ACTION OF OLIGOSACCHARIDES ON THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF TOMATO

Abstract

In this research oligosaccharides extracted from plant cell walls were evaluated regarding yield and quality of tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) “bola” type of cv. ‘EF 163’. The commercial products Enerplant® and Pectimorf® were compared against a control without oligosaccharidies. The quality variables evaluated in four bunches of red tomatoes were: pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/TA ratio, fruit weight, firmness and color (“L” value, Hue angle and chrome). Differences (P ≤ 0.05) between bunches were found regarding their quality traits. The best by titratable acidity (TA) were the first and fourth bunches; the second bunch was best in the TSS/TA ratio; the first bunch was best in fruit weight; and the third bunch outstanded in yield. The applied oligosaccharides increased plant yield in 22 % by Enerplant® and in 40 % by Pectimorf®. Those products also improved fruit quality by increasing in 0.06 and 0.04 % the titratable acidity, total soluble solids in 13 % with Pectimorf® and in 9 % with Enerplant®, fruit firmness in 47 % with Enerplant® and in 27 % with Pectimorf®. Enerplant® produced shiny and less red fruits, compared to Pectimorf® and the control. The applied oligosaccharides had not effect on the pH. In conclusion, the of applications oligosaccharides increased yield and quality of tomato fruits.