Background: Understanding the rheological behaviour of fruit and vegetable purees is essential for optimizing processing, handling and product quality. Rheological properties are strongly influenced by factors such as soluble solid concentration and temperature, which affect flow behavior, viscosity and structural stability. This study aimed to investigate the rheological characteristics of red cherry tomato puree under varying total soluble solids (TSS) concentrations and temperatures. 
 
Methods: Red cherry tomato puree samples were prepared with TSS levels ranging from 15 to 27oBrix and evaluated at temperatures between 20 and 50oC. The flow behavior, in terms of shear stress, shear rate and viscosity measured using an Anton Paar rheometer (MCR 92), was analyzed using the Power Law, Herschel-Bulkley and Casson models. The temperature dependence of apparent viscosity was described using the Arrhenius model. Oscillatory rheological measurements were performed to assess viscoelastic properties within the linear viscoelastic region (LVR). 
 
Result: All three rheological models exhibited high coefficients of determination (R2) and low RMSE values, indicating excellent agreement with experimental data. Increasing TSS led to higher consistency index (k) values and lower flow behavior index (n), reflecting enhanced pseudoplastic behavior. Apparent viscosity decreased with increasing temperature for all samples and Arrhenius model fitting yielded high R2&nbsp;values (up to 0.989). Oscillatory tests revealed dominant elastic behavior within the linear viscoelastic region (LVR). The most concentrated sample (27oBrix) showed higher storage modulus, loss modulus and yield points, indicating greater structural stability and deformation resistance, while the most dilute sample (15oBrix) exhibited no yield point within the tested strain range. Overall, red cherry tomato puree behaved as a pseudoplastic, temperature-sensitive and viscoelastic material, with rheological properties strongly governed by soluble solid concentration.

Rheological Modelling of Red Cherry Tomato Puree at Varying Concentration Levels

<div>Background: The red-colored tomatoes are characterised as a mine of lycopene to manufacture food grade ingredient and projected its placement in a specialty class where nutrient with pharmaceutical value justifies dietary status. Tomato lycopene has justified its status as a potential antioxidant compensating with nutraceutical importance and provided an option for endorsing specialty nutrition. The diversity epidemiological experiments recorded noteworthy modulations in lipid profile and projected risk reduction potential of lycopene against non-communicable diseases. The progressive research efforts to monitor haematological parameters to justify efficacy of tomato lycopene against adverse effects on wellbeing of human body is required for precision governance. The present research work aims to assess the potential of lycopene rich tomato puree in monitoring the haematological parameters in hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. 
 
Methods: Wistar rats (Healthy control, high fat diet fed, HFD-Stain treated and HFD-tomato puree treated) were examined for physiological, haematological and blood biochemical parameters on 0, 14 and 28th day of experiment to assess effect of tomato puree administration on wellbeing of rats against healthy, hyperlipidemic and standard drug status. 
 
Result: The increased haemoglobin and total erythrocyte count on 14th and 28th day of experiment justifies the erythropoiesis stimulatory effect of tomato puree lycopene. Moreover, increased total leukocyte count in high fat diet-tomato puree fed rats on 14th and 28th day validates the positive effect of tomato puree lycopene to monitor healthiness in Wistar rats. The regulatory mechanism based on haematological specialty features that monitors the risk of physiological disorders and diseases outlined through animal study experimental data provided a logistic option to confirm the efficacy of tomato puree lycopene to protect wellbeing/healthiness of live entity (Wistar rats).</div>

Study on Effect of Lycopene Rich Tomato Puree Supplementation on Wellbeing/Healthiness in Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats

Background: Tomato puree, being abundant in nutritive value and having significant health advantages to consumers are widely used to improve the flavour and colour of food preparations. In the present study, tomato puree was prepared using seven genotypes having three different fruit colours. Color has played an essential role in consumer acceptability of tomato puree. 
 
