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Background: Macroalgae blooms (Sargassum sp.) occur annually in The Bahamas due to the integration of various events related to human intercession with the roles of algae in biogeochemical cycles. These blooms are of great concern, as they are associated with many negative effects; thus, the primary aims of this study were to assess the quality of soils collected from South, Central, and North Long Island, and to determine whether Sargassum sp. can be used as a biofertilizer for soils on Long Island. A 60-day pot trial method was established to determine the efficacy of different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) of Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer on cherry tomato cultivation. Additionally, the soil quality before and after fertilizer amendment was evaluated. Results: The results show that Sargassum sp. increased nutrient content of the soil, specifically nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus; however, plant growth performance parameters (plant height, leaf number, bud number, flower number, and root and shoot weights) were negatively affected. Conclusions: Due to the obtained results, it is recommended that serious consideration be taken when utilizing Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer because the pH and type of soil in Long Island, Bahamas, affects the bioavailability of the nutrients released from the algae. Highlights: Sargassum sp. was used as a soil amendment for Lycopersicon sp. Sargassum sp. increased soil nutrients, soil organic matter content, and salinity levels. Sargassum sp. treatments negatively affected the growth of tomatoes compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementation with rare earth elements (REEs) such as lanthanum and cerium has been shown to promote plant elongation and/or increase crop yields. On the other hand, there are reports that REE supplementation of plants has no such effect. The appropriate modes for REE utilization and the underlying mechanism are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated how REE supplementation of plants under low light stress affects plant growth and gene expression. Under low light stress conditions, tomato root elongation was observed to be reduced by about half. This suppression of root elongation was found to be considerably alleviated by 20 mM lanthanum ion supplementation. This effect was plant-species-dependent and nutrient-condition-dependent. Under low light stress, the expression of the genes for phytochrome-interacting factor, which induces auxin synthesis, and several auxin-synthesis-related proteins were markedly upregulated by lanthanum ion supplementation. Thus, we speculate that REE supplementation of plants results in auxin-induced cell elongation and alleviates growth suppression under stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at investigating the effects of two irrigation regimes (full and deficit irrigation), combined with four different fertilizer rates on fruit yield, irrigation water and fertilizer use efficiency of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), grown in unheated greenhouse under mulched drip irrigation and fertigation. For two consecutive years (2019–2020), experiments were conducted on the experimental field in Chelopechene of ISSAPP „Nikola Pushkarov“, in Sofia, Bulgaria. Two irrigation rates (100% and 60% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc)), under four fertilizer rates (unfertilized, 80% NPK, 100% NPK, 120% NPK), have been served as a treatment. The results showed that greater fruit yields were obtained in fully irrigated treatments. Application of the highest fertilizer rate (120% NPK) results in highest average total yield, both in fully irrigated (104.37 t ha-1) and deficit irrigation (78.02 t ha-1) treatments. Irrigation water use efficiency was higher under deficit irrigation and its maximum value (34.87 kg m-3 for 2020 ) was obtained with the highest fertilser rate trough fertigation. The highest nitrogen use efficiency (672.14 kg kg-1) was obtained in the fully irrigated treatment with the highest fertilizer rate. The experimental results obtained in both years indicated that drip fertigation technology with appropriately selected levels of irrigation and fertilization could improve fruit yield and water and nutrient use efficiency of greenhouse tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficit irrigation is applied to several agricultural crops as a water-saving irrigation strategy. The tomato plant is sensitive to water stress; however, integration with biostimulant applications, based on seaweed extracts, could be a strategy for plants adapting to this abiotic condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate agronomic and quality aspects of tomato cultivated under deficit irrigation combined with Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) application. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with two water replacement levels, 70 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and five doses of ANE (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4%) applied via soil drench. The interaction between ANE and ETc was significant (p < 0.05) in terms of plant growth, physiological parameters, fruit yield, yield components and fruit quality. Results indicated that when the tomato plant is under deficit irrigation, a higher ANE dose is required to achieve better development when compared to the 100% ETc condition, where the dose is lower. Under deficit irrigation, the largest fruit yield was obtained with 0.3 and 0.4% ANE, and with 100% ETc, the largest fruit yield was obtained with 0.2% ANE. ANE applications were also effective in increasing plant height, stem diameter, plant biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll and relative water content. In addition, tomato quality was also favored under deficit irrigation and seaweed extract application. We conclude that ANE applications attenuate water deficit effects in tomato plants and provide a strategy to ameliorate tomato yield, tomato quality and water use in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to explain the benefits of implementing a protected cultivation system for farmers in the San Quintin Valley (in Baja California) dedicated to the production of vegetables, particularly tomato. The methodology involved two steps: collection of theoretical information and data collection through a questionnaire applied to eight tomato companies in the San Quintin Valley during 2020. As results, it was found that most of them opt for cultivation with greenhouse for the production of the products, but it is very difficult to obtain government resources. It is concluded that there are still limitations in the acquisition of government support and it is for this reason that most use the capital of their own company and the financing of a bank for their implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing interest in natural edible coatings to substitute commercial waxing would preserve agricultural products' postharvest quality. Tomato fruits' physical and chemical changes were investigated post-coating with 1.5% guar gum, then stored at room temperature or cold storage conditions. Tomato fruits at "breaker stage" were soaked in a 1.5% guar gum solution for 1 minute and then stored at room temperature (21°C, RH 45%) or cold storage (10°C, RH 85%). Results showed that guar gum coating significantly (P≤ 0.05) preserved fruit firmness and organoleptic quality attributes. The fruit weight loss, decay percentage, Titratable Acidity (TA), Total Soluble Solids (TSS), and fruit color development were significantly preserved in guar gum-coated fruits compared to non-coated fruits. Guar gum could maintain the quality of tomato fruit combined with low temperature for 35 days. Moreover, fruits coated with 1.5% guar gum kept at room temperature preserved the quality of fruits as uncoated fruits stored at cold temperatures. Therefore, guar gum could be an alternative to cold storage, as it is environmentally friendly and more economical than cold storage, especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drip irrigation's potential to conserve irrigation water by around 25% compared to conventional methods is widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, the influence of varied irrigation control strategies on drip irrigation's impact remains uncertain, particularly regarding crop growth parameters and water use efficiency. In this study, we examine the effects of three distinct irrigation control approaches manual, model-based, and open-loop on drip-irrigated tomato plants within an open field agricultural context. Employing a completely randomized design, we cultivated 160 tomato plants and administered irrigation water according to each strategy's water requirements. Comprehensive data on key crop growth indicators, including plant height, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll content, clusters per plant, flower and fruit counts, yield, and water use efficiency were documented. The results emphasize the pivotal role of the model-based irrigation control strategy. Specifically, this approach yielded a substantial tomato yield increase, recording 20 t/ha, in contrast to the 16 t/ha and 14 t/ha achieved by the open-loop and manual strategies, respectively. Noteworthy, the model-based approach exhibited remarkable water savings of 10.4 kg/m3, surpassing the values of 7.1 kg/m3 and 5.6 kg/m3 obtained through the open-loop and manual strategies. These differences proved statistically significant, evidenced by a p-value of 0.05. The model-based irrigation strategy led to a 29% reduction in water consumption compared to manual control. This study establishes the model-based irrigation strategy's superiority, showcasing elevated tomato yield and improved water use efficiency. These findings furnish valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the realm of drip irrigation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron sources and doses can positively increase fruit quality and tomato yield. