ISHS Acta Horticulturae 724: IX International Symposium on the Processing Tomato
ACCUMULATION OF TOTAL SOLUBLE SOLIDS IN PROCESSING TOMATOES |
| Authors: | M. Quadir, M. Hickey, A. Boulton, R. Hoogers |
| Keywords: | tomato, total soluble solids (TSS), irrigation, °Brix |
| Abstract:
Total soluble solids (TSS) and yield in processing tomato are influenced by a number of factors – genetics, growing environment and management practices. Translocation of assimilates (a major constituent of TSS) within plant parts is also known to be affected by growing conditions and plant age. Considering the possible relationship between soluble solids accumulation in plant parts and the final soluble solids content of fruit, a preliminary investigation into plant solids accumulation in processing tomatoes was undertaken during the 2002/03 season in a furrow irrigated crop. Whole plants of ten processing tomato cultivars were sampled throughout the season and TSS (measured as °Brix) levels were measured in their leaves, stems and fruits. The results indicated significant correlations between TSS levels in the mature fruit and in the stem at particular growth stages. This suggests the opportunity for agronomic management of plant growth to control fruit soluble solids accumulation in the fruit. In the following season (2003/04) four cultivars were sampled from three drip-irrigated blocks receiving different irrigation treatments over the final stages of maturity. Weekly samples were taken from initial fruit development to harvest, and TSS was measured in leaves, stems and fruit. Fruit yield was also recorded at commercial harvest stage. As the irrigation treatments had minimal effect on crop performance, results were statistically analysed considering each block as a replicate. Significant differences in TSS were observed between cultivars for ripe fruit at harvest as well as two weeks prior to harvest. Significant correlations were again found between final fruit TSS and that in the stem measured 2-4 weeks before harvest. | |
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