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AbstractSelecting the appropriate dosage of nano zinc oxide for tomato and capsicum plants is crucial since higher concentration may negatively impact crop productivity and quality. Maintaining soil health helps in increasing crop output and quality without degrading the soil from overfertilization. The main objective of the study was to determine the physiological responses of both crops and ideal dose of nano zinc oxide (ZnO) for yield maximization and quality enhancement under controlled conditions. In present study, nano ZnO had noticeable effect on the fruit and quality parameters of both Solanaceous crops. Plants were treated with seed treatment and foliar applications of nano ZnO @ 50, 100, and 150 parts per million (ppm) along with 100% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) through vermicompost; and 100% RDN through integration of vermicompost and fertilizers. In addition, nano zinc oxide was not supplied to the control treatment plants (T1). The results of the study revealed that 50 ppm of nano ZnO as foliar spray increased fruit and quality parameters in tomato and capsicum. In case of protein content, treatment comprised of 50 ppm of nano ZnO as seed treatment + 100% RDN through vermicompost and fertilizers, produced higher protein content over control. Furthermore, the application of nano ZnO lowered ascorbic acid levels in tomato and capsicum, while the control had the greatest levels. These results suggested that lower concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (50 ppm) is an ideal dosage and could be used in tomato and capsicum cultivation to improve yield and quality indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cherry tomato is a nutritious product commonly used in salads or consumed as a dietary supplement. However, improper storage after harvesting can lead to a decrease in its quality and shelf-life. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of free essential oil of Mentha × Piperita L. and solid lipid nanoparticles containing free essential oil at concentrations of 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.075%, 0.1%, and 0.2% on the microbial load and post-harvest quality of Solanum lycopersicum cv. Santiago F1 during 28 days of storage at 8°C. Fruits coated with solid lipid nanoparticles containing essential oil at 0.075%, 0.1%, and 0.2% maintained their quality attributes, including firmness at approximately 50%, ascorbic acid at about 80%, phenolic compounds, color parameters, antioxidant activity at around 71%, and sensory properties compared to the control groups or fruits treated with free essential oil of Mentha × Piperita L. This coating also effectively suppressed cellulase and polyphenol oxidase activity, reducing microbial load and weight loss percentages to under 10%. However, it's important to note that fruits coated with free essential oil of Mentha × Piperita L. at 0.1% and 0.2% showed visible tissue damage. Our research demonstrated that the combination of solid lipid nanoparticles and free essential oil of Mentha × Piperita L. resulted in a decrease in microbial load, an extension of shelf-life, and improvements in the quality characteristics of cherry tomato fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peeling is a crucial part of the tomato deep processing procedure, and the choice of peeling method directly affects the quality of peeling. As far as the conventional peeling methods are concerned, They are still energy and water-intensive and have adverse effects on the environment. The conventional peeling methods often used in the field of tomato peeling were reviewed in this article, including manual, mechanical, chemical, or steam, and the current novel peeling methods, such as enzymatic peeling, pulse electric field peeling, infrared peeling, high-humidity hot air impingement blanching peeling, ohmic heating-assisted lye peeling, flame-catalytic infrared peeling, ultrasonic-assisted lye peeling and CO2 laser-assisted lye peeling. The mechanism, advantages and disadvantages, and applications, of different peeling methods are also summarized and analyzed. In contrast, the novel peeling method excelled in reducing the use of lye and improving the quality of peeled tomatoes. The retention of nutrients such as lycopene, ascorbic acid, and total phenols is extremely dependent on the high texture retention and low peeling loss of peeled pulp. Therefore, the mechanism of peeling and texture preservation after peeling are current research hotspots in the industry. In addition further research should accelerate the scale-up and commercial applicability of the new technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling postharvest tomato wastes will reduce the carbon footprints of greenhouse facilities. This study investigated the effects of