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of boron doses and sources on the development and yield of industrial tomatoes under irrigation. A randomized block design with four replications in a 3x4x2 factorial scheme was used. Three boron sources, boric acid, borax, and ulexite; four boron doses (0, 1, 2, and 3 kg/ha); and two locations, Goianésia, GO (AE I) and Vila Propício, GO (AE II) were evaluated. Stem diameter (SD), plant height (PH), the total number of fruits (TNF), the number of ripe fruits (NRF), the number of green fruits per plant (NGF), the number of lateral branches per plant (NLB), longitudinal fruit diameter (LFD), transversal fruit diameter (TFD), yield (YLD), total soluble solids content (°BRIX), pH, and titratable acidity (TA) were evaluated. There was no significant difference for the evaluated boron sources, while boron doses statistically influenced the increase in the TNF, NRF, °BRIX, and YLD. The dose of 1.23 kg ha-1 provided the highest values of °BRIX (4.75%). The dose of 1.89 kg/ha provided the highest yield (119001.5 kg/ha), regardless of sources and locations. Boron sources did not significantly affect tomato crops, so both can be used for the study conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different irrigation water quality and silicon doses on leaf soil plant analysis development meter readings, chlorophyll content and carotenoid contents of tomato plants. Tybiff Aq tomato seedlings were grown in 3-liter pots filled with 1100 g of 1:1 peatperlite mixture for 70 days. Four different types of irrigation water quality were prepared with the use of sea and tap water. Irrigation waters included i) Full seawater, ii) ½ seawater + ½ tap water, iii) ¼ seawater + ¾ tap water, iv) full tap water (control). Each irrigation water was supplemented with silica gel (SiO2.x H2O) at 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM Si doses. Nutrient solutions were supplied to meet macro and micronutrient requirements of tomato plants. Leaf chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll contents significantly increased with increasing tap water ratios of the irrigation water. Significant increases were observed in chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll contents with increasing silicon doses. Such increases achieved with silicon treatments were more remarkable for chlorophyll-a and total chlorophyll contents. Leaf chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll contents significantly decreased with increasing leaf sodium, chlorine and magnesium contents, but significantly increased with increasing leaf active iron and potassium contents. Leaf chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll contents increased with increasing leaf calcium contents, but such increases were not significant. Leaf carotenoid contents significantly increased with increasing tap water ratios of the irrigation water. Effects of silicon doses on leaf carotenoid contents varied with the type of irrigation water. The 0.5 mM silicon supplementation into tap water significantly increased carotenoid contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is the most widely grown vegetables in the world and also the most important item of the vegetables processing sector. Tomato is important vegetable plant in our agriculture map which used as food in many countries of the world and especially Egypt. It infested with many pests, among of the most serious pest, whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). This work was aimed to study effectiveness of acetamprid alone and binary mixtures with oil and foliar fertilizer against whitefly larvae mortality, egg hatchability (under laboratory condition) and yield of tomato plants. The results showed that in case of egg hatchability, adding fertilizer to oil, fertilizer to acetamprid and oil to acetamiprid cause decreased in hatchability percentage compared with other treatments. Also, the results illustrated that adding of fertilizer to acetamiprid or oil causing increasing in reduction percentage to B. tabaci larvae. In case of initial effect when adding fertilizer to acetamiprid cause increasing mean reduction percentage to 92.61% recording the first superior treatment. The results showed that adding foliar fertilizer to oil or acetamprid and oil to acetamprid recorded 85.48, 83.12 and 77.95% reduction, respectively. In case of tomato yield during two summer successive seasons 2016 and 2017, the results reported that the tomato yield increased when adding oil to acetamprid recorded 609.45 Kg during 2016 season with increasing value of 40.17% compared with control and other treatments, but control record the lowest yield (433.09 kg). During 2017 summer season, adding oil to acetamiprid recorded superior yield of 621.53 kg with increasing 35.53% compared with control. Impact of adding oil and fertilizer on residues of acetamprid on tomato fruits (washed and unwashed): Unwashed fruits in case of acetamiprid alone recorded residues up to maximum residue limit until 12 days from spray but addition fertilizer or oil to acetamiprid cause disappearance acetamiprid in 9th day from spray. Wash using water or acetic acid caused speed disappearance to acetamprid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Weed Science is the property of Gaziosmanpasa Universitesi Matbaasi, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The inequality between available water supplies and growing water demand from diverse sectors, as well as the predicted climate changes are putting significant pressures on Egypt's food security. There is a nation-wide demand for new scientifically proven on-farm practices to boost water productivity of major food crops. The objective of this study was to explore the use of various deficit irrigation schemes to improve water productivity (WP) of tomato cultivated in Egypt under distinct climate change scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, in three time-steps of the reference period (2006-2016), 2030s, and 2050s. The AquaCrop model was used to simulate the influence of climate change on the tomato crop, as well as two deficit irrigation application schemes for the full growing season and the regulated application for the initial and maturity crop stages. With the same irrigation method, the predicted WP increased in a general pattern across all climate change scenarios. The combination of irrigation schedule with the 80% deficit irrigation can enhance WP near the optimum level (approximately 2.2 kg·m-3), especially during early and mature stages of the crop, saving up to 16% of water. The results showed that the expected temperature rise by 2050s would reduce the crop growth cycle by 3-11 days for all irrigation treatments, resulting in a 1-6% decrease in crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and affecting the dry tomato yield with different patterns of increase and decrease due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted in ten villages of Madanapalle division in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh to unearth the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges in tomato cultivation. Sixty tomato growers were interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. The results revealed that a vast majority of the tomato growers perceived the strengths of tomato cultivation as, huge demand for tomatoes during the off-season (96.66%), tomato crop gives significantly higher yield (96.66%), tomato crop requires less irrigation (81.64%) and easy accessibility to market (78.34%). High cost of agro-chemicals (fertilizers and plant protection chemicals) (100.00%), price instability (100.00%), retailers and wholesalers have all the role in price fixation (100.00%) and less bargaining power of the farmers (100.00%) were the weaknesses of tomato cultivation as perceived by all the tomato growers. The opportunities of tomato cultivation as recognized by the tomato growers were: setting up of processing industries (100.00%), contact