<div>Background: Humic acid is a natural bio-stimulant, which has a major influence on growth and crop quality. Also, Magnetic water treatment enhances both crop productivity and quality, which leads to the efficient use of cultivated land by using water resources available for crop production. This study aims to determine the effects of magnetized water irrigation and application of humic acid with different concentrations as a bio-stimulation on tomato plants, Solanum Lycopersicon cv. Hybrid &ldquo;86&rdquo;. 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted during the tow growing seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the Agricultural Experimental Station Farm at Abies region, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt. The experiment design was split-plot with three replications. Two irrigation water treatments (magnetized and non-magnetic water) were arranged in the main plots and four concentrations of humic acid (0, 1, 2 and 3 g L-1) were distributed over sub-plots. 
 
Result: The results showed that irrigation with magnetized water had a positive effect on the vegetative growth traits, yield and its components and the quality of tomato fruits parameters. There was also a clear desirable effect of humic acid addition with different concentrations, as the results indicated that the use of the highest concentration of humic acid (3 g L-1) reflected the highest values for all the studied traits. The results of the interaction between irrigation with magnetized water and application of humic acid showed that the best results and the highest values for all studied characters were recorded when using magnetic water (MW) combined with 3 g L-1 of humic acid (HA), without significant differences from the interaction treatment MW combined with 2 g L-1 HA for most traits. However, the two treatments combinations MW with 2 g L-1 HA and Non-MW with 3 g L-1 HA didn&rsquo;t significant differ from each other for all studied characters at the two growing seasons. These results indicated that using the magnetic water with humic acid led to the possibility of reducing the amount of humic acid by one-third and enhances both crop productivity and quality of tomato plants. Generally, we can recommend using magnetized water irrigation with humic acid addition at concentration of 3.g L-1 or 2.g L-1 to enhance the productivity and quality of the tomato plant.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Enhancing the Productivity and Quality of Tomato using Magnetized Water and Humic Acid as Bio-stimulant Agents</div>

<div>Background:&nbsp;Due to their highly perishable nature, vegetables possess a higher chance of deterioration and damage after harvesting. Freezing is a potential preservation technique used to reduce the deterioration and increase the shelf life of vegetables by preventing the wastage of substantial quantities of tomatoes in Sri Lanka. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;In this research calcium chloride (2.4% w/w) pretreated Thilina and RIDA F1 tomato variety pieces were analyzed drip loss, pH, color, hardness, cutting shearing strength, ascorbic acid content and sensory parameters under air blast freezing (-30&deg;C, 3 ms-1 air velocity) and conventional freezing (-18&deg;C) conditions.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;The L* values of colour, pH and ascorbic acid content were shown significant differences (p&lt;0.05) but a*, b* values, driploss%, cutting and shearing strength didn&rsquo;t show any significant differences (p&lt;0.05) during different freezing conditions. The magnitude of color change (∆E) is higher (p&lt;0.05) in conventional freezing treatment than in air-blast freezing. The preference among the panelists is significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher for blast frozen tomato samples than conventional frozen samples concerning color, odor, texture and overall quality parameters. According to the statistical analysis, air blast freezing preserve better physiochemical and sensory parameters of Thilina and RIDA F1 tomato varieties.</div>

Determination of the Effect of Freezing Methods on the Quality of Frozen Tomato Pieces

<div>Background: Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world due to its dietary value. Harvesting and storing of physiologically matured tomato seeds is very important to secure good quality seeds for future use in a changing climate. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of maturity stages on seed quality of two tomato accessions during cold storage.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Seeds of two tomato accessions extracted at four maturity stages (i.e. initially ripe, half ripe, fully ripe and rotten) were stored at -20oC in a deep freezer for 12 months. The quality of stored seeds was measured by seed vigour and germination percentage at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after storage.&nbsp; 
 
Conclusion: The study showed significant differences in seed vigour and germination percentage at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after storage (MAS) among the maturity stages. Seeds extracted at the initially ripe stage in GH 9305 had the least vigour at 3, 6, 9 and 12 MAS. The highest reduction in seed quality during the storage period was observed in seeds extracted at the rotten stage in both accessions. Seed vigour and germination were higher in GH 9207 than GH 9305. Storage of physiologically matured tomato seeds at freezing temperature is necessary to reduce seed ageing and to maintain high seed quality.</div>

<div>Influence of Different Maturity Stages on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Seed Quality during Storage at -20&deg;C</div>

<div>Background: Yield of summer tomato do not always reach the full production potential. Improved management such as, training and pruning could improve the yield and fruit quality of tomatoes. The production of the healthy and improved quality tomato crop depends on various cultural practices like training systems as it prevents overcrowding for sunlight thus improves air circulation under humid and moist conditions where tomato plants are more prone to fungal diseases, avoids poor fruit set and assimilates competition. 
 
Methods: The study was carried out during kharif seasons of 2017 and 2018 with Solan Lalima variety, in the Research Farm of Dr. YSP UHF Nauni, Solan, HP to find out the response of plants to management practices on yield, quality and cost of production. The experiment consisting of two planting methods, three mulching treatments, two level of training system, laid out in randomized complete block design with three repetitions. 
 