Methods: The present study used some difficult-to-ripe tomato genotypes (mostly used for breeding purposes due to their prolonged shelf life) to determine the quality parameters (TSS, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene and &beta;-carotene contents) of fresh tomatoes and their purees. The sensory attributes of purees were determined by a panel of 10 judges.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The findings unequivocally show that processing significantly altered the chemical makeup of tomato puree, especially in terms of a decrease in ascorbic acid, &beta;-carotene and titratable acidity and a notable increase in TSS and lycopene concentration following preparation. Non ripening mutants could effectively be processed to develop a unique orange coloured puree with high nutritive values. Overall, the results demonstrate how important genotype selection is for producing nutrient-dense processed tomato product that satisfy consumer preferences and offer a number of health benefits.

Acceptability Study of Tomato Puree using Less Explored Genotypes and Their Hybrids

Background: Cherry tomato [Solanum lycopersicum (L.) var. cerasiforme Mill.] belonging to Solanaceae family, having chromosome number 2n=2x=24 is a table purpose tomato with small fruits of bright red colour bearing resemblance to a cherry. With ever increasing demand of cherry tomato in both fresh market and processing industries there is a need to make the crop both agronomically and economically more desirable. Therefore, cherry tomatoes present great future in breeding programmes for bringing about the required improvements and hence it is necessary to evaluate the germplasm and select genotypes which are high yielding and disease resistant. 
 
Methods: Genetic diversity for growth and quality traits in twenty four genotypes of cherry tomato was studied under mid hills of Kullu valley (32.2oN latitude 77oE longitude), Himachal Pradesh during kharif season of 2020. Observations with respect to morphological and physicochemical characters were recorded on five randomly selected plants from each plot in each replication and their means were worked out for statistical analysis. 
 
Result: The genetic variability in general indicated that phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied; however, the difference was very narrow. For number of branches per plant, days to per cent flowering, number of cluster per plant number of seeds per plant, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity the difference was very high, indicating the role of environment in expression of these characters. The heritability and genetic gain were high for number of fruits per cluster and fruit yield per plant. High heritability along with moderate genetic gain was observed for total number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight. Fruit yield per plant had significant and positive correlation with total number of fruits per plant, number of fruit clusters, average weight, pericarp thickness and titratable acidity. Positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant was highest from total number of fruits per plant followed by pericarp thickness, days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, TSS, number of branches, titratable acidity, average fruit weight, fruit shape index and number of seeds. Based on analysis of genetic divergence through Mahalanobis D2&nbsp;statistics, the genotypes were divided into four different clusters and the cluster III and IV had the genotypes with the requisite traits for future improvement of yield. 
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<div>Studies on Genetic Diversity and Interdependence of Growth and Quality Traits in Cherry Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum (L.) var cerasiforme Mill.]</div>

<div>Background:&nbsp;The intended research was carried out with an aim to evaluate the differences in health promoting bioactive compounds in cherry tomato cv. Nagmoti among the different growing conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Cherry tomato cv. Nagmoti were grown under different conditions as per standard agronomic practices and harvested fruits were were analyzed for physical, biochemical and postharvest quality parameters. 
 
Result: About 1.63-fold variation in total carotenoid and 1.39-fold variation in lycopene content was recorded among the different growing structures. Highest titratable acidity (0.118%) and total phenolic content (&micro;g GAE/100g FW) was found in the shade net structures. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded in insect-proof net house (15.45 &micro;mol trolox equiv. g-1) while the least was found in open field (12.04 &micro;mol trolox equiv. g-1) condition. Walking tunnel followed by shade net and insect-proof net house was found best for the better accumulation of functional parameters.</div>

Variation in Physical and Biochemical Properties of Cherry Tomato cv. Nagmoti Grown under Different Growing Conditions