farming initiatives need to be encouraged more through supportive policies (93.33%), provision of storage facilities (86.67%) and creation of facilities for strengthening of public and private partnership in tomato cultivation (83.33%) and developing organized tomato marketing systems at village clusters (20 villages/cluster) (76.67%). High cost of agro-chemicals (fertilizers and plant protection chemicals) (100.00%), malpractices of merchants in the mandies (deduction of unauthorized market charges, the unfair weight of the produce, etc.) (100.00%) and frequent price slashes due to changes in export policies or unregulated domestic markets (100.00%) are the challenges of tomato cultivation as perceived by all the tomato growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to disrupt the CYC-B gene in tomato plants, resulting in increased lycopene content in the fruit and enhanced postharvest cold tolerance. The CYC-B gene is responsible for the catabolism of lycopene, a carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes. Previous mutations in the CYC-B gene only existed in determinate tomatoes, making it difficult to breed high-lycopene indeterminate tomatoes. The researchers successfully generated knockout variants of CYC-B in two indeterminate tomato genotypes, resulting in increased lycopene content and improved cold tolerance in the fruit. This study provides valuable insights into the potential use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in tomato breeding and highlights the protective role of lycopene during postharvest cold storage. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on estimating tomato crop water requirements in arid regions of Algeria using the CROPWAT model. It emphasizes accurate reference evapotranspiration (ETo) estimation through methods like Penman-Monteith, highlighting its importance for effective irrigation planning and water management in areas with limited natural water supply.

This study simulate and optimize the yield and yield parameters of tomato using AquaCrop model and genetic algorthm (GA) respectively. The AquaCrop model was firstly calibrated using the data obtained from the field and was later used to simulate the observed yield, water productivity and biomass of tomato. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Coefficient of Residual Mass (CRM) Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) and Modelling efficiency (EF) were used to compare the observed and simulated values. The governing equation of AquaCrop simulation software was then optimized using the evolutionary optimization method of GA with MATLAB programming software. All the statistical indices except CRM used in comparing the simulated and observed values indicated good agreement. The CRM values of -0.11, -0.06 and -0.20 were obtained for the yield, biomass and water productivity of tomato which indicated a very slight over-estimation of the observed results by the AquaCrop model. The optimization algorithm terminated when the optimal values of yield and biomass were 4.496 ton ha-1 and 4.90 ton ha-1 respectively. The GA revealed that the yield and biomass of tomato can be increased by 57% and 23% respectively if the optimized parameters were either attained on the field experiment or used during simulation. Thus, the study ascertained that crop simulation models such as AquaCrop and optimization algorithms can be used to identify optimal parameters that if maintained on the field could improve the yield of crops such as tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has recently emerged as a major disease of tomatoes and peppers. ToBRFV is a seed- and contact-transmitted virus. In Slovenia, ToBRFV RNA was detected in samples of wastewater, river, and water used to irrigate plants. Even though the source of detected RNA could not be clearly established, this raised the question of the significance of the detection of ToBRFV in water samples and experimental studies were performed to address this question. The data presented here confirm that the release of virus particles from the roots of infected plants is a source of infectious ToBRFV particles in water and that the virus can remain infective up to four weeks in water stored at room temperature, while its RNA can be detected for much longer. These data also indicate that irrigation with ToBRFV-contaminated water can lead to plant infection. In addition, it has been shown that ToBRFV circulated in drain water in commercial tomato greenhouses from other European countries and that an outbreak of ToBRFV can be detected by regular monitoring of drain water. A simple method for concentrating ToBRFV from water samples and a comparison of the sensitivity of different methods, including the determination of the highest ToBRFV dilution still capable of infecting test plants, were also investigated. The results of our studies fill the knowledge gaps in the epidemiology and diagnosis of ToBRFV, by studying the role of water-mediated transmission, and provide a reliable risk assessment to identify critical points for monitoring and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum is a major problem in tomato cultivation. This research was aimed to evaluate the potential of grafting two susceptible tomato varieties (Servo and Kaliurang) with EG203-resistant eggplant, combined with bacteriophage treatment to suppress bacterial wilt disease. The results showed that grafting tomatoes with EG203 eggplant combined with bacteriophage treatment effectively suppressed the development of bacterial wilt disease. Grafting Servo – EG203 combined with bacteriophages treatment resulted in the longest incubation period (45 days), lowest incidence (6.25%), lowest severity of bacterial wilt (2.5%), and AUDPC value (8.75) at 49 days after inoculation. The low development of bacterial wilt in grafting and bacteriophage treatment was supported by the low population of R. pseudosolanacearum in the soil, which was only around 103 CFU/gram at 49 days after inoculation. In conclusion, the combination of tomato grafting and bacteriophage treatment showed promising results in controlling bacterial wilt disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperatures have become a severe factor limiting growth and yield for tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) due to unfavorable, above-optimum temperatures. Temperature and nitrogen application were the main regulatory factors in tomato plant cultivation. This research was undertaken to evaluate the effects of nitrogen application and high temperature on tomato morphology, dry matter accumulation and distribution, root vitality and nitrogen content of the above ground. Tomato variety "Jinfen No. 1" was planted and exposed to 4 day/night temperature levels (25 °C/15 °C as control CKT; 30 °C/20 °C, lightly high-temperature LHT; 35 °C/25 °C, moderate high-temperature MHT; 40 °C/30 °C, severe high temperature SHT) for 7 days after five nitrogen supply levels (N1–N5: 0, 1.3, 1.95, 2.6 and 3.75 g/plant, respectively; 2.6 g/plant is the recommended nitrogen-application rate, as control CKTN4). Within conditions, there was an extremely significant difference (p < 0.01) in all tomato plant parameters and an extremely significant interaction (p < 0.01) between high temperatures and nitrogen supply levels, except for plant height sampling on the 1st day in the recovery period. Dry matter accumulation decreased, and the accumulation rate slowed down. Dry matter accumulation under low nitrogen treatment was higher than in high nitrogen treatment. The proportion of dry matter in leaves decreased, the proportion of dry matter in stems increased and the difference in dry matter accumulation and proportion of dry matter between different nitrogen treatments decreased. Under LHT, the root activity of the tomato was increased under all nitrogen levels, while under MHT and SHT, high nitrogen and low nitrogen supply significantly inhibited root activity. Lightly high-temperature stress can increase root activity, and LHTN4 can increase by 5.15% compared with CKTN4. Appropriate nitrogen application can alleviate the damage caused by high-temperature stress on tomato plants and enhance the resistance of tomato plants, while excessive nitrogen application will aggravate the damage degree of tomato plants. In this study, the optimal nitrogen application rates under CKT-SHT treatment were 2.6, 2.6, 1.95 and 1.3 g/plant, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry places significant emphasis on ensuring quality and traceability as key components of a healthy diet. To cater to consumer demands, researchers have prioritized the development of analytical techniques that can rapidly and non-invasively provide data on quality parameters. In this study, we propose to use the Delayed Luminescence (DL), an ultra-weak and photo-induced emission of optical photons, as a tool for a rapid evaluation of quality profile associated with fruit ripening, in support of traditional analysis methods. Delayed Luminescence measurements have been performed on cherry tomatoes, with and