomato concentrate blends at 3 levels of natural tomato soluble solids (NTSS). The ketchup Bostwick measurement was then correlated to the ratio of (eta/rho)(-1/5) of the 12 degrees Bx tomato concentrate yielding coefficients of determination of 0.97, 0.97, and 0.91 for NTSS levels of 6%, 7%, and 7.8%, respectively. This study demonstrates that final product quality can be predicted from in-line viscosity measurements of an intermediate product.

Evaluation of breeding utility of a chromosomal segment from Lycopersicon chmielewskii that enhances cultivated tomato soluble solids

A chromosomal segment from the wild tomato species, Lycopersicon chmielewskii, when backcrossed into the tomato cultivar VF145B-7879, increases fruit soluble solids concentration. In the investigation reported here, the near-isoline (VF145B-7M) homozygous for the chmielewskii (chm) chromosomal segment was crossed to the cultivar to study allelic interactions and then hybridized to three commercial cultivars (UC204c, E6203, and ChicoIII) to investigate the effect of this segment when heterozygous in different genetic backgrounds. Parents, isogenic hybrids, and unmodified hybrid controls were evaluated in three consecutive years of field study. The chm segment, when either homozygous or heterozygous, significantly increased soluble solids concentration by 13% and 12%, respectively, over VF145B-7879 (esc/esc), suggesting dominant gene action. Averaged across the three isohybrids and one isoline, one dose of this segment significantly increased soluble solids concentration by 6.0% compared to the unmodified hybrids and VF145B-7879. Other than increasing fruit total and soluble solids in mature-green and ripe-red tomatoes, no consistent negative effects of the chmielewskii segment were observed in the various genetic backgrounds on plant yield, fruit weight, or fruit pH. These results favor the use of this segment in breeding programs to develop fresh market and processing tomato cultivars with enhanced quality and reduced processed product dehydration costs.

Genes from Lycopersicon chmielewskii affecting tomato quality during fruit ripening

Three chromosomal segments from the wild tomato, L. chmielewskii, introgressed into the L. esculentum genome have been previously mapped to the middle and terminal regions of chromosome 7 (7M, 7T respectively), and to the terminal region of chromosome 10 (10T). The present study was designed to investigate the physiological mechanisms controlled by the 7M and 7T segments on tomato soluble solids (SS) and pH, and their genetic regulation during fruit development. The effects of 7M and 7T were studied in 64 BC2F5 backcross inbred lines (BILs) developed from a cross between LA 1501 (an L. esculentum line containing the 7M and 7T fragments from L. chmielewskii), and VF145B-7879 (a processing cultivar). BILs were classified into four homozygous genotypes with respect to the introgressed segments based on RFLP analysis, and evaluated for fruit chemical characteristics at different harvest stages. Gene(s) in the 7M fragment reduce fruit water uptake during ripening increasing pH, sugars, and SS concentration. Gene(s) in the 7T fragment were found to be associated with higher mature green fruit starch concentration and red ripe fruit weight. Comparisons between tomatoes ripened on or off the vine suggest that the physiological mechanisms influenced by the L. chmielewskii alleles are dependent on the translocation of photosynthates and water during fruit ripening.

Characterization of the effect of introgressed segments of chromosome 7 and 10 from Lycopersion chmielewskii on tomato soluble solids, pH, and yield

Three chromosomal segments from the wild tomato L. chmielewskii have been introgressed into the L. esculentum genome. Using molecular markers they have been mapped to the middle and terminal regions of chromosome 7 (7M, 7T respectively), and to the terminal region of chromosome 10 (10T). This study was conducted to further clarify the physiological influence of the introgressed segments of chromosome 7 and 10 on tomato soluble solids (SS), and other fruit and yield parameters. The effect of the 10T segment was evaluated using five lines that differ for the presence of this segment. As previously reported this segment increased fruit pH with no significant effect on SS. Sixty-four BC2F5 backcross inbred lines (BILs) were developed from a cross using LA1501 (an L. esculentum line that contains the 7M and 7T fragments from L. chmielewskii) as the donor parent, and VF145B-7879 (a processing cultivar) as the recurrent parent. BILs were classified in four groups (+ +, inbreds without either of the L. chmielewskii segments; 7M +, lines with only the 7M segment; + 7T, inbreds with only the 7T segment, and 7M7T, inbreds with both segments) based on RFLP information, and then compared to each other for all the parameters under study. Inbreds homoyzgous for the 7M fragment displayed greater SS (26%) and higher pH (0.10) than the control group (+ +). The 7L fragment did not influence either SS or pH, but was observed to significantly increase fruit yield by 12% when compared to the recurrent parent. A gene or genes that increase yield without affecting SS or pH may have potential in the development of commerical cultivars.

