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The ability to reuse treated wastewater (TWW) would be of significant benefit to agriculture whilst at the same time providing a valuable water resource. This study concerned the effects of three various levels of treated wastewater (0%, 50% and 100% TWW) on seed germination and plant development of three different varieties of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) (viz. Toufan, Heinz and Bouzina). Irrigation with TWW persisted 15 days for the germination stage and 120 days for the growth and development stage. A control plot irrigated with a pure water (groundwater) was also set up in order to compare the seeds and the plants response to different concentrations of irrigation water. The final germination was expressed as a percentage of the total number of seeds in each treatment. This study has demonstrated that treated wastewater improves the germination in Heinz variety and had no effect on both Toufan and Bouzina varieties whether it is pure or diluted by half. For the growth stage, the statistical analysis showed that the Toufan variety has tolerated successfully the TWW irrigation with its high and moderate concentrations, and this by analysing all the morpho-physiological parameters studied in this work (leaves numbers, stem and root length and dry biomass, relative water content and rate water loss).

In this study, 2% of macerated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and carrot (Daucus carota) oils were added to the feeds of rainbow trout with an average weight of 35.88 ± 1.97 g. The experiment was continued for 21 days and the samples were also measured for changes in the hematological parameters. Statistically, significant differences were found in LYM, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCH and NBT values (p0.05). It was determined that both macerated carrot and macerated tomato oils stimulated to the non-specific immune system and erythropoiesis at high stocking density. Especially, it was occurred that macerated carrot oil (MCO) more effective than macerated tomato oil (MTO).

Development of alleviation strategies, which enhance plant growth under heavy metal stress, is important. Inorganic (zeolite) and organic (diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid, DTPA) amendments affecting the alleviation of lead (Pb) stress in a calcareous soil were tested by investigating leaf nutrient uptake of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) plants. Experimental quantities of lead (Pb) at 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg·kg-1 soil, zeolite (clinoptilolite) at 0%, 0.5% and 1%, and DTPA at 0, 50 and 100 mg·kg-1 soil were tested in a factorial experiment with three plant replicates. According to the anova, Pb, zeolite, DTPA and their interactions significantly affected plant concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). With increasing DTPA concentration at different levels of zeolite and Pb, plant concentrations of macro- and micronutrients significantly increased. Increasing soil Pb increased leaf Pb concentration and decreased the uptake of N, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn. Although with increasing Pb concentration the uptake of macro- and micronutrients decreased in tomato, the use of zeolite and DTPA alleviated this stress by increasing nutrient uptake compared to the control. Interestingly, however, increased levels of zeolite and DTPA led to a decreased uptake of nutrients by plants (compared with control), indicating the absorption of such nutrients by the two amendments and their partial release for further plant use. Zeolite and DTPA may alleviate the negative effects of soil Pb on tomato growth by decreasing nutrient leaching and increasing plant nutrient uptake.

The study aimed to assess if grafting affects tomato fruit quality. The research has been conducted in greenhouses where grafted and ungrafted tomatoes have been produced. A Romanian tomato hybrid and a Dutch tomato hybrid, ‘Siriana’ F1 and ‘Abellus’ F1, were used as scions and four cultivars of the Lycopersicon genus, ‘Emperador’ F1 (Dutch hybrid), ‘L542’, ‘L543’ and ‘L544’ (Romanian cultivars) were used as rootstocks. Eight grafted variants (‘Siriana’בEmperador’, ‘Siriana’בL542’, ‘Siriana’בL543’, ‘Siriana’בL544’, ‘Abellus’× ‘Emperador’, ‘Abellus’בL542’, ‘Abellus’בL543’, ‘Abellus’בL544’) and two ungrafted variants (‘Siriana’, control and ‘Abellus’, control) were obtained. The tomato fruit quality has been observed at ‘Siriana’ and ‘Abellus’ grafted on all rootstocks. Compared to ungrafted tomatoes, which have yielded 80.1% and 85.3% of extra and first quality fruits, ‘Siriana’ and ‘Abellus’ grafted on ‘Emperador’ have had a very good fruit quality, 82.3% and 86.8% and grafted on Romanian cultivars have had a quality between 79.1-79.8% and 84.1-84.4% to the same quality standards. Analyzing the dependence between the quality categories (extra and first class) and the soluble dry substance content, a positive dependence was observed between grafted plants and ungrafted plants at both hybrids, ‘Siriana’ r2 = 0.4914 and ‘Abellus’ r2 = 0.1517 and the carbohydrates content, a negative dependence was observed between grafted plants and ungrafted plants at both hybrids, ‘Siriana’ r2 = 0.017 and ‘Abellus’ r2 = 0.798. The total vitamin C content has decreased after grafting. The grafting has had an influence on the soluble dry substance content, the total amount of carbohydrates and vitamin C at all grafting combinations. It can be said that the rootstocks played an important role on the fruit quality. ********* In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 4, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue. *********

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates on the growth and yield tomato at Northwestern Zone of Tigray during 2016-2017 cropping season under irrigation condition. It is the most cultivated and high market value of vegetable crops in Tigray Northern Ethiopia. However, tomato production is limited due to low fertility of soil and inappropriate fertilizer rate. Six different levels of nitrogen (0, 23, 46, 69, 92 and 115 kg N /ha) and six different levels of phosphorus (0, 46, 69, 92,115 and 138 kg P2O5/ ha) were used and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replication. (Melkasalsa) tomato variety was used as a testing variety. The current findings showed that the highest marketable tomato fruit yield (61.16 t/ha) were obtained in 115 kg N/ha (250 kg urea/ha) and 92 kg P2O5 (200 kg Di Ammonium Phosphate DAP /ha). But, the profitable yield obtained was at N2P2 (46 kg N & 69 P2O5 kg ha-1) that is 100 kg/ha of Urea combined with 150 kg/ha of DAP yield was obtained 48.25 t ha-1 and the profit was 235502 birr per ha with the maximum Marginal Rate of Return of 26.16%. Therefore, 100 kg/ha of urea with 150 kg/ha of DAP was recommended for the growers to improve tomato fruit productivity in the study area.