without the PGI "Pomodoro di Pachino" certification, harvested from two different growing areas of south-eastern Sicily (Italy). Then, DL emissions were correlated with soluble solid content and titratable acidity values, which are known to affect the flavor, the commerciality and the maturity degree of tomato fruits. In addition, we evaluated the changes in the DL parameters with respect to the geographical origin of the cherry tomatoes, with the aim of testing the possibility of applying the technique for identification purposes. The signals of Delayed Luminescence appeared to be good indicators of the macromolecular structure of the biological system, revealing structural changes related to the content of total soluble solids present in the juice of tomatoes analyzed, and they appeared unsuitable for authenticating vegetable crops, since the differences in the photon yields emitted by tomato Lots were not related to territory of origin. Thus, our results suggest that DL can be used as a nondestructive indicator of important parameters linked to tomato fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold stress usually causes the abscission of floral organs and a decline in fruit setting rate, seriously reducing tomato yield. Auxin is one of the key hormones that affects the abscission of plant floral organs; the YUCCA (YUC) family is a key gene in the auxin biosynthesis pathway, but there are few research reports on the abscission of tomato flower organs. This experiment found that, under low temperature stress, the expression of auxin synthesis genes increased in stamens but decreased in pistils. Low temperature treatment decreased pollen vigor and pollen germination rate. Low night temperature reduced the tomato fruit setting rate and led to parthenocarpy, and the treatment effect was most obvious in the early stage of tomato pollen development. The abscission rate of tomato pTRV-Slfzy3 and pTRV-Slfzy5 silenced plants was higher than that of the control, which is the key auxin synthesis gene affecting the abscission rate. The expression of Solyc07g043580 was down-regulated after low night temperature treatment. Solyc07g043580 encodes the bHLH-type transcription factor SlPIF4. It has been reported that PIF4 regulates the expression of auxin synthesis and synthesis genes, and is a key protein in the interaction between low temperature stress and light in regulating plant development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and widely grown vegetables in the world. Due to the excessive and unconscious use of chemical fertilizers used in tomato cultivation for high yields, economic and environmental problems such as loss of soil fertility and pollution can occur. So, in this study, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) bacteria were applied to the soil in a tuff carrier medium and the yield parameters of tomato plants were investigated. Bandita F1 tomato seedlings were used in this study. Approximately 108 cfu g−1 bacteria were added to the medium sized tuff material (8 × 8 × 11 mm). The tuff materials with PGPR were applied to the soil according to the experimental group. A trial model was created as the plots in which bacteria inoculated tuff material was applied and the plots without bacteria were applied. Approximately 50 g of Tuff + PGPR material was applied to each plant root and irrigated according to the water requirement of the plants. The highest yield (6016 kg da-1) was obtained when tuff inoculated with bacteria was applied. In this application, an increase of 9.0% was recorded compared to the control group. In the application of tuff inoculated with bacteria, the amount of chlorophyll increased by 4.66%, membrane permeability by 3.0% and the amount of photosynthesis by 3.91% compared to the control group. It was found that the use of tuff materials inoculated with bacteria would have a positive effect on the yield of the tomato plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding factors influencing microbial interactions, and designing methods to identify key taxa that are candidates for synthetic communities, or SynComs, are complex challenges for achieving microbiome-based agriculture. Here, we study how grafting and the choice of rootstock influences root-associated fungal communities in a grafted tomato system. We studied three tomato rootstocks (BHN589, RST-04-106, and Maxifort) grafted to a BHN589 scion and profiled the fungal communities in the endosphere and rhizosphere by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS2). The data provided evidence for a rootstock effect (explaining; 2% of the total captured variation, P, 0.01) on the fungal community. Moreover, the most productive rootstock, Maxifort, supported greater fungal species richness than the other rootstocks or controls. We then constructed a phenotype-operational taxonomic unit (OTU) network analysis (PhONA) using an integrated machine learning and network analysis approach based on fungal OTUs and associated tomato yield as the phenotype. PhONA provides a graphical framework to select a testable and manageable number of OTUs to support microbiomeenhanced agriculture. We identified differentially abundant OTUs specific to each rootstock in both endosphere and rhizosphere compartments. Subsequent analyses using PhONA identified OTUs that were directly associated with tomato fruit yield and others that were indirectly linked to yield through their links to these OTUs. Fungal OTUs that are directly or indirectly linked with tomato yield may represent candidates for synthetic communities to be explored in agricultural systems. IMPORTANCE The realized benefits of microbiome analyses for plant health and disease management are often limited by the lack of methods to select manageable and testable synthetic microbiomes. We evaluated the composition and diversity of root-associated fungal communities from grafted tomatoes. We then constructed a phenotype-OTU network analysis (PhONA) using these linear and network models. By incorporating yield data in the network, PhONA identified OTUs that were directly predictive of tomato yield and others that were indirectly linked to yield through their links to these OTUs. Follow-up functional studies of taxa associated with effective rootstocks, identified using approaches such as PhONA, could support the design of synthetic fungal communities for microbiome-based crop production and disease management. The PhONA framework is flexible for incorporation of other phenotypic data, and the underlying models can readily be generalized to accommodate other microbiome or 'omics data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biology and biotechnology of bacteriophages have been extensively studied in recent years to explore new and environmentally friendly methods of controlling phytopathogenic bacteria. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) is responsible for bacterial speck disease in tomato plants, leading to decreased yield. Disease management strategies rely on the use of copper-based pesticides. The biological control of Pst with the use of bacteriophages could be an alternative environmentally friendly approach to diminish the detrimental effects of Pst in tomato cultivations. The lytic efficacy of bacteriophages can be used in biocontrol-based disease management strategies. Here, we report the isolation and complete characterization of a bacteriophage, named Medea1, which was also tested in planta against Pst, under greenhouse conditions. The application of Medea1 as a root drenching inoculum or foliar spraying reduced 2.5- and fourfold on average, respectively, Pst symptoms in tomato plants, compared to a control group. In addition, it was observed that defense-related genes PR1b and Pin2 were upregulated in the phage-treated plants. Our research explores a new genus of Pseudomonas phages and explores its biocontrol potential against Pst, by utilizing its lytic nature and ability to trigger the immune response of plants. Key points: • Medea1 is a newly reported bacteriophage against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato having genomic similarities with the phiPSA1 bacteriophage • Two application strategies were reported, one by root drenching the plants with a phage-based solution and one by foliar spraying, showing up to 60- and 6-fold reduction of Pst population and disease severity in some cases, respectively, compared to control • Bacteriophage Medea1 induced the expression of the plant defense-related genes Pin2 and PR1b [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiomes living in the rhizosphere soil of the tomato plant contribute immensely to the state of health of the tomato plant alongside improving sustainable agriculture. With the aid of shotgun metagenomics sequencing, we characterized the putative functional genes (plant-growth-promoting and disease-resistant genes) produced by the microbial communities dwelling in the rhizosphere soil of healthy and powdery mildew-diseased tomato plants. The results identified twenty-one (21) plant growth promotion (PGP) genes in