tomato postharvest waste as a growing medium (TSW; tomato stalk waste and PTSW; pretreated tomato stalk waste) in soilless culture on tomato growth, development, yield and quality. Tomato wastes were compared with cocopeat and peat-perlite mixture media and economic analyses were made for potential use of tomato waste as a growing medium. The highest stomatal conductance (138.7 mmol m−2 s−1), average fruit weight (86.7 g), yield (3.96 kg plant−1) and soluble solids content (SSC; 4.8%) values were obtained from the cocopeat medium. PTSW, cocopeat and peat + perlite media yielded similar stomatal conductance values. The best fruit skin color values (hue; 0.54) were obtained from peat + perlite medium. The highest titratable acidity (4.9 g citric acid 100 mL−1) and vitamin C (21.7 mg 100 g−1) values were obtained from the TSW medium. PTSW (Pretreated tomato waste) had similar yield and quality traits with commercial growing media. It was concluded that PTSW was better than other growing media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of micronutrients namely zinc (Zn) and boron (B) with or without farmyard manure (FYM) on growth, yield and quality parameters viz. ascorbic acid and carotene content of tomato was evaluated. A field experiment was conducted with graded doses of Zn (soil and soil + foliar application) and B (soil application) application with or without FYM for the two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). Results revealed that application of Zn and B significantly enhanced fruit yield and different growth parameters as well as plant tissue concentration of Zn and B in tomato. The highest increase in fruit yield over control (27.6%) was observed with the conjoint application of Zn (soil + foliar), B (2.0 kg ha−1) and FYM. Soil application of Zn at higher doses (10 kg ha−1) as well as its application through both soil + foliar method has an edge over control or its application at comparatively lower doses in increasing the fruit yield of tomato. Results further revealed that combined application of Zn and B can significantly increase the important quality parameters viz. carotene and ascorbic acid content in tomato. Such increase in carotene content to the tune of 25 and 35% and ascorbic acid content to the tune of 7 and 30% over control were observed with soil + foliar application of Zn and 2 kg ha−1 B, respectively. Therefore, optimization of Zn and B doses can improve the yield and quality of tomato as well as helps in correcting the micronutrients malnutrition vis-à-vis nutritional disorders in humans by enriching the antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is an important vegetable crop which provides approximately 40% of the daily recommended vitamin C and vitamin A, which supports human health. The experiments were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) having four treatments and four time repetition under high tunnel. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers were applied at the rate of 60:60:60 kg/ha or 1:1:1 to T1, T2 and T3 after each 10, 20 and 30 day's interval while Zn (5 kg/ha) was applied as a basal dose. The highest marketable yield was observed for T2 after each 20 days of NPK application. Maximum Grad-A fruit among the treatments was recorded for T1, Grade-B for T2 & T3 and Grade-C for T0. Highest density was recorded for T2, % moisture for T0, maximum chlorophyll content in leaves was recorded for T2 while highest shelf life was noted for T1, T2 and T3 except T0. The fruit and straw of tomato was analyzed to determine N, P and K (%) by using standard protocol. Among all the treatments highest N, P and K in fruit was observed for T1. In case of straw maximum N was observed for T1 whereas high level of P and K was recorded for T2. Similarly the total NPK uptake were in the order as: T1 > T2 > T3 >T0, respectively. Experiential findings revealed that application of NPK after each 20 days are the suitable interval to get high marketable yield and highly bio-fortified and quality tomato crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is considered the world's most important crop owing to its high nutritional profile and flavor. However, its limited shelf life and post-harvest losses impact its marketing. The present study investigated the impact of aloe vera gel-based edible coating on tomato's post-harvest quality under storage at 8°C for 12 days. The aloe vera-based coating solutions were made with varying concentrations of extracted gel that varied from 0 to 60% with inclusion of chitosan (0.5 to 2%). Physiological, chemical, nutritional, and microbiological analysis of coated and uncoated tomatoes was carried out during storage. It was found that uncoated (control) tomatoes showed maximum weight loss (5.85%), total soluble solids (5.3 ± 0.20 0Brix), change in pH (5.6 ± 0.26), microbial count (3.57 ± 0.12 log cfu/g), decrease in ascorbic acid content (19.23 ± 0.92 mg/100 g), and acidity (0.54 ± 0.01%) as compared to aloe vera-based coatings. However, the coating formulation comprising aloe vera gel (60%) + chitosan (2%) performed much better than other prepared coatings in delaying the weight loss (2.1%), total soluble solid (3.7 ± 0.16 0Brix), change in pH (4.6 ± 0.21), ascorbic acid value (30.47 ± 1.31 mg/100 g), acidity (0.83 ± 0.04%), and microbial load (1.6 ± 0.08 log cfu/g). In addition, it also maintained firmness and color of tomatoes during storage of 12 days. Conclusively, the application of aloe vera-based coating (60% gel) with the inclusion of chitosan (2%) may be proposed for preserving the post-harvest quality of the tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recombination of commercially available hybrids could produce desirable segregants that act as sources of new alleles for tomato breeding. Seven commercial single cross (SC) hybrids of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were crossed in a half diallel fashion to obtain 21 double cross hybrids (DC) to estimate combining ability, mode of gene action and extent of heterobeltiosis for fruit yield, processing qualities and tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) disease severity traits. Predominance of non-additive gene action occurred in the control for all characters except for total soluble solids (TSS) content in fruit that was conditioned by both additive and non-additive gene action. Improvement of most traits in DC hybrids over SC hybrids occurred. Maximum heterotic effect in DC hybrids was for vitamin C content followed by lycopene content, fruit yield per plant, titratable acidity content, number of fruit per plant and percent disease index of ToLCV. Two good combiners, 'PAN-1286' and 'Devi' among SC hybrids were identified based on general combining ability effects and average performance. Commercial exploitation of DC hybrids, 'TO-1458 × L-37' and 'NS-501 × TO-1458' following multilocational testing in the tropics and subtropics might be useful. High yielding, ToLCV disease tolerant DC hybrids could be exploited in segregating generations to identify elite multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, an experimental investigation and mathematical modeling of tomato waste hot air drying (HAD) were conducted for drying temperatures of 50 and 60°C, and air velocities of 1 and 2 m s−1. Kinetics, mathematical modeling, and optimization of biological properties using response surface methodology (RSM) were investigated. Increasing the drying temperature from 50 to 60°C shortened the drying time by 5 and 20 min, respectively, for 1 and 2 m s−1 air velocities. The proposed mathematical model with the highest correlation coefficient of 0.9997 well described the moisture variation of tomato waste. Significantly high diffusivity was observed with values of 1.24 × 10−6 and 1.67 × 10−6 m2 s−1. Obtained analysis showed an increase in polyphenol (PPT) and flavonoids (TFC) and a decrease in lycopene content (LYC) and ascorbic acid (AA). Phenomenological modeling and RSM methodology indicated that both drying temperature and air velocity affected the content of TFC, LYC, and AA, whereas, for PPT, the temperature has a positive effect in contrast with negative of air velocity. Optimum drying time, PPT, TFC, LYC, and AA are 44.6 min, 227 mg GAE/g, 32.2 mg GAE/g, 517.92 mg/100 g, and 1.91 mg AAE/100 g, respectively. Optimal drying temperature and velocity were, respectively, 56.7°C and 1 m s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is low due to incorrect or use of no magnesium (Mg). An experiment was conducted from October to March 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 to determine the effective dose of Mg to improve yield and quality, and assess nutrient uptake and use efficiency of tomato. Treatments were magnesium at 0 (control), 4, 8, 12, or 16 kg·ha−1. Application of 12 kg·ha−1 Mg produced the most fruit per plant (41.1), heaviest fruit (74.3 g), and greatest fruit yield (69.7 t∙ha−1). Vitamin C content in fruit was best (39.6 mg/100 g) with application of 12 kg·ha−1 Mg. The same treatment had the highest β-carotene (26.1 µg·g−1), improved fruit firmness (1.06 kilogram-force), and had better protein content (18.8%) in mature tomato fruit. Uptake of nutrients was best with 12 kg·ha−1 Mg. Recovery use efficiency of Mg was highest with 8 kg·ha−1 Mg. The best gross margin (48.6%) and benefit-cost ratio (3.11) was with 12 kg·ha−1 Mg. Application of 12 kg·ha−1 Mg appears to improve the quantity, quality, and economics of tomatoes. Regression analysis indicated application of Mg @ 11.3 kg·ha−1 could be optimum to improve the yield of tomatoes under controlled field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf spraying of silicon (Si) depending on the source and concentration can biofortify the tomato fruit by increasing the content of ascorbic acid and the firmness of the fruit. The objective of this study was to determine whether foliar spraying of Si from different sources and at several concentrations provided Si biofortified tomatoes and to evaluate their technological quality. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a pot. The treatments consisted of four Si sources (monosilicic acid, potassium silicate, potassium silicate and sodium silicate mixture, and nanosilica) and four Si concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g L−1) arranged in randomized blocks with five replicates. After flowering, the Micro-Tom tomato plants were sprayed with Si once a week for five weeks. Si applied via foliar in the reproductive phase of tomato plants is efficient for providing Si biofortified tomato while the concentration of 0.4 g L−1 Si from the monosilicic acid source resulted in the highest increase of ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, and fruit firmness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greenhouse experiment was conducted at GKVK Bengaluru, Karnataka during 2013 to decide the best dilution of distillery spentwash to be utilized as a foliar spray for tomato crop. Results revealed that a foliar application of 1:5 dilution of distillery spentwash resulted in higher growth parameters compared to other dilutions. Based on greenhouse experiment results, a two year field experiment was conducted in a farmer's field at Mandya district, Karnataka during 2013 and 2014. Pooled analysis of two years of data (2013 and 2014) revealed that at 60 DAT, the treatment which received 100% RDF + 5 sprays of distillery spentwash at 1:5 dilution recorded significantly higher plant height (110.2 cm), SPAD meter reading (22.9) and higher fruit yield (7.14 kg plant−1 and 78.9 t ha−1) compared to other treatments. Lower plant height, SPAD reading and yield were recorded in the 100% RDF + water sprays (5 times). Also, significantly higher ascorbic acid content (54.2 mg 100–1) and lycopene content (14.0 mg 100–1) of tomato fruits were determined in the treatment receiving 100% RDF + 5 sprays of distillery spentwash at 1:5 dilution. After harvest of tomato crop, soil properties were higher in treatment which received 100% RDF + 5 sprays of undiluted distillery spentwash; but soil pH was higher in the treatment that received water spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the phytonutrient composition, antioxidant activity and nutraceutical potential of peels and seeds of two tomato cultivars. Levels of phytonutrients such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, chlorophyll, salicylic acid and vitamin C were assessed. Potential in vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated. Tomato has quite interesting levels of phenolic compounds such as total phenols and flavonoids, whose contents varied from 78.41 ± 1.52 to 272.17 ± 53 mg GAE/100 g DM and 13.35 to 139.89 mg QE/100 g DM, respectively. They also contained chlorophyll, which was concentrated in the peels (39 to 78 mg/100 g DM). β-carotene and lycopene contents ranged from 4.63 to 105 mg/100 g DM and 7.51 to 32.45 mg/100 g DM, respectively. Vitamin C level was high in peels with an average content of 27.82 mg/100 g DM. Tomato by-products showed high antioxidant activity with 61% DPPH inhibition and 108.55 to 120.86 µg EAA/g with FRAP method. With this richness in phytonutrients and their strong antioxidant power, tomato by-products have important nutraceutical potentials to be valorized with in vivo experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is affected by high day and night temperature and high humidity which can occur together. Plant growth regulators may minimize adverse environmental effects to increase tomato yield. A field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016 to evaluate effects of foliar-applied plant growth regulators gibberellic acid (GA3) and 4-chloro phenoxy acetic acid (4-CPA) on growth, yield, and quality of tomato subjected to high day and night temperature (around 30°C) and high humidity, avg. 83%. Concentrations of GA3 were 0, 25, 50, 100 or 125 mg GA3∙L−1, and concentrations of 4-CPA were 0 or 20 mg 4-CPA∙L−1. Gibberellic acid was applied alone during pre-anthesis at 30 days after transplanting; 4-CPA was applied at anthesis and a second dose 7 days later. Application of 50 mg GA3∙L−1and 20 mg 4-CPA∙L−1 produced the heaviest individual fruit (76.2 g) and greatest yield (46.1 t∙ha−1) with higher total soluble solids (4.48 °Brix) and vitamin C (31.6 mg/100 g). Combined application of 50 mg GA3∙L−1 and 20 mg 4-CPA.L−1 was economical and could be applied under high temperature and humidity to increase quantity and quality of tomato fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]