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

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. 
&nbsp;

<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)

The plants viruses have been examined to study the economic losses associated with agricultural crops and the viruses that represent a focus of attention of this study, in particular the Tomato Yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and its impact on tomato productivity in Iraq. A study highlights the destroy produced by this virus, which can reach up to 100% in severe cases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the economic impact of TYLCV on tomato productivity in Iraq and to discuss integrated management strategies. It addresses the significant yield losses, which can be up to 100% in severe cases. In addition, it examines the effect of the virus on the chemical composition of fruit and reduces both nutritional value and marketing. The study emphasizes that controlling plant viruses requires integrated strategies, including development of resistant cultivars, the use of chemical, biological and agronomic control measures within an integrated management framework has been stressed as the best way to control plant viruses. It also underscores the need for enhanced scientific research and for improving farmers&rsquo; awareness. Additionally, it explores the effects of plant viruses on the chemical composition of associated plants, such as some mineral elements and plant hormones and how the plant responses resulting from the interaction of the host plant and the virus can lead to the decay of crop quality. Virus management strategies, including resistant cultivars, agricultural control methods such as the use of biological control methods and nanotechnology, in some limited cases, chemical pesticides used in a responsible manner, are discussed. Overall, this review highlights the urgent need for robust, integrated management strategies to mitigate the devastating effects of TYLCV and enhance the sustainability of tomato production in Iraq. 
&nbsp;

The Economic Impact and Integrated Management Strategies against Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV): A Review

<div style="text-align: justify;">Drying is a complex phenomenon and study of drying kinetics and modelling is very important for describing the moisture movement with respect to time and predicting the dryer performance. Considering this fact, vacuum drying characteristics of cherry pepper was studied at different drying temperatures (50, 60 and 70oC). Cherry pepper were dried from initial moisture content of about 400% (dry basis) to 13 &ndash; 14.5% (dry basis) at different temperatures at 630 mm Hg vacuum. Time required to dry cherry peppers at 50, 60 and 70p C plate temperatures were 19 h, 9.75 h and 8 h respectively. Moisture reduction of cherry pepper at various temperatures was modelled using thin-layer models viz. Lewis, Page, Modified Page and Henderson &amp; Pabis model. Based on highest value of coefficient of determination, lowest values of reduced chi square and root mean square error, Modified Page model was found to be the best fit. Moisture diffusivity increased from 6.27 &times; 10-10 to 1.9&times; 10-9m2s-1 as plate temperature increased from 50 &ndash; 70oC. Activation energy was estimated to be 50.98 kJkgmol-1.</div>

Modelling of vacuum drying of cherry pepper

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: The post-harvest tomato fruit rot disease is common threat to the tomato fruit, causing huge economic loss as revealed by (GOP, 2018). The present study was conducted for isolation and identification of causative agent of tomato fruit rot in order to formulate the proper management stretegies.&nbsp; Methods: Study was conducted in three phases. Phase one included collection of tomato fruit samples from vicinity of Tandojam. In phase two pathogens were isolated from the samples at laboratory, while in the phase three pathogens were identified using standard procedures.&nbsp; Result: The experimental results indicated Alternaria solani as the main cause of post-harvest tomato fruit rot. The symptoms observed were presence of brown to black rot lesions on tomato fruits with distinct rings ranging from small pin-heads to whole surface of fruit. A total of six different fungi viz., Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria solani, Geotrichum candidum, Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizopus stolonifer were found to be associated with post harvest tomato rot. Significantly higher infection was recorded for A. solani (53.667%) followed by A. niger (16.333%) and G. candidum (13.00%). The lowest infection percentage was observed for F. oxysporum (2.333%), followed by A. alternata (4.00%) and R. stolonifer (9.00%). A. solani produced aerial mycelium with yellowish to reddish diffusible pigments. A. niger cultures were typically black and colonies were initially whitish to yellow and later became brown to black in colour. G. candidum produced white and nonaerial colonies. F. oxysporum produced circular, aerial mycelium initially white, later changed to light pink. R. stolonifer produced whitish to grey fuzzy colonies.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Isolation and Identification of the Fungi Causing Tomato Fruit Rot Disease in the Vicinity of Tandojam, Sindh</div>

<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>

Purple Tomato - Importance and Scope: A Review

<div>Background: The growing world population has led to a rising demand for food. Tomatoes, a staple in global diets, are widely used in fresh consumption, sauces and processed products. However, tomato diseases pose a major challenge, significantly reducing yield and crop quality. Timely and accurate identification of these diseases is essential for effective management. This study uses advancements in deep learning to develop a Convolutional Neural Network model. The model classifies tomato leaf conditions into five categories: Healthy leaves (HC), two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD), tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and target spot (TS). 
 
Methods: The study utilized a publicly available dataset from Mendeley. Images were preprocessed by resizing, reorienting and enhancing quality, ensuring compatibility with the CNN model. The dataset was divided into an 80:20 ratio for training and validation. The CNN architecture consisted of six convolutional layers with ReLU activation, max-pooling layers and two fully connected layers for classification. Model performance was evaluated using Precision, Recall, F1-score and accuracy metrics. 
 
Result: The CNN model achieved a training accuracy of 93.51% and a validation accuracy of 94.83%. TYLCD had the highest classification precision (98.67%) and recall (99.8%). Overall model accuracy was 95.7%, with macro-average and weighted-average F1-scores of 0.9264 and 0.9567, respectively. The confusion matrix highlighted TYLCD as the most accurately classified disease, while TSSM showed the highest misclassification rate. These results demonstrate the model&rsquo;s potential for reliable tomato disease identification, supporting precision agriculture practices.</div>