the microbiomes inhabiting the healthy rhizosphere (HR) which are more predomiant as compared to diseased rhizosphere (DR) that has nine (9) genes and four (4) genes in bulk soil (BR). Likewise, we identified some disease-resistant genes which include nucleotide binding genes and antimicrobial genes. Our study revealed fifteen (15) genes in HR which made it greater in comparison to DR that has three (3) genes and three (3) genes in bulk soil. Further studies should be conducted by isolating these microorganisms and introduce them to field experiments for cultivation of tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work is to determine harmful and beneficial insects associated with tomato greenhouse cultivation in the arid region of El-Outaya (Biskra, Algeria). Insect trapping was conducted using yellow water plates and yellow glue traps. Faunistic data have revealed the presence of 2754 individuals distributed on seven orders, 33 families and 38 species of insects. From specific point of view, the majority of these insects were represented by potential insect pests with sixteen phytophagous species amongst them three species attacking tomatoes. Whereas nine species are predators and two pollinators. Our results can be used to plan strategies for the management of harmful pests and beneficial insects associated with the tomato greenhouse crops in this locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In order to promote the green development of agriculture, it is important to study the enantioselective effect of chiral pesticides. The bioactivity of the chiral fungicide penthiopyrad (PEN) racemate and enantiomers against phytopathogens, toxicity to non‐target organisms, effect on tomato fruit growth and maturation, and environmental fate in tomato cultivation were evaluated at an enantioselective level in this study. RESULTS: The results indicated that at the same efficacy, the optically pure S‐(+)‐PEN could lower the dosage of racemate by 20–96%. The S‐enantiomer had low toxicity to earthworms. Besides, the S‐(+)‐PEN did not cause significant abiotic stress to the tomato and increased fruit fresh weight and size via modulating the contents of plant hormones. However, the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2−) and malondialdehyde in the R‐enantiomer treatment group was significantly higher than the control group. The effect of the racemate on tomato fruit was between the enantiomers. Furthermore, compared to R‐(−)‐PEN and racemate, the S‐enantiomer degraded more quickly in tomato fruit, leaves, and soil, reducing the danger of human exposure. CONCLUSION: The S‐enantiomer is highly effective and less toxic. The development of enantiomer pure S‐(+)‐PEN products might be an efficient and low‐risk strategy. The results lay the foundation for comprehensive evaluation and proper application of PEN. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The proficient supply of water and nutrients is a key factor for successful vegetable production under greenhouses. This field experiment was conducted during 2018–2019 under a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of drip irrigation and nutrient schedule on soil water dynamics and the productivity of greenhouse tomato. The experiment consisted of two irrigation schedules, i.e., I1 (irrigation applied from week 1 to 2 on the basis of 100% pan evaporation (Epan), week 3 to 8 on the basis of 40% of Epan, week 9 to 14 on the basis of 60% of Epan, week 15 to 20 on the basis of 80% of Epan, week 21 to 24 on the basis of 100% of Epan) and I2 (irrigation applied on the basis of 100% of Epan throughout the crop period) with a five-nutrient schedule, viz., F1 (100% NPK applied through the conventional method), F2 (100% N applied through fertigation + PK through the conventional method), F3 (100% NK applied through fertigation + P through the conventional method), F4 (100% NPK applied through fertigation) and F5 (50% NPK applied through the conventional method + 150% NPK applied through fertigation). The soil moisture content (SMC) and its depletion were measured during growing season. The tomato yield was significantly higher under I2. However, water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly higher under I1 treatment. Among the nutrient schedules, the yield and WUE were significantly higher in F5 treatment. The net returns were highest under F5 and lowest under F1. The Benefit:Cost ratio was highest in F4 and lowest under F1. The irrigation level I2 (irrigation applied on the basis of 100% of Epan throughout the crop period) with fertigation treatment F4 (100% NPK applied through fertigation) was the best strategy for obtaining the maximum productivity of tomato under the greenhouse. It can be concluded that the drip-based fertigation enhances the crop yield and net returns and therefore may be promoted to increase the income of the farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soilless cultivation has increased in China. Like vegetables or ornamental plants, tomatoes can be cultivated in soilless culture systems. Fusarium wilt (FW) is an economic tomato disease. The nature and amount of volatile organic compounds in Trichoderma asperellum PT-15 were investigated, and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP) was detected. Furthermore, the effect of 6-PP on Fusarium oxysporum HF-26 was evaluated. Results revealed that 25 mg/L 6-PP was the optimal concentration inhibiting F. oxysporum HF-26 and that the content of fusaric acid decreased considerably compared to that of the control. FUB1, FUB4, and FUB10 toxin synthesis and transport genes were downregulated. Additionally, VelA, velB, and LaeA genes were downregulated, reducing F. oxysporum mycelial growth and hyphae formation. 6-PP was added to the soilless culture solution in a greenhouse experiment. The results showed that an antifungal–nutrient solution containing 25 mg/L 6-PP significantly suppressed FW with 70.71% efficacy and a 27.23% disease index (DI), which were higher efficacy and lower DI than that of the control. Furthermore, treatment with an antifungal–nutrient solution containing 6-PP increased the levels of defence enzymes 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) compared with those at other time periods. The relative expression levels of the PR1, NPR1, PR2, and PR5 genes were considerably upregulated at 24 hpi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy four genotypes of the tomato (14 lines, four testers of ripening mutant and their 56 F1 crosses developed in line × tester mating fashion) were appraised under main (E1) and late (E2) planting season at Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. To find out few general and specific combiners, if some, which might be utilized in furthermore breeding programmes to prolong the fruit harvesting span of tomato in the Punjab conditions. The findings hinted in general, the particular parent or hybrid could not be used to assess all examined characters with same efficiency. In main (E1) season line, FL-556 was found best general combiner for average fruit weight, locules number, pericarp thickness, P/E ratio, dry matter and lycopene content; PAU 114 for average fruit weight, lesser locules, pericarp thickness, TSS and dry matter. During late (E2) planting season line, Punjab Ratta found with good GCA values for average fruit weight, lesser locules number, pericarp thickness and TSS content; Roma for average fruit weight, locules number, pericarp thickness and P/E ratio. Similarly tester, alc-IIHR-2050 for pollen viability, minimum days from transplanting to first harvest, harvesting span, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness and P/E ratio in main (E1) season while, for pollen viability, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness and P/E ratio in late (E2) season. The received results furthermore illustrated the best combinations that possessed significant values of SCA which effectively combine to develop a cross with good performance. In main (E1) season from combinations, F1 hybrid SMZ-867 × rin-Rutgers were registered with best specific combiner for pollen viability, average fruit weight, lesser locules number, Pericarp thickness and P/E ratio; PAU 2381 × nor-RM-1 for harvesting span, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness, total fruit yield and lycopene content. Likewise, in late (E2) season cross, SMZ-867 × nor-RM-1 for pollen viability, minimum days from transplanting to first harvest, harvesting span and fruit yield; LT-44 × alc-IIHR-2050 for pollen viability, average fruit weight, lesser locules and pericarp thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural residues are intensively evaluated as potential feedstocks for biogas plants. Vegetable crops generate massive residues during and at the end of their growing seasons. A greenhouse facility in Greece, Thrace Greenhouses S.A., generates 7000–8000 t per year of residual green biomass, resulting from the hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers on 170,000 m2 of land from February to November. The crop residues included leaves, suckers, and stalks. