ISHS Acta Horticulturae 724: IX International Symposium on the Processing Tomato
VARIATIONS OF LYCOPENE CONCENTRATION DURING HARVEST IN CHILE |
| Authors: | G. Saavedra Del R., M. Escaff G., D. Cartacáns P., D. Abril |
| Keywords: | Lycopersicon esculentum, lycopene, UVb, total radiation, temperature |
| Abstract:
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant present in tomato fruit. It is produced to prevent photoxidative activity in plant cells, but it is easily transportable to humans through food and has high bioavailability when eaten with oils and fats. In humans, this antioxidant activity decreases the chance of getting some types of cancer and heart disease. This study examines the effects of harvest date on lycopene content in processing tomatoes. Fruit samples were taken daily from the first week of February to the last week of March from bulk consignments received by the Iansafrut’s processing plant in Talca, Chile. The raw material was analysed for lycopene content using a spectrophotometer, and weather information was gathered from a portable station located in Pelarco, in the middle of the processing tomato production zone. The data were analysed statistically using ANOVA and regression to relate lycopene content with UVb light. The UVb light was selected as a probable trigger for lycopene production in plants. Results showed that lycopene content decreased significantly (p<0.01) from the first week of February to the last week of March, with a correlation coefficient of -0.707. The UVb light also decreased significantly (p<0.01) over this period, with a correlation coefficient of -0.779. The relationship between UVb light and lycopene content was highly significant (p<0.01), with a correlation coefficient of 0.875 and R2 = 76.65%. The fitted model equation for this relationship was Lycopene content = exp (-0.95717 + 0.0906478 * UVb). The results showed that lycopene content depends on the intensity of UVb light, so planting date would be important to the production of fruit with high lycopene content. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
