Changes in Carotenoid and Ascorbic Acid Contents in Fruits of Different Tomato Genotypes Related to the Depletion of UV-B Radiation

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate if the depletion of UV-B radiation affected the most representative carotenoids as well as the ascorbic acid content in tomato fruits, harvested at both breaker and firm red stages. To do this, three tomato genotypes, DRW 5981, HP 1, and Esperanza, were grown inside a greenhouse either covered with polyethylene transparent to UV-B or depleted of UV-B by a special covering film. The antioxidant properties of the fruits were evaluated on the water-insoluble fractions according to the ABTS method. UV-B effect on antioxidant activity was negligible in DRW and HP 1 genotypes, whereas it was detrimental in Esperanza at both ripening stages. This genotype seems to have a negligible capability of accumulating carotenoids and a great susceptibility to detrimental effects of UV-B; conversely, the DRW genotype shows high carotenoid levels under sunlight conditions and a further promotion by UV-B. On the other hand, the HP 1 mutant displays an intermediate behavior and represents the only genotype favored by UV-B with respect to ascorbic acid accumulation.

Flavonoid Profiling and Biosynthetic Gene Expression in Flesh and Peel of Two Tomato Genotypes Grown under UV-B-Depleted Conditions during Ripening

“…Similarly to what was previously found for carotenoids on the whole fruits (26), Esperanza showed in the peel a lower amount of total flavonoids than DRW 5981, thus indicating a lower capability of this genotype to accumulate both carotenoids and flavonoids (Table 1). Furthermore, both genotypes showed an accumulation pattern of these polyphenolic compounds in the peel similar to that observed for carotenoids in the whole control fruit (26).…”

“…Furthermore, both genotypes showed an accumulation pattern of these polyphenolic compounds in the peel similar to that observed for carotenoids in the whole control fruit (26).…”

Carotene and provitamin A content of vegetables sold in Viçosa, MG, Brazil, during spring and winter

“…Analysis should consider the different types of commercialization of vegetables, including the location of cultivation, harvest conditions, duration and type of storage and exposure for sale, in addition to stage of maturation, varieties, effect of chemical products, and distribution in the plant (Giuntini et al, 2005; AlmeidaMuradian, Penteado, 2003;Rodriguez-Amaya, 2000;Amaya-Farfan, 1999;Olson, 1999). One or more factors may have influenced the carotene content of the samples analyzed, since this study was conducted under real conditions of vegetable commercialization in the absence of control for the parameters described above.…”

Bioactive compounds and physical and chemical characteristics of mini tomatoes: influence of postharvest treatments

“…Particularly lycopene and β-carotene represent the major carotenoids of ripe tomatoes which are responsible for the characteristic color of them, conferring red and orange colors, respectively (LIU et al, 2009). In addition to influence the quality perception of fresh tomatoes, which is directly related to their marketing value (TIJSKENS; EVELO, 1994), there are plentiful evidences that these health-promoting compounds have become a decisive parameter of quality for consumers of fruits and vegetables (GIUNTINI et al, 2005;FIGUEIREDO et al, 2014).…”