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) estimation was realized on samples taken in March, May, and August, as well as at the end of cultivation (November). Suckers, leaves, and stalks of both plants yielded a range of 221–357, 210–296, and 225–250 NL kg−1 VS, respectively. t-test statistical analysis showed that the BMP of the leaves and suckers were statistically different for tomato and cucumber plants. The BMP of stalks was lower than the other residue types except for the tomato leaves. The diauxic behavior of the specifi'1c methane production curves indicated that the two-phase Gompertz model (TGM) was the most suitable. The model fitting showed that leaves and suckers, in spite of having a higher BMP than the stalks, exhibited a lower maximum specific methane production rate constant than the stalks during the first phase, which may indicate the presence of inhibitory or slowly biodegradable compounds in leaves and suckers in comparison to the stalks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) causes severe damage to tomato cultivars and has international economic importance. The harmful tobamovirus is easily mechanically transmissible and highly stable. An ongoing cultivation of infected tomato plants may lead to the spread of ToBRFV in and around the production area of the infested tomato farm. We conducted a study in which we collected a representative number of swab samples from various inanimate surfaces in greenhouses, packaging halls, and shared and private accommodations. In addition, numerous fabrics, such as outer clothing, bed linen, and items used by greenhouse workers, were tested. The infectivity of ToBRFV-contaminated surfaces was tested in bioassays using Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi NN and confirmed using DAS-ELISA. The proportion of ToBRFV-contaminated surfaces varied among locations, from 48.7% in greenhouses to 0% in offices with limited access to staff. Samples from shared accommodation and private accommodation were 18.4% and 3.6% ToBRFV positive, respectively. Clothing and protective items were found to be highly contaminated with ToBRFV, and even around the sleeping area, infective ToBRFV was detected in a few apartments. This study provides evidence for the first time on how and where infectious ToBRFV can be spread by humans beyond the production area. To avoid further dissemination, strict hygiene protocols are required to interrupt transmission routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has intensified the infection of tomato plants by pathogens such as Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). Rootstocks may increase plant tolerance to leaf phytopathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the tolerant Poncho Negro (R) tomato rootstock on physiological defence and the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in susceptible Limachino (L) tomato plant responses to Pst attack. Ungrafted (L), self-grafted (L/L), and grafted (L/R) plants were infected with Pst. Rootstock increased the concentration of antioxidant compounds including ascorbate in the scion. Tolerant rootstock induced an increase of H2S in the scion, which correlated with enhanced expression of the SlAPX2 gene. A high accumulation of salicylic acid was observed in Pst -inoculated grafted L/L and L/R plants, but this was higher in L/R plants. The increase of H2S during Pst infection was associated with a reduction of ethylene in L/R plants. Our study indicates that the Poncho Negro rootstock reduced the symptoms of bacterial speck disease in the Limachino tomato plants, conferring tolerance to Pst infection. This study provides new knowledge about the impact of rootstock in the defence of tomato plants against leaf pathogens that could be used in sustainable management of tomato cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is an important vegetable crop in Ethiopia and is produced and eaten in large quantities throughout the nation. However, the tomato production is quite low (10 tons·ha−1) compared to the global average yield of 34 tons·ha−1 due to the repetitive use of chemical fertilizers alone, growing intensive crops that are absorbing significant amounts of the soil nutrients, and the lack of application of organic fertilizers. Therefore, it is crucial to take accurate measurements when using fertilizers in order to solve issues and boost crop yield. The study's objective was to find out how NPSB and vermicompost fertilizers together influenced tomato growth, yield characteristics, and yield at the Wallaga University Research Site for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). The experiment used a factorial randomized block design with two components: four levels of NPSB and four levels of vermicompost. The tomato fruit production and all of its components were strongly impacted by the primary and interaction effects of NPSB and vermicompost treatment rates. The highest fruit length was 6.26 cm, the largest fruit diameter was 5.94 cm, the shoot fresh weight was 48.25 g·plant−1, the shoot dry weight was 4.50 g·plant−1, the marketable fresh fruit per plant was 5.54 kg, and the fruit yield was 24.36 ton·ha−1 after the application of 125 kg·ha−1 NPSB plus 8 ton·ha−1 vermicompost. Application of 125 kg·ha−1 of NPSB fertilizer along with 8 tons·ha−1 of vermicompost increases net benefits by 115922.5 ETB·ha−1 as compared to a control. Therefore, in order to enhance tomato yield, it may be suggested that farmers utilize the combination of 125 kg·ha−1 of NPSB and 8 tons·ha−1 of vermicompost rather than applying any inorganic fertilizers alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Waste disposal poses serious environmental challenges to mankind. This precipitated the quest for an eco-friendly waste management approach to minimize the challenges wastes pose to the ecosystem and proffer alternative use for these wastes. Method A field study was carried out at the University of Nigeria Nsukka Teaching and Research Farm to investigate the effects of composted sawdust-household waste (SHW) with or without inorganic fertilizer addition on soil chemical properties and tomato performance. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with five treatments and three replications. The treatments were: 50% NPK + SHW 20 t/ha, SHW 40 t/ha, SHW 20 t/ha, 100% NPK, and Control. Result The amended treatments, except 100% NPK, increased the soil pH by 3-8%, available P by 14-29%, and soil organic matter by 1.5-9.8%. Control and 100% NPK treatments had no significant effect on the soil's chemical properties. SHW 40 t/ha had significantly taller plants and a higher number of plant leaves relative to other treatments. The amended treatments recorded significantly weightier fresh root weight, dry root weight, fresh shoot weight, and dry shoot weight relative to the control treatment. Overall, SHW treatments application had more pronounced effects on plant biomass than on plant vegetative growth. Conclusion The study suggests that composted SHW can be a viable option over chemical fertilizer for tomato cultivation as well as good soil conditioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Water and nutrients combine to mediate crop acquisition of resources from soil. This paper studies the integrated effect of irrigation and fertilization on yield and fruit quality, as well as water use efficiency of substrate-cultured tomato. [Method] The experiment was conducted in a solar greenhouse at Hexi in northwestern China. The substrates used in the experiment comprised 50% of corn straw, 30% of slag, and 20% of cow dung and biological microbes. There were four irrigation-fertigation treatments: N 615 kg/hm², P2O5 315 kg/hm², K2O 750 kg/hm², and irrigation 6 000 m³/hm² (T0, used by local farmers); N 435 kg/hm², P2O5 150 kg/hm², K2O 600 kg/hm², and irrigation 4 500 m³/hm² (T1); reducing the irrigation and fertilization in T0 by 10% (T2), reducing the irrigation and fertilization in T1 by 10% (T3). For each treatment, we measured fruit yield and quality, and its water use efficiency. [Result] Irrigation and fertilization affected fruit yield and quality, and the water-fertilizer utilization efficiency significantly. The biomass, oxidase activity, proline, quality indexes, yield, and water -fertilizer utilization efficiency of the crop were the highest in T3, least in T0, with T1 and T2 between. T3 gave the highest commercial-standard tomato fruits (87%) and best fruit flavor, with the ratio of soluble sugar to organic acids being 5.13. Compared to T0, other treatments increased the fruit yield by 3.6% to 27.8%. T3 gave the highest yield (152 489.25 kg/hm²), the highest irrigation water use efficiency and partial fertilizer productivity, which were 30.8 kg/m³ and 116.9 kg/kg, respectively. [Conclusion] Irrigating 4 950 m³/hm² of water coupled with fertilizing 480 kg/hm² N, 165 kg/hm² P2O5 and 660 kg/hm² K2O was optimal to improve growth, fruit yield and quality, and water-fertilizer use efficiency of the substrate-cultured tomato grown in solar greenhouses in the arid areas in Hexi, northwestern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although sewage water (SW) is a source of nutrients, it also causes heavy metal accumulation in soil; especially, lead (Pb+) contamination of soil is a serious concern in agriculture. Soil contaminants limit the bioavailability of nutrients to plants. So, they affect plant growth and produce quality. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of zeolite soil amendment on the accumulation of Pb+ in tomato crop grown with SW irrigation. The pot media of SW-irrigated plants was amended with different concentrations of zeolite, viz., 0.75%, 1.50%, and 2.25%. The results showed that the application of 0.75% zeolite increased leaf area, plant height, fruit number, and plant fresh and dry biomasses by 37%, 17%, 14%, 24%, and 7% compared to freshwater irrigation. Moreover, the lowest zeolite dose also led to higher chlorophyll content (68.02 SPAD) compared to SW-irrigated plants (55.13 SPAD). Similarly physiological traits, such as A, gs, and E, were higher (17.68 µmol m−2 s−1, gs 0.28 mmol m−2 s−1, and 7.88 mmol m−2 s−1, respectively) in 0.75% zeolite-treated plants than in SW-irrigated plants (12.99 µmol m−2 s −1, 0.19 mmol m−2 s−1, and 7.00 mmol m−2 s −1, respectively). On the contrary, a reduced level of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes were observed in low-dose zeolite applied plants. Zeolite reduced Pb+ accumulation in tomato plants as compared to SW-irrigated plants, whereby Pb accumulation in the fruits of SW-irrigated plants was 80% more than those of zeolite + SW–treated plants. Conclusively, this study has revealed the improvement in morphological and physiological growth attributes of the SW-irrigated tomato plant in response to zeolite application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture in the current century is seeking sustainable tools in order to generate plant production systems with minimal negative environmental impact. In recent years it has been shown that the use of insect frass is an option to be used for this purpose. The present work studied the effect of low doses (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% w/w) of cricket frass (Acheta domesticus) in the substrate during the cultivation of tomatos under greenhouse conditions. Plant performance and antioxidant enzymatic activities were measured in the study as explicative variables related to plant stress responses in order to determine possible biostimulant or elicitor effects of cricket frass treatments during tomato cultivation under greenhouse conditions. The main findings of this study indicated that tomato plants responded in a dose dependent manner to cricket frass treatments, recalling the hormesis phenomenon. On the one hand, a 0.1% (w/w) cricket frass treatment showed typical biostimulant features, while on the other hand, 0.5 and 1.0% treatments displayed elicitor effects in tomato plants under evaluated conditions in the present study. These results support the possibility that low doses of cricket frass might be used in tomato cultivation (and perhaps in other crops) for biostimulant/elicitor input into sustainable production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The change in rhizosphere soil bacterial community and root system under new water-saving device is not clear. Methods: A completely randomized experimental design was used to explore the effects of different micropore group spacing (L1: 30 cm micropore group spacing, L2: 50 cm micropore group spacing) and capillary arrangement density (C1: one pipe for one row, C2: one pipe for two rows, C3: one pipe for three rows) on tomato rhizosphere soil bacteria community, roots and tomato yield under MSPF. The bacteria in tomato rhizosphere soil were sequenced by 16S rRNA gene amplicon metagenomic sequencing technology, the interaction of bacterial community, root system and yield in tomato rhizosphere soil was quantitatively described based on regression analysis. Results: Results showed that L1 was not only beneficial to the development of tomato root morphology, but also promoted the ACE index of tomato soil bacterial community structure and the abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism functional genes. The yield and crop water use efficiency (WUE) of spring tomato and autumn tomato in L1 were about 14.15% and 11.27%, 12.64% and 10.35% higher than those in L2. With the decrease of capillary arrangement density, the diversity of bacterial community structure in tomato rhizosphere soil decreased, and the abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism functional genes of soil bacteria also decreased. The small abundance of soil bacterial functional genes limited the absorption of soil nutrients by tomato roots and roots morphological development. The yield and crop water use efficiency of spring and autumn tomato in C2 were significantly higher than those in C3 about 34.76% and 15.23%, 31.94% and 13.91%, respectively. The positive interaction between soil bacterial community and root morphological development of tomato was promoted by the capillary layout measures of MSPF. Discussion: The L1C2 treatment had a stable bacterial community structure and good root morphological development, which positively promoted the increase of tomato yield. The interaction between soil microorganisms and roots of tomato was regulated by optimizing the layout measures of MSPF to provide data support for water-saving and yield-increasing of tomato in Northwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is commonly cultivated in the greenhouse and open fields. Organic and conventional nutrients are two common inputs for crops. Since there are different methods for producing tomatoes, the four most important scenarios were selected, focusing on two types of nutrient management options (organic and conventional), and two types of cultivation methods (open field and greenhouse). The greenhouse organic (scenario one: GH-O), greenhouse conventional (scenario two: GH-C), open field organic (scenario three: OF-O), and open field conventional (scenario four: OF-C) were the four scenarios examined in this research. This study aims to investigate the environmental effects of greenhouse and open field tomatoes in the organic and conventional system of nutrients. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to assess the environmental impact of different scenarios. This paper uses midpoint attributional LCA to analyze environmental damages during tomato production. In this study, the environmental effect of scenarios was evaluated in three categories: human health, ecosystem quality, and resources. The system boundary starts from the cradle and ends at the farm gate with the harvest of tomatoes. One ton of tomatoes (mass unit) is considered the functional unit for this research. The ReCiPe 2016 model was used for the assessment of the environmental impact. The results of this research showed that scenario two (GH-C) had the highest yield among the other scenarios, and scenario one (GH-O) had the lowest environmental damage. According to the results of this study, the use of compost in the organic open-field scenario was not suggested to be a good option for tomato cultivation because of its negative environmental impact on human health, ecosystem quality, and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vegetable water production function has been one of the most significant parameters to improve the use efficiency and economic benefit of agricultural water in the greenhouse. Meanwhile, aerated irrigation unlocks the high yield potential for greenhouse crop production. Thus, water, fertilizer and air coupled production function is proposed for the optimization of the irrigation scheme during the greenhouse tomato growth period. Two seasons of greenhouse tomato experiments were conducted under aerated subsurface drip irrigation (ASDI). There were three nitrogen application rates (N1, 120 kg ha−1; N2, 180 kg ha−1; N3, 240 kg ha−1) and three aeration rates with dissolved oxygen (DO) in irrigation water (A2, 15 mg L−1; A3, 40 mg L−1 and A1, 5 mg L−1 in the non-aeration treatment) in the first crop season, while three irrigation rates of soil moisture content (W1, 50–60% field capacity; W2, 60–70% field capacity; W3, 70–80% field capacity) and two aeration rates with DO in irrigation water (25 mg L−1 and 5 mg L−1) in the second crop season. The potential yield function of tomato was constructed, and the water sensitivity index was resolved. The production function of greenhouse tomato under water, fertilizer, and air coupled irrigation was established based on the Jensen function. The water allocation scheme under multiple irrigation quotas was optimized by the dynamic programming (DP) method. The results showed that with the elapse of crop growth stages, the cumulative curve of the water sensitivity index showed an S-shaped curve, which first rose slowly and then fast, and eventually tended to be stable. The optimized irrigation increased the yield by 4.25% averagely compared with the