EFFECT OF FRUIT THINNING AND FOLIAR SPRAYING OF CALCIUM AND HONEY ON QUALITY OF RIBBED TOMATO

Abstract

Different ecological and economic management techniques are used in tomato (Solanum licopersicum L.) production to add value by modification of yield, taste, shelf life and nutraceutical properties. This study determined the effect of cluster thinning and spraying foliar Ca2+ and 2 % honey on the quality of cv. Starmex 2 of ribbed tomato fruits. The research was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized block design (α = 0.05) with a 2³ factorial treatment arrangement: two calcium doses (0 mg L^-1 and 350 mg L^-1), two honey levels (0 % p/p and 2 % p/p), and two fruit thinning factors (with and without); with four replications. In fruits harvested at maturity, fresh fruit weight, equatorial diameter, number of ribs and sepals, titratable acidity, degrees Brix, and content of lycopene, vitamin C, Ca²⁺ and K⁺ were recorded. The number of ribs increased (P ≤ 0.05) due to the interactive effect of thinning and calcium sprays, as did fruit weight due to thinning and honey sprays. Equatorial diameter and number of sepals in fruit increased (P ≤ 0.05) with thinning or foliar calcium sprays. On postharvest variables the only significant effects were in soluble solutes, titratable acidity, and potassium and vitamin C concentrations.