GENES FROM LYCOPERSICUM CHMIELEWSKII THAT AFFECT TOMATO SOLUBLE SOLIDS, pH, AND YIELD.

Two chromosomal segments from the wild tomato L. chmielewskii have been introgressed into the L. esculentum genome. Using molecular markers they have been mapped to the middle and terminal regions of chromosome 7 (7M and 7T, respectively). This study was conducted to further clarify the physiological influence of the introgressed segments on tomato soluble solids, and other fruit and yield parameters. Sixty-four BC2F5 recombinant inbreds were developed from a cross using LA1501 (L. esculentum line that contains both fragments from L. chmielewskii) as the donor parent, and VF145B (processing cultivar) as the recurrent parent. Recombinant inbreds were classified in four groups (++: inbreds without either of the fragments, 7M+: with only the 7M fragment, +7T: with only the 7T fragment and, 7M7T: with both fragments) based on RFLP information, and then compared to each other for all the parameters under study. Inbreds homozygous for the 7M fragment displayed greater soluble solids (26%) and higher pH (0.10) than the control group (++), through a physiological mechanism related to water uptake. The 7L fragment did not influence either soluble solids or pH, but was observed to significantly increase fruit yield by 11%. A gene or genes that increase yield without affecting soluble solids or pH may have potential in the development of commercial cultivars.

Hyperfiltration of Tomato Juice during Long Term High Temperature Testing

ABSTRACTA tubular hyperfiltration membrane system was studied with tomato juice in a recirculation mode. Two aromatic polyamide thin film composite membranes (ZF 99) (1.3 m2) were examined. After 52 hr of operation with tomato juice one membrane exhibited a flux of 39.7 Lm−2hr−1 (72°C, 55.2 bar). Another membrane, after 717 hr, gave a flux of 41 Lm−2hr−1 (78°C, 41.4 bar) and natural tomato soluble solids (NTSS) rejection of 94 to >98%.

Hyperfiltration of Tomato Juice: Pilot Plant Scale High Temperature Testing

ABSTRACTA two‐stage tubular hyperfiltration (reverse osmosis) pilot plant equipped with 15.6 m2 of aromatic polyamide thin film composite membrance (ZF 99) was studied with tomato juice (4–6% natural tomato soluble solids [NTSS]). It was operated over 100 hr in recirculation and single pass modes. The single pass mode was operated at33–38 bar (feed inlet pressure) and 70–93°C for 18.2 hr. Stage 1 flux was 48 to 34 Lm−2hr−1. Stage 2 flux was 30 to 20 Lm−2hr−1. Concentration went to 7.4–9.0% NTSS at 8.6 L/min, and to 6.3–6.4% NTSS at 18.6 L/min. NTSS rejection was >98%. Of permeate samples tested none showed detectable levels of sugars; only 25% showed detectable levels of organic acids.

EFFECT OF DEGREE OF CONCENTRATION AND OF HEAT TREATMENT ON CONSISTENCY OF TOMATO PASTES AFTER DILUTION

Concentrated tomato products require dilution to 12% natural tomato soluble solids (NTSS) before consistency can be determined using the Bostwick consistometer. The data show that the measured value is dependent upon the amount of added water required to reach the specified solids content. The extent of desiccation of the water insoluble fraction of the solids and their inability to resorb maximally is proposed as the cause of the phenomenon. Heating is suggested as an additional step in the determination of consistency of tomato products to reduce the error caused by inefficient resorption of water at ambient temperatures.