ISHS Acta Horticulturae 747: VIII International Symposium on Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates: Advances in Soil and Soilless Cultivation under Protected Environment
COLOURED SHADE NETS EFFECTS ON TOMATO CROPS QUALITY |
| Authors: | D. López, N. Carazo, M.C. Rodrigo, J. Garcia |
| Keywords: | Lycopersicum lycopersicum, anti-oxidants, lycopene, plant tissue analysis |
| Abstract:
Tomato is the main vegetable crop in production and export terms in Spain. In Mediterranean areas, from Spring to Autumn there are light and temperature excess that may damage tomato fruit due to the effects of overheating on irradiated tissues. The aim of the present study was to study the influence of spectral composition of two photo selective nets (red and pearl nets) on lycopene content in three different tomato cultivars: ‘Bodar’, ‘Cherry’ and ‘Cocktail’. The experiment was conducted in a commercial farm in El Maresme, Barcelona (Spain). Lycopene content of tomatoes grown in red and pearl frame net were 51 and 37 mg/kg, respectively. Significant differences were found among cultivars, and within cultivars cultivated under red or pearl net. Light quality which finally reaches the fruit when it is mature-green is different, under the two nets. As lycopene bio-synthesis is mediated by phytochrome, slight variations in red light over mature-green fruit may stimulate lycopene accumulation. | |
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