In this work, different amounts of Lycopersicon esculentum peel extract were used in a low cost, non-toxic green synthesis of tin dioxide nanoparticles. The generated nanoparticles presented the following characteristics: Sn-O bond at 666 cm−1; crystalline growth in a purely tetragonal crystal structure; a different size and shape homogeneity, depending on the amount of extract used; and a band gap of around 3.3 eV. Of the generated nanoparticles, the sample with 4% peel extract presented a UV-light photocatalytic degradation rate of methylene blue of around 100% at 120 min; these results are better than those achieved by commercially available tin dioxide nanoparticles.

Tomato clade species (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon) display multiple interspecific reproductive barriers (IRBs). Some IRBs conform to the SI x SC rule, which describes unilateral incompatibility (UI) where pollen from SC species is rejected on SI species’ pistils, but reciprocal pollinations are successful. However, SC x SC UI also exists, offering opportunities to identify factors that contribute to S-RNase-independent IRBs. For instance, SC Solanum pennellii LA0716 pistils only permit SC Solanum lycopersicum pollen tubes to penetrate to the top third of the pistil, while S. pennellii pollen penetrates to S. lycopersicum ovaries. We identified candidate S. pennellii LA0716 pistil barrier genes based on expression profiles and published results. CRISPR/Cas9 mutants were created in eight candidate genes, and mutants were assessed for changes in S. lycopersicum pollen tube growth. Mutants in a gene designated Defective in Induced Resistance 1-like (SpDIR1L), which encodes a small cysteine-rich protein, permitted S. lycopersicum pollen tubes to grow to the bottom third of the style. We show that SpDIR1L protein accumulation correlates with IRB strength and that species with weak or no IRBs toward S. lycopersicum pollen share a 150 bp deletion in the upstream region of SpDIR1L. These results suggest that SpDIR1L contributes to an S-RNase-independent IRB.

The main objective of the work is the formulation and evaluation of a natural herbal face mask for rejuvenation and glowing skin from locally available ingredients. Citrus aurantium, Lycopersicon esculentum, Santalum album, Prunus dulcis, Rose petals, Camellia sinensis leaves were procured from the local market and were dried, powdered, then passed through sieve no-100, mixed geometrically, and packed in an airtight container for converting into unique formula. The distinguishing microscopically characters of individual powders were noted, and quantitative measurements were taken. The powder had passable flow property which is suitable for a face mask. The particle size of the powder was found to be 20 -25µm. Herbal face mask is used to stimulate blood circulation, rejuvenates the muscles and help to maintain the elasticity of the skin and remove dirt from skin pores and provide glow and flawless skin. The non-toxic nature reduced allergic reactions and easy availability of herbs making them acceptable and useful for users.

Isomerization of 9,15,9′-tri-cis-ζ-carotene mediated by 15-cis-ζ-carotene isomerase Z-ISO is a critical step in the biosynthesis of carotenoids, which define fruit color. The tomato clade (Solanum section Lycopersicon) comprises the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and 12 related wild species differing in fruit color and, thus, represents a good model for studying carotenogenesis in fleshy fruit. In this study, we identified homologous Z-ISO genes, including 5′-UTRs and promoter regions, in 12 S. lycopersicum cultivars and 5 wild tomato species (red-fruited Solanum pimpinellifolium, yellow-fruited Solanum cheesmaniae, and green-fruited Solanum chilense, Solanum habrochaites, and Solanum pennellii). Z-ISO homologs had a highly conserved structure, suggesting that Z-ISO performs a similar function in tomato species despite the difference in their fruit color. Z-ISO transcription levels positively correlated with the carotenoid content in ripe fruit of the tomatoes. An analysis of the Z-ISO promoter and 5′-UTR sequences revealed over 130 cis-regulatory elements involved in response to light, stresses, and hormones, and in the binding of transcription factors. Green- and red/yellow-fruited Solanum species differed in the number and position of cis-elements, indicating changes in the transcriptional regulation of Z-ISO expression during tomato evolution, which likely contribute to the difference in fruit color.

Wild species related to cultivated tomato are essential genetic resources in breeding programs focused on food security to face future challenges. The ecogeographic analysis allows identifying the species adaptive ranges and most relevant environmental variables explaining their patterns of actual distribution. The objective of this research was to identify the diversity, ecological descriptors, and statistical relationship of 35 edaphoclimatic variables (20 climatic, 1 geographic and 14 edaphic variables) from 4,649 accessions of 12 wild tomato species and 4 closely related species classified in Solanum sect. Lycopersicon and clustered into four phylogenetic groups, namely “Lycopersicon group” (S. pimpinellifolium, S. cheesmaniae, and S. galapagense), “Arcanum group” (S. arcanum, S. chmielewskii, and S. neorickii), “Eriopersicon group” (S. habrochaites, S. huaylasense, S. corneliomulleri, S. peruvianum, and S. chilense), “Neolycopersicon group” (S. pennellii); and two phylogenetically related groups in Solanum sect. Juglandifolia (S. juglandifolium and S. ochranthum), and section Lycopersicoides (S. lycopersicoides and S. sitiens). The relationship between the climate and edaphic variables were determined by the canonical correlation analysis, reaching 89.2% of variation with the first three canonical correlations. The most significant climatic variables were related to humidity (annual evapotranspiration, annual precipitation, and precipitation of driest month) and physicochemical soil characteristics (bulk density, pH, and base saturation percentage). In all groups, ecological descriptors and diversity patterns were consistent with previous reports. Regarding edaphoclimatic diversity, 12 climate types and 17 soil units were identified among all species. This approach has promissory applications for biodiversity conservation and uses valuable genetic resources related to a leading crop.

Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa in 2013 cropping season to examine the effects of mineral fertilizers on growth, fruit yield and nutrient uptake of tomato. Tomato cultivation in the country has improved from the traditional intercropping system with major staple crops to a much more commercially oriented system. The treatments consisted of 3 mineral fertilizer types at 3 rates each and their combinations were used, namely: N (0, 30 and 60 in kg N ha-1), P (0, 25 and 50 kg P2O5ha-1), K (0, 16.5 and 33 kg K2O ha-1). The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated 3 times. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, total fruit yield and nutrient uptake. The determination of leaf phytochemical contents were randomly selected per plot and analyzed for nutrient uptake such as N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) SAS package and treatment means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability level. The objective of the study was to determine mineral fertilizer combinations that will increase the nutrient uptake for optimum tomato performance. External input of mineral fertilizer improved tomato yield and nutrient uptake of tomato. Application of 60 kg N ha-1 + 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 33 kg K2O ha-1 gave the highest fruit yield (27.81 t ha-1) while control plot had the least (9.96 t ha-1). Nutrient uptake (P, K) was best at fertilizer rates of 60 kg N ha-1 + 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 33 kg K2O ha-1. In conclusion, external input of mineral fertilizer is necessary to improve tomato yield and nutrient uptake contents. Plants fertilized with 60 kg N ha-1 + 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 33 kg K2O ha-1 responded better than other rates and therefore can be recommended for farmers to increase production within the study areas.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) is a destructive pest of the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) crop in Pakistan. Although insecticides are the primary management strategy used to control H. armigera, most of them are not effective due to considerable toxic residual effects on the fruits. Nonetheless, H. armigera is rapidly evolving resistance against the available pesticides for its management. This situation calls upon the need of alternative management options against the pest. Different plant extracts have been suggested as a viable, environment-friendly option for plant protection with minimal side effects. Furthermore, the plant extracts could also manage the insect species evolving resistance against pesticides. This study evaluated the efficacy of different plant extracts (i.e., Neem seed, turmeric, garlic and marsh pepper) against H. armigera. Furthermore, the impact of the plant extracts on growth and yield of tomato crop was also tested under field conditions. The results revealed that all plant extracts resulted in higher mortality of H. armigera compared to control. Similarly, the highest plant height was observed for the plants treated with the plant extracts compared to untreated plants. Moreover, the highest tomato yield was observed in plants treated with plant extracts, especially with neem seed (21.013 kg/plot) followed by pepper extract (19.25 kg/plot), and garlic extract 18.4 kg/plot) compared to the untreated plants (8.9 kg/plot). It is concluded that plant extracts can be used as eco-friendly approaches for improving tomato yield and resistance management of H. armigera.

In this study, a total of five plant-associated Proteus mirabilis were isolated from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) plant and screened for plant growth-promoting (PGP) and antagonistic traits. The results revealed that all the isolates showed production of siderophore, and none of the isolates showed positive for hydrogen cyanide and lipase. Further, the antagonistic study of all isolates showed significant mycelial inhibition against Fusarium oxysporum. The isolate BETS2 showed best antagonistic activity against all phytopathogens tested in this study. The sequencing of 16S rRNA gene confirmed that all the isolates belong to the genus Proteus. The in vivo effect of BETS2 was demonstrated through tomato and chilli based bioassay under greenhouse conditions. The bacterial inoculation resulted in a significant increase in plant root, stem and plant biomass. The present study demonstrated that P. mirabilis could act as a plant growth-promoting bacterium.

Orientadores: Roberto Funes Abrahão, Mauro José Andrade Tereso Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola Resumo: A exigência por produtos com boa qualidade e segurança alimentar faz com que o beneficiamento pós-colheita se constitua numa atividade em grande expansão no Brasil. A tomaticultura representa um dos maiores mercados agrícolas brasileiros. O Brasil produz cerca de três milhões de toneladas por ano, sendo dois milhões de toneladas de tomate de mesa. Mais de dez mil produtores e sessenta mil famílias de trabalhadores estão envolvidos nesta produção, o que pode significar duzentos mil empregos diretos. Após a colheita dos tomates, a maior parte da produção é limpa, classificada e embalada em unidades de beneficiamento. Este estudo teve como objetivo a avaliação das exigências laborais nas unidades de beneficiamento de tomate de mesa sob o ponto de vista da ergonomia. Foram selecionadas 06 unidades de beneficiamento de tomate de mesa por amostragem intencional. Aplicou-se o método da Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho para identificação dos postos de trabalho com as maiores exigências laborais no processo de produção. Na pesquisa de campo envolvendo 57 operadores, utilizou-se o Método NASA TLX e o Questionário de Avaliação Visual (QAV), um questionário baseado na Escala de Likert, para avaliar, respectivamente, as exigências mentais e físicas e as exigências visuais das tarefas. Os resultados mostraram exigência mental elevada para 54,3% e exigência física alta para 20,0% dos operadores. Na avaliação da exigência visual constatou-se que 16,3% dos operadores pesquisados apresentaram fadiga visual. Comprovou-se que as exigências laborais, nos postos de trabalho estudados, estão relacionadas ao nível tecnológico dos equipamentos, grau de mecanização no processo de produção, projeto e layout do galpão, aos fatores ambientais e à organização do trabalho nas UB Abstract: The requirement for good quality products and food safety makes of the processing after harvest an activity in great expansion in Brazil. Tomato cropping represents one of the biggest agricultural markets in Brazil. The country produces about three million tons of tomatoes per year, two million of which are intended for fresh consumption. More than ten thousand producers and sixty thousand families of workers are involved in this production, what may represent two hundred and thousand jobs. After the harvest of tomatoes, the biggest part of the production is cleaned, classified and packed in packing house units. The aim of this research was to evaluate the labor demands in the packing house units of fresh market tomatoes under the point of view of ergonomics. Six packing house units of fresh market tomatoes were selected by intentional sampling technique. It was applied the Ergonomic Analysis of Work method in order to identify the workplaces with the biggest labor demands in the production process. In the field research involving 57 workers, it was applied the NASA TLX method along with a questionnaire based on the Likert Scale in order to evaluate both mental and physical demands as well as visual demands of the tasks. The results showed high mental demand for 54.3% of the workers and high physical demand for 20.0% of them. Concerning to visual demand, it was evidenced that 16.3% of the workers presented visual fatigue. It was evidenced that the workload of the studied workplaces is related to the technological level of the equipment, mechanization degree of the production process, layout and project of the processing house, environmental factors as well as the work organization of the packing house Mestrado Planejamento e Desenvolvimento Rural Sustentável Mestre em Engenharia Agrícola