Result: Plants trained to two stem gave the maximum fruit TSS (4.75 oB), ascorbic acid content (30.79 mg/100 g), lycopene content (5.84 mg/100 g) and shelf life (11.35 days). From the economics, it was apparent that tomato produced by the two stem training system exhibited better performance in terms of benefit cost ratio.&nbsp;</div>

Influence of Different Training Levels on Fruit Quality and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under the Mid-hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Background: The aim of our work is to assess the impact of copper-contaminated soil on tomato fruit and soil organisms. Excessive use of copper-based pesticides has many consequences for soil biology and food quality.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Our study was carried out in a section of a tomato plot in the Mostaganem region of northern Algeria. The plot was contaminated with copper, at different doses D1 (10 mg Cu Kg-1), D2 (100 mg Cu Kg-1), D3 (200 mg Cu Kg-1) and D4 (300 mg Cu Kg-1) in separate blocks. The concentrations of copper and carbohydrates and the homogeneity of the wells were assessed in order to determine the quality of the tomatoes in relation to the levels of soil contamination. Furthermore, the respiratory activity of the microorganisms and the feeding activity of the soil fauna were assessed.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The highest copper concentrations were 1.5&plusmn;0.17 mg Cu Kg-1 and 2.05&plusmn;0.3 mg Cu Kg-1&nbsp; in the sites contaminated by the highest doses D3 and D4 and the highest carbohydrate concentrations were 53.03&plusmn;1.38 g kg-1 and 61.15&plusmn;0.65 g kg-1 in these two sites. Microbial respiration values were lowest in D3, with 8.3.10-4 &plusmn; 3.6.10-4 mg CO2 g-1 h-1 and in D4, with 1.5.10-3 &plusmn;1.4.10-4 mg CO2 g-1 h-1. In addition, wildlife feeding activity was low at both sites, with values of&nbsp; 27.56&plusmn;17.77 % for the D3 site and 37.5&plusmn;17.48 % for the D4 site. Our study has shown that copper contamination of soils affects the biological activities of soil organisms.

Study of the Impact of Copper on Soil Organisms and Tomato Quality

<div>Background: Potassium is one of the essential nutrients for optimal plant growth and development, related to higher yield and improved crop quality. Split potassium fertilization achieved maximum nutrient efficiency and improved the available potassium status in the root zone. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the split potassium application affects the mineral content and the quality parameters of various tomato cultivars. 
 
Methods: A pot experiment was undertaken to investigate the impact of single dose and split potassium fertilization treatments on nutrient content and quality traits of tomato fruits. Seven high yielding, early and mid-early tomato cultivars and hybrids were planted on Fluvisol and subjected to separate single dose and split potassium fertilization treatments (1. N200+200&ETH;300&Ecirc;450; 2. N200+200&ETH;300&Ecirc;225+225) as K2SO4, at constant nitrogen (NH4NO3) and phosphorus (Ca(H2PO4)2.H2O) fertilization rates. 
 
Result: Results revealed that mineral content in tomato fruits was significantly affected by cultivar, while the potassium fertilization type did not have a statistically proven effect. Positive relationships between potassium content and lycopene and sugars in tomato fruits were present. Highest mineral content was measured in fruits of &ldquo;Sheena F1&rdquo; and &ldquo;Nikolina F1&rdquo;, which also stand out with high biochemical attributes &ndash; lycopene, ascorbic acids, sugars and dry matter content. All tested biochemical parameters defining tomato fruit quality (except for acidity) were significantly affected by split potassium fertilization treatments.</div>

<div>Mineral Content and Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits as Affected by Different Potassium Fertilization Treatments and Cultivar Specifics</div>

Background: Naturally occurring iodide iodine exhibits complex soil behavior. Even though higher plants don&rsquo;t consider iodine a vitamin, living things need it. Iodine is part of the thyroid hormone, which is vital to human health and metabolism. Potassium is the most effective cation for tomato plants and has a crucial role in improving several post-harvest quality characteristics in tomato fruits as well as in almost all vegetables. 
 
Methods: In the present work, we assessed the growth, yield and quality (Ascorbic acid, Titrable acidity and soluble solids) of tomatoesfrom different sources of chitosan and potassium iodate alone and combinations. The field experiment was carried out in the Thondamuthur block of Viraliyur village in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in 2022. The experiments were performed in randomized block design with three replications in palaviduthi soil series using hybrid tomato &ldquo;Shivam&rdquo;. 
 
Result: The chitosan iodate complex and foliar application combination enhanced the growth, yield and quality of tomato. Potassium iodate alone applied to soil and foliar, improved fruit quality but did not prevent acid loss during ripening. Chitosan reduces respiration and oxygen permeability to preserve losses. Thus, potassium iodate chitosan complex was favoured for boosting plant growth, fruit yield and quality.