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of potassium humate and rice husk biochar on cherry tomatoes&rsquo; key soil chemical properties, yield and quality parameters.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted in the Can Tho University Department of Soil Science&rsquo;s greenhouse. Experimental soil is alluvial soil collected in Tra On, Vinh Long. Two seasons (Summer-Autumn 2020 and Autumn-Winter 2020) were used for the experiment. The experiment design was completely randomized (CRD), with two factors: 9 treatments (corresponding to 9 fertilizer formulas), 4 replications and 4 plants each. Factor A (FA) is 3 levels of biochar rice husk application: 0 tons/ha (B0), 2.5 tons/ha (B1) and 5 tons/ha (B2). Factor B (FB) is 3 levels of potassium humate: 0 kg/ha (K0), 50 kg/ha (K1) and 100 kg/ha (K2). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Department of Soil Science, Can Tho University, using alluvial soil collected from Tra On, Vinh Long. The study spanned two growing seasons (Summer-Autumn 2020 and Autumn-Winter 2020). A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with two factors and four replications. Factor A comprised three levels of rice husk biochar application: 0 tons/ha (B0), 2.5 tons/ha (B1) and 5 tons/ha (B2). Factor B consisted of three levels of potassium humate: 0 kg/ha (K0), 50 kg/ha (K1) and 100 kg/ha (K2), resulting in nine treatment combinations. Each replication contained four plants. 
 
Result: The experimental results showed that adding rice husk biochar and potassium humate improved soil P. Compared to the control (no biochar, no potassium humate), they significantly and statistically enhanced the amount of accessible nutrients (N, P and K) in the soil. The number of fruits/plants, fruit diameter, fruit yield, and percentage of Brix all significantly increased when cherry tomatoes were continuously monitored for growth, yield, and quality during both growing seasons while being treated with biochar husk and potassium humate. These results were statistically different from those of the control. The analysis of nitrate in tomato fruit showed that the nitrate of fruit was 23.45-24.94 (mg NO3-/kg fresh fruit), not exceeding the allowable threshold of 150 (mg NO3-/kg fresh fruit), and applying rice husk biochar and potassium humate significantly improved soil chemical properties compared to the control treatment. Notably, the soil&rsquo;s availability of essential nutrients (N, P and K) was enhanced. Treatments with biochar and potassium humate throughout both growing seasons resulted in statistically significant improvements in various plant parameters, including fruit number per plant, diameter, total yield, and Brix content compared to the control. Fruit nitrate content ranged from 23.45 to 24.94 mg NO3-/kg fresh weight, remaining well below the regulatory threshold of 150 mg NO3-/kg fresh weight.

Effect of Rice Husk Biochar and Potassium Humate on the Change of Soil Chemical Properties, Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Background: A biofertilizer is a product that contains living microorganisms, which, when applied to soil, plant surfaces, or seeds, establish themselves in the plant&rsquo;s rhizosphere and promote growth by providing essential nutrients. Considered an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers help minimize ecological harm. Moreover, after 3-4 years of consistent use, additional applications are unnecessary, as the original inoculants are sufficient for continued growth and multiplication. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: This study investigates the differential effects of biofertilizers on the growth, yieldand quality attributes of Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiformae) during Rabi 2019 at new horticulture nursery, Jabalpur. Thirteen treatments, incorporating combinations of Azotobacter and Pseudomonas with varying rates of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Key findings revealed that the treatment of 75% RDF combined with Azotobacter and Pseudomonas significantly enhanced growth parameters, yielding the highest plant height (35.05 cm at 30 DAT) and number of branches (24.33 at 90 DAT). Additionally, it resulted in superior phenological traits, such as the earliest flowering and highest flower clusters. Yield metrics, including fruit diameter (2.58 cm), fruit weight (11.32 g)and overall yield (1368.33 g per plant), were also maximized under this treatment. Furthermore, economic analysis showed that this combination yielded the highest gross income (Rs 248,880), net income (Rs 189,226.07) and B:C ratio (3.17). Overall, the application of biofertilizers proved beneficial for both agronomic and economic aspects of Cherry tomato cultivation.