Orientador: Marcos David Ferreira Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola Resumo: O tomate é uma das principais hortaliças cultivadas no Brasil. Procurou-se a partir de duas cultivares avaliar a qualidade pós-colheita desses frutos, colhidos no estádio de amadurecimento verde-maduro, submetidos ao tratamento com gás etileno. As cultivares utilizadas foram Débora e Andréa. O tratamento utilizado foi realizado a partir de mistura gasosa, etil 5% diluído em ar comprimido, fluxo dinâmico por 48 horas à temperatura ambiente de 20º±1ºC e umidade relativa de 90±5%. A concentração final da mistura permaneceu ao redor de 100µL.L-1, a qual foi monitorada por meio de cromatografia gasosa. Após término da aplicação do etileno, os tomates foram armazenados sob duas temperaturas. Um lote permaneceu a 20º±1ºC e outro foi mantido a 12,5º±1ºC. Tomates não tratados com etileno foram mantidos nas mesmas condições de temperatura e umidade relativa. Para os experimentos, foram realizadas, após cada alteração no estádio de amadurecimento do tomate, as análises: índices de coloração (L*, a* e b* e suas relações), perda de massa, determinação do índice de firmeza (N.mm-1), sólidos solúveis (°Brix), acidez titulável (g.100g-1), pH e ácido ascórbico (mg.100g-1). Quando os tomates atingiram o estádio de amadurecimento vermelho foram realizadas análises sensoriais, com teste de aceitabilidade e escala de intensidade. As cultivares responderam de forma diferente aos tratamentos, conforme as características intrínsecas de cada uma. A aplicação de gás etileno promoveu maior uniformidade de coloração nos frutos tratados. No entanto influenciou também nos resultados de a*, b*, perda de massa, sólidos solúveis e firmeza para cultivar Débora e b* para cultivar Andréa. Frutos armazenados à temperatura de 20ºC demonstraram maior porcentagem de perda de massa ao longo do amadurecimento, com média 3,02% para cultivar Débora e 2,60% para cultivar Andréa. Os resultados de acidez titulável, 0,38g.100g-1 para cultivar Débora e 0,42g.100g-1 para cultivar Andréa e; sólidos solúveis foram maiores para frutos armazenados a 12,5ºC, com média de 4,85ºBrix para cultivar Andréa e frutos armazenados a 20ºC, com 4,42ºBrix para cultivar Débora, com ou sem tratamento com gás etileno. Na média os valores de ácido ascórbico foram mais elevados para a cultivar Andréa não apresentando, entretanto, diferença significativa entre os tratamentos Abstract: Tomatoes are one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated in Brazil. Post harvest quality of tomatoes was evaluated in two cultivars, harvested at mature green stage, and submitted to ethylene treatments. Cultivars used were Débora and Andréa. Treatments were accomplished using a gas mixture with ethyl (5%) diluted in compressed air, flow through for 48 hours at temperature of 20º±1ºC and relative humidity of 90±5%. Ethylene final concentration of the mixture remained around 100µL.L-1, which was monitored through gas cromatography. After ethylene application, tomatoes were stored at two temperatures. One lot remained at 20º±1ºC and another one was kept at 12.5º±1ºC. Control fruits were kept in the same storage conditions of temperature and relative humidity. For each maturity color change, the following analyses were carried out: color indexes (L *, a* and the b * and its relations), water loss (%), fruit firmness (N.mm-1), soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity (g.100g-1), pH and ascorbic acid (mg.100g-1). Red tomatoes were submitted to sensoryal analyses, with affective test and acceptability. Cultivars responses were different according to the distinct treatments, as an answer for the intrinsic characteristics of each one. Ethylene application promoted color uniformity in treated fruits, also influencing the results for a*, b*, water loss, soluble solids and firmness to cultivar Débora and b* to cultivar Andréa. Fruits stored at 20ºC showed higher water loss (%) during storage, 3.02 and 2.60%, cv. Débora and cv. Andréa, respectively. Titratable acidity results were, 0.38g.100g-1 for cv. Débora and 0.42g.100g-1 for cv. Andréa; soluble solids was higher for cultivar Andréa stored at 12.5ºC, means of 4.85ºBrix and for cv. Débora in fruits stored at 20oC, means of 4.42ºBrix, for both treatments with and without ethylene. Ascorbic acid values were higher for Andrea than for Debora fruits. However did not show significant difference among treatments Mestrado Tecnologia Pós-Colheita Mestre em Engenharia Agrícola

