ISHS Acta Horticulturae 821: International Symposium on Tomato in the Tropics
INCIDENCE OF MATURITY STAGE ON TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) FRUIT QUALITY |
| Authors: | F. Casierra-Posada, O.E. Aguilar-Avendaño |
| Keywords: | firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, maturity index, weight loss |
| Abstract:
Generally, the economic losses on tomato production are associated with fruit handling starting from its harvest up to post harvest. Therefore, the choice of fruit picking time plays a key role in quality and shelf life of tomato fruits. In order to determine the influence of different maturity stages on tomato fruit quality, a trial was carried out in Tunja, Colombia. Fruits of hybrid tomatoes (Sofia, Marimba, and Bravona) harvested at different maturity stages were tested; the ma¬turity stages were determined based on the green:red color ratio. As response parameters, weight loss, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturity index, and firmness were measured. The results indicated that weight loss, titratable acidity and firmness increased in harvested fruits at early maturity stages, while the soluble solids content and maturity index increased at later maturity stages. The pH values were indifferent to the fruit harvest time. The best fruit picking time for Marimba and Bravona hybrids was when the fruits reached 75% green: 25% red color and Sofia hybrid can be harvested when fruits exhibit 50% green: 50% red color in order to maintain optimal organoleptic characteristics and best quality. | |
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