Study on Differential Effect of Biofertilizer on Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var cerasiformae)

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of this study was to evaluate egg production in 40-week-old Hyline brown laying hens fed different forms of red ginseng marc (RGM) and fermented red koji (FRK) blend for 8 weeks. Two hundred and forty laying hens were distributed into four treatments (control, 1% RGM powder mixed with FRK, pelleted 1% RGM with FRK, and coated pellets of 1% RGM with FRK) with six replicates of ten birds each in a completely randomized design. Improvement in egg production was done by measuring hen-day egg production (HDP), egg weight (EW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg mass (EM) and Haugh unit (HU). There were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) among all treatments for HDP and FCR after 8 weeks, for EW and EM after 6 and 8 weeks, and for FI and HU from 4 weeks onward until 8 weeks of the experimental period. It was concluded that feeding coated pellet diet of 1% RGM with FRK to laying hens of 40 weeks of age improves their egg production (HDP, FCR, EM and HU) at the end of the laying period.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Egg production in laying hens receiving different forms of red ginseng and fermented red koji blend</div>

Background: Goat milk kefir is a probiotic-rich functional food with potential health benefits, yet its strong goaty aroma reduces consumer acceptance. Incorporating natural extracts rich in bioactive compounds, such as red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and black rice [Oryza sativa (L.) indica], may improve sensory quality and enhance functional properties. 
 
Methods: Synbiotic kefir was prepared from goat milk with the addition of dragon fruit, beet and black rice extracts at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%. Sensory evaluation (hedonic and hedonic quality tests) was performed by 55 semi-trained panelists. pH and viscosity were analyzed instrumentally. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric tests. 
 
Result: Extract type and concentration significantly affected color, texture, taste and overall acceptability (p&lt;0.05), but not aroma (p&gt;0.05). The best treatment was beet extract at 1.5% (E2K3), which scored highest in overall acceptability (3.51). Dragon fruit extract at 2% produced the most preferred aroma (3.53). pH values ranged from 3.80-3.93, remaining stable across treatments. Viscosity ranged from 210.88-363.63 cP, with beet extract producing the highest viscosity, while higher extract concentrations tended to reduce viscosity. Addition of beet extract at 1.5% provided the optimal balance of sensory attributes, pH stability and viscosity in goat milk synbiotic kefir. These findings highlight the potential of combining goat milk with plant-based extracts to enhance the acceptability and functionality of fermented dairy products. 
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Optimization of Red Dragon Fruit, Red Beet and Black Rice Extract Concentrations in Goat Milk Synbiotic Kefir: Effects on Organoleptic Quality, pH and Viscosity

<div>Fruits and vegetables are a rich sources of different nutrients, pigments, secondary metabolites and other nutritional components which are beneficial and fundamental components for human health. In recent years, the consumption of coloured fruits and vegetables has increased significantly due to their superior nutritional characteristics. In this context, purple tomato is now gaining importance due to the high content of the pigment anthocyanins. This article provides knowledge on 1) Tomato in general and anthocyanin-rich purple tomato, 2) Benefits of anthocyanins in plants and human diet, 3) Strategies for development of purple tomato, 4) Better postharvest life of purple tomatoes, 5) Purple tomato in India and 6) Health benefits of purple tomato. Purple tomato fruits provide higher nutraceutical value as compared to the classical red tomato as it combines the health benefits of the anthocyanins along with other usual and known phytochemicals as already present in tomato fruit. Due to higher anthocyanins and antioxidative properties, purple tomatoes possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancerous, cardio-protective, hepto-protective and neuroprotective effects. Regular consumption of purple tomatoes has also been found effective in the prevention of certain chronic diseases of humans as well. The use of conventional breeding and modern transgenic approach is paving the way for higher anthocyanin and other nutraceuticals in tomato fruits. Higher anthocyanin content has also imparted enhanced shelf-life and better storability to purple tomatoes. In the coming time, the availability and popularity of purple tomatoes in India will be beneficial for farmers, processing industries and human health. This will also serve as another step forward towards attaining nutritional security.</div>