Orientador: Marcos David Ferreira Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola Resumo: A tomaticultura de mesa nos últimos seis anos evoluiu com a implantação de unidades de beneficiamento, classificando os tomates através de equipamentos com sistema eletrônico e mecânico de classificação. A avaliação da classificação foi desenvolvida em duas unidades de beneficiamento de tomates de mesa, sistema de classificação eletrônica e mecânica, e em dois períodos de produção, safras de verão e inverno. O cultivar utilizado foi Carmen. Para cada safra foram realizadas três etapas: (1) Avaliar a conformidade de classificação por diâmetro e coloração dos equipamentos com sistema eletrônico e mecânico de classificação com o PROGRAMA BRASILEIRO PARA A MODERNIZAÇÃO DA HORTICULTURA (2003), (2) Verificar a conformidade de classificação por diâmetro obtida dos equipamentos, com a regulagem programada pela unidade de beneficiamento e (3) Acompanhamento da vida pós-colheita dos tomates provenientes da classificação nesses equipamentos em laboratório da Faculdade de Engenharia Agrícola ¿ UNICAMP, onde os tomates ficaram armazenados em câmara de refrigeração a temperatura ambiente de 24 ± 1ºC e umidade relativa de 75 ± 5% por um período de 20 dias. Foram realizadas análises como, perda de massa, qualidade visual, evolução da coloração, firmeza e químicas (pH, sólido solúvel, acidez titulável) e cálculo da relação sólido solúvel/acidez titulável. Dentre os resultados, não houve conformidade de classificação por diâmetro e coloração, dos equipamentos, com a norma de classificação do Programa. A conformidade de classificação obtida com a programada apresentou somente para classe de maior diâmetro, em ambos os equipamentos. Na avaliação da qualidade visual, os frutos sadios após armazenamento por 20 dias não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os equipamentos. Como razão de descarte, na safra de verão, enrugamento foi mais freqüente no equipamento eletrônico e a podridão no mecânico, na safra de inverno os descartes foram mais freqüentes no equipamento mecânico. A perda de massa foi maior no equipamento mecânico em ambas as safras. A evolução da coloração dos tomates foi mais intensa na safra de verão no equipamento mecânico e menor intensidade no inverno para o mesmo equipamento. Não houve diferenças significativas para a variação do índice de firmeza entre os equipamentos. As análises das características químicas, não foram significativas. O equipamento eletrônico apresentou melhor desempenho sobre o equipamento mecânico, em relação à classificação e na qualidade da vida pós-colheita dos frutos provenientes desta classificação. Embora utilize alta tecnologia, este equipamento deverá ser monitorado constantemente em suas atividades visando sua eficiência e viabilização do seu investimento. Pelos resultados apresentados, recomenda-se para o sistema mecânico, rever o sistema de classificação de correia de lona furada para que atenda a legislação de classificação do Programa Brasileiro para a Modernização da Horticultura, e garanta melhor desempenho nas etapas de lavagem, secagem e polimento Abstract: The fresh market tomato industry has been evolved, in the last six years, with the implantation of tomato grade machines, electronical and mechanical equipments. Evaluation of the grading performance electronical and mechanical equipments was done at summer and winter seasons. The cultivar studied was Carmen. For each season, three main points were studied: (1) Evolution of the size and color grading conformity with the BRAZILIAN PROGRAM FOR HORTICULTURE MODERNIZATION standards. (2) Evaluation of size grading conformity with the one established by the packer. (3) Post harvest shelf life and grading quality of tomatoes during for 20 days in controlled environment at 24ºC ± 1ºC and 75% ± 5% RH, FEAGRI/UNICAMP. During storage, visual quality evaluation and physical and physical chemical analysis were done: weight loss, color evolution, firmness, pH, soluble solids, tritratable acidity and ratio. There was no grade conformity with the fresh tomato quality standards of the BRAZILIAN PROGRAM FOR HORTICULTURE MODERNIZATION. There was conformity with the grading programmed by the packer, only for large size, in both equipments. After storage for 20 days, there were not any significant statistic difference on fruit quality sorted by electronical and mechanical equipments. For summer season, the major cause for fruit discharge was shrunken fruits in electronical equipment and decay in mechanical equipment. For winter season there were high post harvest losses at the mechanical equipment. The highest weight loss was found on fruits sorted at the mechanical equipment at the two seasons. The mechanical equipment showed the most intense color evolution at summer season and the less intense at winter season. There were not statistical differences between the equipments for firmness loss. There were also not statistical differences, between the equipments for chemical analyses. The electronical equipment has presented better performance, compared to the mechanical equipment, considering grading performance and post-harvest fruits quality. Despite of its high technology the electronical equipment must be constantly monitored to achieve efficiency and return of the investment. The mechanical system must review its size grading, to achieve grade standards stablished by the BRAZILIAN PROGRAM FOR HORTICULTURE MODERNIZATION and must improve its cleaning operation Mestrado Tecnologia Pós-Colheita Mestre em Engenharia Agrícola

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is one of the major environmental concerns in Europe. A wide range of studies has proved the ecotoxic potential of atmospheric particles. PM exerts chemical stress on vegetation by its potentially toxic constituents; however, relatively few studies are available on assessing phytotoxic effects under laboratory conditions. In our study, aqueous extract of particulate matter was prepared and used for treatment. Experiment was following the procedure defined by the No. 227 OECD Guideline for the Testing of Chemicals: Terrestrial Plant Test. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants were used; elucidated toxicity was assessed based on morphological and biochemical endpoints such as biomass, chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b, carotenoids, and protein content. Biomass reduction and protein content showed a clear dose–effect relationship; the biomass decreased in comparison with the control (100%) in all test groups (TG) at a steady rate (TG1: 87.73%; TG2: 71.77%; TG3: 67.01%; TG4: 63.63%). The tendency in protein concentrations compared to the control was TG1: 113.61%; TG2: 148.21% TG3: 160.52%; TG4: 157.31%. However, pigments showed a ‘Janus-faced’ effect: nutrient content of the sample caused slight increase at lower doses; actual toxicity became apparent only at higher doses (chlorophyll-a concentration decrease was 84.47% in TG4, chlorophyll-b was 77.17%, and finally, carotene showed 83.60% decrease in TG4).

Introduction: It has been extensively reported that drug-overdose is the leading cause of liver injury in the world today. Diets rich in natural antioxidants have been observed to offer substantial remedy to drug-induced organ injuries. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of tomato extract against Acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Phytochemical analyses were performed. A total of 24 albino rats weighing (110±10 g) were randomly allocated to four groups (A-D), with six rats per group. Group A was the normal control and received no treatment. Group B was the negative control and received a single dose of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p) only. Group C served as test group and received a single dose of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p.) before treatment with tomato extract (30 mg/kg, oral) for 14 consecutive days. Group D received simultaneous administration of tomato extract (30 mg/kg, oral) and acetaminophen (750 mg/kg, i.p) for 14days. Results: The single dose of Acetaminophen caused liver cell injuries with significant increase in the levels of the liver enzymes: AST (67.67±11.41U/L); ALT (46.33±10.59U/L) and ALP (223.70±23.31U/L) in rats in negative control when compared with normal (p

This research looked into microbial, chemical and environmental causes of the rotting of this all important vegetable. A total of eight microorganisms (Fungi and Bacteria) were isolated from deteriorating tomato fruits. These isolates were used to carry out pathogenicity tests on wounded and unwounded healthy fruits and it was found out that fungi generally cause more deterioration than bacteria. Tests were carried out to ascertain the effect of temperature and milton on the rotting of the fruits. It was observed that deterioration increases with increase in temperature. Treatment with milton effectively reduced rotting. Ascorbic acid level in the fresh and deteriorating fruits was also experimented. The results showed a decrease in ascorbic acid level with increased deterioration.