The Long-term Impact of Biofortified Iodine on Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Growth, Yield and Quality

Background: Climate change has an adverse impact on tomato yield and fruit quality, as elevated and fluctuating temperatures directly affects the flowering, fruit set and overall quality attributes. Furthermore, water stress disposes plants to pathogen attack and results in wilting or abscission of leaves, flowers and fruits. In this context, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate wild and contemporary tomato genotypes in order to identify the most promising genotype for cultivation under polyhouse conditions. 
 
Methods: Eleven genotypes of tomato were collected from different sources and the data were recorded from twenty-one yield contributing characters. The statistical analysis was followed to test the significant difference to compare among the means of significant traits. The correlations analysis, path analysis and PCA analysis were done using R studio software version 2023.03.1+446 and cluster analysis was done with the help of Star software version 2.0.1 
 
Result: The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for lycopene content (73.29% and 73.36%) and average fruit weight (77.92% and 78.00%). The top-most heritability was marked for number of fruits/plant (99.98%) with genetic advance 92.24%. PCA-Biplot and mean performance indicates that genotype 538408 has higher polar diameter, yield/plant, pericarp thickness and average fruit weight. Principal component analysis represents yield/plant, polar fruit diameter, pericarp thickness, average fruit weight, number of locules/fruit, equatorial fruit diameter, &beta;-carotene and lycopene content reflected a positive contribution towards genetic divergence. Thus, this will be helpful for breeders to choose the desirable traits of tomato for future breeding program.

Genetic Assessment of Diverse Tomato Species for Yield and Quality Traits under Polyhouse Conditions

<div>Background: The possibility of selecting the best genotypes to develop good hybrid varieties of tomatoes, as well as heterosis, potence ratio and correlation of vegetative characteristics, yield and quality in tomato genotypes and their performance under arid region. 
 
Methods: Four commercial tomato cultivars (Money Maker, Pakmore VF, Strain-B and Tanshet Star) and two breeding lines (L05960 and TL01899) and their 15 F1 hybrids, using a half-diallel cross, under arid conditions were used to estimate heterosis, potence ratio and correlation coefficients among all possible pairs of important tomato traits.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Result: various degrees of dominance effects for some traits were detected in the general performances of the F1 hybrids, while, other traits illustrated the presence of partial- to under-recessiveness. Heterosis percentages reflected positive desirable effects in ten F1 hybrids for some traits. Most F1 hybrids outperformed their respective parents for fruit set, fruit length, fruit diameter, total soluble solids, fruit dry weight, number of fruits per plant and total fruit yield per plant. Some of the genotypes (i.e., parents and/ or hybrids) offer opportunities as a genetic source of heat tolerant breeding genetic material adapted to high temperature under the arid conditions reported in this study. Significant positive and desirable correlations were found between 41 possible pairs of traits, whereas significant negative and undesirable correlations were found between 13 possible pairs of the traits.</div>

<div>Heterosis, Potence Ratio and Correlation of Vegetative, Yield and Quality Traits in Tomato Genotypes and their Performance under Arid Region</div>

<div>Background: Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crop grown in the world. Identification of better genotypes among the existing germplasm leads to the success of&nbsp; breeding programme. Elite genotypes should be known for our trait of interest. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was carried out at Vegetable Experimental Field, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Srinagar during Kharif-2018 in which twenty seven genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were evaluated to estimate the performance of genotypes on various quality traits like lycopene content, titrable acidity, ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids and juice to pulp ratio. 
 
Result: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits under studied. Highest lycopene content was recorded in the genotypes 2015/TODHYB-1, Roma and VRT-19 Whereas highest TSS content was exhibited by Kashi Aman, Roma, Jawahar-99 and Shalimar Hybrid Tomato-1. Highest titrable acidity recorded in Marglobe followed by 2015/TODHYB-4 and Kashi Hemanth. Juice to pulp ratio was highest in the genotypes namely, 2016/TODVAR-5 and Kashi Vishesh. Hence, the best performed genotypes can be used as such in promotion of tomato production programme as elite germplasm lines/varieties or may be recommended for commercial cultivation after testing them over years and locations.</div>

Enhancing the Productivity and Quality of Tomato using Magnetized Water and Humic Acid as Bio-stimulant Agents

Determination of the Effect of Freezing Methods on the Quality of Frozen Tomato Pieces

Influence of Different Maturity Stages on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Seed Quality during Storage at -20°C

Influence of Different Training Levels on Fruit Quality and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under the Mid-hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Study of the Impact of Copper on Soil Organisms and Tomato Quality

Mineral Content and Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits as Affected by Different Potassium Fertilization Treatments and Cultivar Specifics

The Long-term Impact of Biofortified Iodine on Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Growth, Yield and Quality

Genetic Assessment of Diverse Tomato Species for Yield and Quality Traits under Polyhouse Conditions

Heterosis, Potence Ratio and Correlation of Vegetative, Yield and Quality Traits in Tomato Genotypes and their Performance under Arid Region

Evaluation of Various Genotypes of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) on Quality Traits under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir