Delving into the Bioactive and Nutritional Compounds in Bolivian Accessions of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Fruits: Relationship with Genetic, Phenotypic, and Origin Indicators

Abstract

Bolivia is one of the centers of origin of tomatoes. As a result, a wide array of tomatoes exists in the country, containing a variety of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for plants and human consumption. Here, we evaluated, by the use of high performance liquid chromatography−diode array detection−mass spectrometry (HPLC−DAD−MS), 29 accessions from the Bolivian gene bank for content and effects of indicators on polyamines, carotenoids, vitamin C, and their relationships. The content of the bioactive compounds varied significantly (2−500-fold) among accessions with the exception of lutein, spermidine, and spermine. Among the indicators, specifically, the 'genotype group' and the 'locality of origin' had a relationship with the content of carotenoids and vitamin C. However, despite the large variation in bioactive compounds among the genotypes, few determinants of this phenomenon were identified in the present study. Therefore, to distinguish genotypes that produce large amounts of bioactive compounds for breeding purposes or product development, broad-based screening is necessary instead of focusing on indicators or determinants.