In this study the effect of common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on Lycopersicon esculentum rhizosphere microbiota was monitored. Results evidenced that rhizosphere microbiota abundance decreased especially under exposure to diclofenac and ibuprofen while fungal/bacteria ratio changed significantly with exposure to diclofenac and ketoprofen. Compared with control samples the average amount of ratio of gram negative/gram positive bacteria was higher in rhizosphere soil contaminated with ibuprofen and lower in case of diclofenac contamination. Carbon source consumption increased with time of assay in case of control samples and those contaminated with diclofenac. This suggests that rhizosphere microbiota under contamination with diclofenac consume higher amount of carbon although do not consume a larger variety of its sources. In case of contamination with ibuprofen and ketoprofen the consumption of carbon source presents a decreasing tendency after day 30 of the assay. Rhizosphere microbiota emitted volatile organic compounds were also monitored. Volatile compounds belonging to alcohol, aromatic compounds, ketone, terpene, organic acids, aldehyde, sulphur compounds, esters, alkane, nitrogen compounds, alkene and furans were detected in rhizosphere soil samples. Among these, terpene, ketone, alcohol, aromatic compounds, organic acids, and alkane were the most abundant compound classes, but their percentage changed with exposure at diclofenac, ketoprofen and ibuprofen. Such changes in abundance, structure, and metabolic activity of Lycopersicon esculentum rhizosphere microbiota under exposure to common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs make as to suppose that there is a probability to also change ecosystem services provided by rhizosphere microbiota.

Orientador: Luiz Antonio Daniel Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola Doutorado Planejamento e Desenvolvimento Rural Doutor em Engenharia Agrícola

Background: The main challenge confronting both rainfed and irrigated agriculture is to improve water use efficiency (WUE) and sustainable water use for agriculture. A field experiment was conducted during early summer season of 2020 to study the effect of drip irrigation combined with organic mulching on soil moisture, growth, yield of tomato grown on alfisols at the college farm of College of Agricultural Engineering, Madakasira, Ananthapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh. Methods: The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design (CRBD) with seven treatments comprising of various organic mulches. The treatments were T1 - Sawdust + Irrigation based on daily crop water requirement, T2 - Ragi straw + Irrigation based on daily crop water requirement, T3 - Groundnut shells + Irrigation based on daily crop water requirement, T4 - Groundnut shells + Irrigation once in every two days, T5 - Saw dust + Irrigation once in every two days, T6 - Ragi straw + Irrigation once in every two days and T7 - Control (without mulch) + Irrigation based on daily crop water requirement. All the treatments were replicated thrice. The plot size of each treatment was 4m × 2.5m. Result: The results revealed that throughout the crop growth period, T3 - Groundnut shells + Irrigation based on daily water requirement maintained soil higher moisture content to an extent of 132-146% as compared to control T7 (Control + Daily water requirement). The fruit yield obtained with T3 - Groundnut shells + Irrigation based on daily water requirement was significantly higher (8.8 t/ha) as compared to control T7 (Control + Daily water requirement) (7.6 t/ha). The highest water use efficiency (39.6 kg/ha/mm) was noted with T4 - Groundnut shells + Irrigation once in every two days), whereas T7 (Control + Daily water requirement) registered minimum WUE (16.3 kg/ha/mm). Weed dry matter and weed index was found to be higher (50% to 100%) in T7 (Control + Daily water requirement) throughout the crop growth period as compared to all the treatments applied with organic mulches. Our results indicated that T3 - (Groundnut shells + Irrigation based on daily crop water requirement) resulted in the highest plant height, number of fruits per plant and high water use efficiency as compared to without mulching. Further, under irrigation water constraints, groundnut shells mulch and drip irrigation once in two days was found to be effective in attaining higher WUE.

Sixteen new lines of tomato (F5) were selected from six F2 generations, which exhibited high homogeneity based on estimated CV % values for plant height, number of leaves/plant, hardness, shape index, TSS% and Vitam. C content during successive four seasons from 2017/2018 to 2020/2021 in the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Environmental and Agriculture Sciences, Arish University, North Sinai under open field conditions. The experimental work was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. A highly significant differences were observed among the selected lines for all studied characters. Lines that showed the most vigorous growth were DAN-2-2, DAN-3-4, DAN-3-5, 6130-1-1, 6130-3-2, 6130-3-4, 3017-2-1, 3017-2-6, 783N-1-4, TYG-1-3, TYG-2-1, TYG-2-1, TYG-4-1 and KIS-N-2-1. For Mean performance all plants in the lines 6130.1.1, 6130.3.4, 3017.2.1, 3017.2.6, TYG-1-3 and KIS-N-2-1 were resistance to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Two lines recorded highest values for total yield, 3017.2.1 and 3017.2.6, while 6130.3.2 and 6130.3.4 where the best for avrage fruit weight.

The cultivated plant climate association in agricultural yields is getting expanded consideration with regards to changing climatic conditions. Abiotic stressors can lead to morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical alterations in harvests, resulting in a significant loss of profit. A comprehension of ecological elements and their communication with physiological cycles is critical for improving agricultural practices. Drought stress is among the main natural factor affecting plant development, growth, and yield measures. Assessing the impact of environmental change and atmospheric variability on tomato crop output will require a thorough understanding of this stress element. The physiology, development, improvement, yield, and quality of the tomato crop are all affected by dry season stress. This mini-review essay presents the most prominent features about the effects of drought stress on tomato crop plant physiology and production, with specific highlighting for the complex relationship between drought stress, and nutrients uptake.

Bacterial canker of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis is an economically important disease. However, the molecular events that occur are poorly understood. To understand the host defense response to C. michiganensis infection, transcriptome sequences in tomato cotyledons were analyzed by RNA-seq. Overall, 1,877 and 540 genes were upregulated and downregulated upon infection, respectively. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that genes involved in the defense response, phosphorylation, and hormone signaling were over-represented by the infection. Induced expression of defense-associated genes suggested that the tomato response to C. michiganensis showed similarities to common plant disease responses. After infection, many resistance gene analogs (RGAs) were transcriptionally upregulated, including the expressions of some receptor-like kinases (RLKs) involved in pattern-triggered immunity. The expressions of WRKYs, NACs, HSFs, and CBP60s encoding transcription factors (TFs) were upregulated, implying their involvement in defense-associated gene expression during tomato–C. michiganensis interactions. Tomato genes orthologous to Arabidopsis EDS1, EDS5/SID1, and PAD4/EDS9, which are causal genes of salicylic acid (SA)-deficient mutants, were activated, and infection drastically stimulated SA accumulation in tomatoes. Genes involved in the phenylalanine ammonia lyase pathway were upregulated, whereas metabolic enzyme gene expression in the isochorismate synthase pathway remained unchanged. Exogenously applied SA suppressed bacterial growth and induced the expression of WRKYs, suggesting that some C. michiganensis-responsive genes are regulated by SA signaling, and SA signaling activation should improve tomato immunity against C. michiganensis.