irrigation method of fixed moisture content interval, while the crop yield in the optimized ASDI increased by 26.13% compared with non-aeration treatment. In summary, the optimal combination was the aeration rate DO of 24.55mg L−1 in irrigation water and nitrogen application rate of 281.43 kg ha−1, and the irrigation quota of 420 mm. The net yield increased by 11,012 USD ha−1 in a single crop season when compared with the non-aeration treatment. The results would provide a reference method for the optimization of technical parameters of water—fertilizer—air coupled irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation entering a high-wire tomato greenhouse is mostly intercepted by the top of the crop canopy, while the role of lower leaves diminishes with age, turning them into sink organs rather than sources. Accordingly, the defoliation of basal leaves is a widely applied agronomic practice in high-wire greenhouse cultivation management. However, the recent increase in the application of supplemental light emitting diode (LED) lighting for high-density tomato production may affect the role of basal leaves, promoting their source role for fruit development and growth. The present research aims to explore the application of supplementary LED lighting on Solanum lycopersicum cv. Siranzo in the Mediterranean area during the cold season in combination with two regimes of basal defoliation. The defoliation factors consisted of the early removal of the leaves (R) right under the developing truss before the fruit turning stage and a non-removal (NR) during the entire cultivation cycle. The lighting factors consisted of an artificial LED lighting treatment with red and blue diodes for 16 h d−1 (h 8-00) with an intensity of 180 µmol s−1 m−2 (RB) and a control cultivated under natural light only (CK). The results demonstrated a great effect of the supplemental LED light, which increased the total yield (+118%), favoring fruit setting (+46%) and faster ripening (+60%) regardless of defoliation regimes, although the increased energy prices hinder the economic viability of the technology. Concerning fruit quality, defoliation significantly reduced the soluble solid content, while it increased the acidity when combined with natural light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic tomato cultivation is growing all over the world due to its healthy functional properties and environmental concerns. Recently, some new varieties with increased functional properties, particularly high lycopene, have been developed. However, few were assessed under organic farming systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate physico-chemical properties and the main bioactive compound contents, as well as lipophilic, hydrophilic and total radical scavenging activities of a recently developed high lycopene tomato variety homozygous for hp-2dg genes (HLT-F71) grown under organic conditions for two non-consecutive years (2019 and 2021) compared to the ordinary control 'Nemador' variety. The lycopene, β-carotene, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C, radical scavenging activity and tocopherols were analyzed by using spectrophotometric and HPLC methods, respectively. The high lycopene content variety presented suitable marketable yield, average fruit weight, pH, titratable acidity, firmness and higher °Brix, pulp color than the control. Additionally, it has significantly higher lycopene, β-carotene, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C and particularly considerable α-tocopherol contents, as well as radical scavenging activity. The high lycopene tomato variety with hp genes proved to be an effective sustainable variety for enhancing tomato fruit yield and functional properties even under organic grown conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is reducing water availability for crop production. Cultivated tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, has a limited genetic base for improvement. A wild tomato, Solanum habrochaites, is water stress tolerant and may serve as a genetic source of abiotic stress‐tolerance traits. A set of 24 introgression lines (ILs) derived from S. habrochaites and processing tomato inbred cultivar E6203 were evaluated in the field in replicated experiments over 3 years for 15 traits, including water stress tolerance‐related, fruit quality, and horticultural traits. A split plot experimental design was employed with reduced and full irrigation treatments as main plots. Subplots consisted of the ILs and control E6203, and trait data were collected on a per‐subplot basis. Statistical data analyses and bin mapping were performed on a per‐trait basis. Trait‐genomic region associations (TGRAs) were detected in ILs when a significant difference between E6203 and an IL was present. A total of 268 TGRAs were detected for all 15 traits. Traits mapped to introgressions in 22 of the 24 ILs and in 11 of 12 tomato chromosomes. ILs contributed both positive and negative allelic effects at TGRAs. TGRA with positive allelic effects from S. habrochaites were identified for soluble solids content, fruit weight, degree of fruit sunburn, canopy cover, and maturity. Our results suggest that S. habrochaites may be a useful resource for breeding improvement of certain fruit quality and horticultural traits in cultivated tomato. Overall, S. habrochaites alleles did not contribute to increased water stress tolerance relative to E6203 at the milder level of water stress used in this study. Core Ideas: Use of S. habrochaites as a source of genetic diversity for breeding improvement of cultivated tomato.Genotype by environment interactions were present for each trait studied.TGRAs for increased water stress tolerance traits were not detected.TGRAs were discovered that could be used to improve certain horticultural and fruit quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change represents the main problem for agricultural crops, and the constitution of heat-tolerant genotypes is an important breeder's strategy to reduce yield losses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the whole genome of a heat-tolerant tomato genotype (E42), in order to identify candidate genes involved in its response to high temperature. E42 presented a high variability for chromosomes 1, 4, 7 and 12, and phylogenetic analysis highlighted its relationship with the wild S. pimpinellifolium species. Variants with high (18) and moderate (139) impact on protein function were retrieved from two lists of genes related to heat tolerance and reproduction. This analysis permitted us to prioritize a subset of 35 candidate gene mapping in polymorphic regions, some colocalizing in QTLs controlling flowering in tomato. Among these genes, we identified 23 HSPs, one HSF, six involved in flowering and five in pollen activity. Interestingly, one gene coded for a flowering locus T1 and mapping on chromosome 11 resides in a QTL region controlling flowering and also showed 100% identity with an S. pimpinellifolium allele. This study provides useful information on both the E42 genetic background and heat stress response, and further studies will be conducted to validate these genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water management is a key factor to optimize fruit quality and yield of processing tomatoes which are site-specific and influenced by environmental conditions e.g., soil, temperature, precipitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacity of a low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor in determining the irrigation level for optimizing the marketable yield, fruit quality and economic profit of processing tomato. A two-years (2017–2018) trial was conducted in open field, applying nine drip irrigation levels controlled by wireless soil moisture capacitance sensors. The irrigation levels were as follows: 13.2, 16.7, 25.4, 33.3, 50.0, 62.3, 82.5, 100 and 186.8% of water restitution based on soil moisture sensor readings. Because of the crop stress induced by heavy rainfalls occurring in 2018 growing season, total and marketable yields reached higher maximum values in 2017 than 2018. In 2017, total and marketable yields were maximized by supplying 92.8% and 96.2% of irrigation level, respectively. Moreover, 95.6% and 91.2% of irrigation level were necessary in 2018 to maximize total and marketable yield, respectively. In both growing seasons, marketable yield variation was due to changes of both fruit number and fruit mean weight. Total soluble solids of fruit juice linearly decreased by increasing the irrigation level with a more pronounced effect in the driest growing season (2017). Economic analysis demonstrated that 100% of irrigation level should be preferred by the Italian farmers since it maximized the operating margins of processing tomatoes in both years. To conclude, the use of the tested low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor is an effective tool to manage the level of irrigation and optimize the processing tomato yield and economic benefits for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]