An efficient protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of tomato cultivars Sandra and Rocky was conducted to examine the possibility of producing transgenic tomato plants cultivars harbouring the nptII gene, conferring kanamycin resistance. To achieve this aim, tomato cotyledon explants were transformed using EHA105 Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain harboring the binary vectors pBI121 which contains Gus gene, and neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) as selectable marker gene under the control of a CaMV35S promoter and nopaline synthase (nos) Terminator. Transformant detection was carried out in three distinct ways. First antibiotic selection, Kanamycin at a concentration of100 mgl-1 found to be efficient for this purpose. Second histochemical GUS assay revealed the presence of blue colored zones in a number of shoots and leaves for both in vitro and the greenhouse-grown transgenic plants. Third PCR analysis indicated positive result by showing the fragment for nptII gene in tested transformants, while was absent in non-transgenic control (wild type). On the other hand, the results showed that Sandra cultivar was more efficient for regeneration and subsequently transformation frequency than Rocky cultivar, which record 26.66% of transformation frequency compared with 11.57% in Rocky cultivar.

The experiment was conducted at Department of Plant Pathology, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan). Alternaria alternata was isolated from leaves of tomato and observed to be pathogenic under artificial conditions. It is cause heavy yield loss in rajasthan as well as in india. Among five systemic acquired resistance activators, salicylic acid was found most effective against Alternaria alternata in vivo conditions followed by, 2,4 Dichloroisonicotinic acid. All treatments as foilar spray were able to reduce disease severity over untreated control.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), being the most important remunerative vegetable and is susceptible to a wide range of viruses which are the major constraints in its production resulting to heavy crop losses. Among these, after Chilli leaf curl virus, Chilli veinal mottle virus (Chi VMV) is the major prevalent virus. Host range studies under glasshouse conditions revealed that Chi VMV is transmitted mechanically. Among 41 host plants tested, nine different plant species (Datura metel, Capsicum annuum, Physalis floridana, Solanum nigrum, Lycopersicon esculentum, Amaranthus spp, Nicotiana tabaccum cv. White Burley, Nicotiana tabaccum cv. Samsun and Capsicum frutescense.) induced characteristic systemic mottling symptoms within 7 to 14 days of inoculation. The rest of the hosts remained asymptomatic.

Environmental fluctuations due to anthropogenic activities show negative effects on plant growth and crop production. Among the heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) pollution is most dangerous and is devastating most of the cultivable land. The current study evaluated the Cd induced toxicity in Lycopersicon esculentum plants and the mitigating role of rhizobacteria. Different parameters such as metal uptake, metal chelators, oxidative stress markers, antioxidative defense expression, secondary metabolites, H2O2 tagging, MDA localization and cell viability has been assessed. Cd accumulation enhanced by 64.7% in roots and 267.1% in shoots, which resulted in generating oxidative burst measured in the terms of superoxide content (54.5%), H2O2 (255.1%), and MDA (202.2%) content. Moreover, the Cd stress also modulated the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants. In addition, organic acids and metal chelators were also enhanced in plants under the influence of Cd. Inoculation of rhizobacterial strains reduced the Cd uptake in plant parts (roots and shoots), increased heavy metal tolerance index (HMTI) and reduced oxidative stress markers. Also, enzymatic antioxidants such as, SOD, POD, PPO were increased in microbe inoculated plants whereas CAT, GPOX, APOX, GST, DHAR and GR were reduced. In situ immobilization studies were also conducted in root sections of L. esculentum in which Cd localization, H2O2 accumulation, cell viability and MDA accumulation were observed using confocal and visible microscopy. Reduction in the levels of H2O2, MDA and Cd accumulation along with improved cell viability was observed in the rhizobacterial inoculated plants.

Tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum L.) is a long duration crop belongs to a family Solanaceae. In case of vegetables, tomato is a second major crop, cultivated wide range throughout the world. Although, tomato is moderate sensitive to salinity yet for salinity tolerance more attention is required. More than 30% cultivated land all over the world severely affected by the salinity. In this scenario, experiment was designed to investigate various morphological and physiological aspects of tomato under various salinity levels; different levels of exogenous glycine betaine applications. Study was conducted to reveal the salt tolerance in tomato genotypes. Experiment was performed under controlled condition in the growth chamber of the IHS, UAF. Different concentrations of sodium chloride salt (0, 1.5 and 3 dS m-1) was used for salinity levels. Medium size plastic pots were used for sowing of tomato and sand was used as growing medium. Hoagland solution was applied for nourishment of tomato seedlings. Salinity was applied on 3-4 leaf stage. Then examined the effect of glycine betaine (0, 5, 10 and 15mM) for salt tolerance on tomato cultivars. Data of various attributes was collected and analyzed statistically by appropriate statistical package. Results revealed that tomato growth was negatively affected by the salinity. Morphological attributes and physiological attributes reduced in response to salinity except electrolyte leakage which amplified in salt stress. Exogenous application of glycine betaine promotes the tolerance against the salinity in the tomato genotypes and enhance growth.

Tomatos are one of the most widely grown and consumed vegetables in the world. It does not only meet the needs of the fresh market, but also has become an essential ingredient for the food industry. Since 2012, however, intensive soilless forcing is gaining ground on increasingly large areas, using more and more modern technologies. This will make the fulfilling of our domestic tomato demands more continuous, however we can also produce for exports. However, the yield is not all! Continuous forcing also means that the plant grows during the winter-spring period when biological and other physical factors are not in line with nature. During this period, the necessary factors must be artificially provided for the plant! There may be a question as to what kind of quality differences can be found between autumn-winter and spring-summer tomatoes?! The most valuable carotene of the tomato is the red lycopene, which is continuously produced during ripening. However, elevated air temperatures above 32 °C can stop the production of lycopene and then the yellow ß-carotene becomes a stronger colour in the berry. During my work, I studied the ratio of the production of the two carotenoids in different types in different forcing periods.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the widely grown vegetables worldwide. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is the significant contributory pathogen of tomato vascular wilt. The initial symptoms of the disease appear in the lower leaves gradually, trail by wilting of the plants. It has been reported that FOL penetrates the tomato plant, colonizing and leaving the vascular tissue dark brown, and this discoloration extends to the apex, leading to the plants wilting, collapsing and dying. Therefore, it has been widely accepted that wilting caused by this fungus is the result of a combination of various physiological activities, including the accumulation of fungal mycelia in and around xylem, mycotoxin production, inactivation of host defense, and the production of tyloses; however, wilting symptoms are variable. Therefore, the selection of molecular markers may be a more effective means of screening tomato races. Several studies on the detection of FOL have been carried out and have suggested the potency of the technique for diagnosing FOL. This review focuses on biology and variability of FOL, understanding and presenting a holistic picture of the vascular wilt disease of tomato in relation to disease model, biology, virulence. We conclude that genomic and proteomic approachesare greater tools for identification of informative candidates involved in pathogenicity, which can be considered as one of the approaches in managing the disease. Keywords: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Pathogenicity, Biology, Diversity, Lycopersicon esculentum, Vascular wilt

Organic farming encourages the use of organic waste materials as substitutes for chemical fertilizers. Tomato pomace presents an alternative to inorganic fertilizer. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of tomato pomace composts and nitrogen fertilization on agronomic and quality parameters of the processing tomato. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and five fertilization treatments (untreated, nitrogen fertilizer, tomato pomace with biocyclic humus soil, tomato pomace with manure and tomato pomace with plant residues). The results showed that the highest average fruit weight and fruit yield (163.4 t/ha) were found in plots subjected to nitrogen fertilization, while the highest total soluble solids content (4.29 °Brix), and L* and a* colour parameters, important quality parameters to processing tomato industry, were obtained through the application of tomato pomace mixed with biocyclic humus soil making organic tomatoes suitable for processing tomato industry.

Poor soil fertility and low level of fertilizer application results in low productivity of irrigated tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of integrated application of dry bioslurry and chemical fertilizers on growth performance and fruit yield of tomato, and on soil properties. A factorial combination of six levels of fertilizers and two tomato varieties (Gelilea and Roma VF) were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The six fertilizer treatments included were: (1) control, (2) nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer (NP), (3) blended fertilizer (NPSZnB), (4) NP + bioslurry, and (5) blended fertilizer +bioslurry and (6) bioslurry without any fertilizer. Gelila variety was superior to Roma VF in marketable and total fruit yields. All growth parameters of tomato such as (plant height, branches, etc) were significantly (P

This study was carried out under nethouse conditions in Chau Doc city with 6 types of black tomatoes to select the potential ones suitable for the local ecological conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate growth parameters, fruit quality, and adaptability characteristics of black tomato varieties under nethouse conditions in Chau Doc city. The results showed that some promising cultivars had an early harvest ranging from 90 days to 103 days such as Indigo Rose, Viagra Socola, black Russian, Cherry Chocolate, Black Baron and Savior. All cultivars had a plant structure well adapted to the local nethouse conditions in Chau Doc city. Variety Cherry Chocolate gained the highest fruit setting with 203. Viagra Socola, black Russian, Cherry Chocolate gained higher at over 4.0 tons/1,000 m2. The lowest yield of the Black Baron was obtained at 2.83 tons/1,000 m2. The Savior was obtained at 7.05 tons/1,000 m2 with a relatively good fruit quality. Briefly, the promising cultivars are Viagra Socola, Cherry Chocolate, black Russian and further research is needed to evaluate their real field production.

Soil is a medium for plant growth and provides support, minerals and water to the plant for survival. Soil salinity declines availability of water to the plant, affect microorganisms growth, and water drainage capacity of soil, which adversely affect plant growth and development. In the present work the effect of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on growth and yield of salinity stressed tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was studied. Salinity levels (0 [control, no NaCl], 30 and 60 mM of NaCl) were applied to the soil and IAA concentrations (0 [control, no IAA], 100 and 200 ppm) were sprayed on the plants after ten days of salinity treatment. The statistical analysis showed that salt stress conditions adversely affected plant height, branches per plant, stem diameter, fruits per plant, fruit diameter, fruit length, total chlorophyll content, root length, root fresh weight, roots dry weight, and yield per plant, while IAA application to salinity stressed tomato plants rescued the plants and had significantly positive effects on growth and yield of tomato plants. In the light of above results, it is concluded that foliar application of IAA may rescue the salinity stressed tomato plants.

Plant sucrose synthase (SUS) reversibly hydrolyzes sucrose, incorporating sucrose into different metabolic pathways. SUS1 homologous genes were characterized in 12 accessions of cultivated tomato Solanum lycopersicum and wild tomato species (Solanum section Lycopersicon). In total, 34 non-synonymous SNPs were found; among them, 17 caused radical amino acid substitutions, mostly in the wild species. The SUS1-based phylogenetic tree topology was represented by two clusters of red-fruited and green-fruited species, where S. pennellii and S. habrochaites showed the highest divergence. SUS1 transcription was detected in source and sink organs of one cultivated and four wild tomato species; it was the highest in buds and flowers, but lower in mature green fruit of the final size. In leaves and roots, the level of SUS1 expression corresponded to species evolutionary history, whereas no correlation was found between SUS1 levels and fruit size and sugar composition. Our findings suggest that SUS1-mediated reversible sucrose hydrolysis is important for maintaining the balance between sucrose and its monomers not only in fruits, but also in the other tomato organs.

Organic mulches are easily available and cheap in North Bihar region. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to find out the suitability of different types of organic mulches in tomato cultivation. Among the vegetables tomato cultivation faces challenges in producing crop without chemicals for effective weed control. Use of several kinds of mulches gives the opportunity to control weeds effectively, regulate soil temperature and also lower down evaporation from the soil. The experiment was conducted in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jalalgarh, Purnea during 2015 and 2016. The treatments were designed by using different organic materials as mulch i.e. pea straw, dry neem leaves, paddy straw and one control without mulch. The observations were recorded on plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, average fruit weight (gm) and total fruit yield (q/ha). The mulches were spread after twenty days of the transplanting of tomato seedlings in 10 cm thick layer. The result of the experiment indicates that organic mulches reduced soil temperature and weed infestation. All these enhanced the growth and fruit yield of tomato as well as weed control, soil moisture conservation and temperature modification resulted good crop growth with more quality fruit yield.