Effect of pre‐harvest harpin and modified atmosphere packaging on quality of cherry tomato cultivars “Alona” and “Cluster”

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this research is to determine the effects of pre‐harvest harpin (H) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the storage and fruit quality of cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cvs. “Alona” and “Cluster”).Design/methodology/approachH was used at 50 g 100 l‐1 concentration. First application was done on the seedlings in 3‐4 leaf stages and the other four applications were repeated at 20‐day intervals. Then, treated and untreated fruits were stored in plastic film materials with various O2 and CO2 permeabilities.FindingsWeight loss was significantly higher in tomatoes stored under normal atmosphere (NA) compared to MAP. Initial total soluble solids of 3‐4 percent increased to 7‐9 percent in without H (WH)+NA. Firmness was measured as 0.44 (“Alona”) and 1.20 kg (“Cluster”) in H+NA and 0.17 (“Alona”) and 0.30 kg (“Cluster”) in WH+NA at the end of storage. The acidity and ascorbic acid contents of tomatoes decreased during storage. Between H and WH treatments the levels of lycopene and β‐carotene were different significantly. At the end of the study, H gave successful results in both cultivars. This success was even higher especially when the H was combined with MAP. This combination slowed down the changes in TSS, firmness values. Therefore, H+50μ PE (polyethylene) treatment was effective with regard to delaying the maturity along the storage and fruit quality in cherry tomatoes.Originality/valueHe is a plant activator. It is the first bacterial hypersensitive response (HR)‐elicitor characterized. Effectiveness of H is evaluated on quality changes in treated cherry tomato fruits.

Effect of active modified atmosphere and cold storage on the postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes

“…The authors showed that the small grape tomatoes are very susceptible to water loss during handling and storage, which also contributes to a decrease in quality. Akbudak et al (2012) evaluated weight loss of cherry tomatoes in passive MAP using plastic film materials with various O 2 and CO 2 permeabilities and found that weight loss was significantly higher in tomatoes stored under normal atmosphere (NA) compared to MAP. In a similar study, Aguayo et al (2004) determined that the weight loss was lower in tomatoes wrapped with plastic film material -i.e., those whose atmospheric combinations were altered -compared with those stored unwrapped.…”

“…Storage of pink 'Buffalo' tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) in 4% O 2 + 2% CO 2 at 12 C contributed to extending their shelf life (Nunes et al, 1996). In contrast, Ratanachinakorn et al (1997) found that pink 'Bermuda' tomatoes were not harmed by exposure to 0.5% O 2 for 1 day or 80% CO 2 for 2 days at 22 C. Akbudak et al (2012) studied the effect of a bioactivator derived from Erwinia amylovora, called harpin (H), and passive modified atmosphere packaging on cherry tomato quality. The authors found that these treatments were effective in retaining fruit quality.…”

“…2. Firmness of cherry tomatoes stored in modified atmosphere package (MAP) containing 5% O 2 , 5% CO 2 and 90% N 2 and atmosphere containing synthetic air (control) for 25 days at 5 o C. which controls the activities of these enzymes especially with MAP treatment (Akbudak et al, 2012). Low respiration rate can limit the activities of these enzymes and allow retention of firmness during storage (Salunkhe et al, 1991).…”

Postharvest Handling Practices and Treatment Methods for Tomato Handlers in Developing Countries: A Mini Review

“…Excessive field heat gives rise to an undesirable increase in metabolic activity and immediate cooling after harvest is therefore important [24]. Precooling minimises the effect of microbial activity, metabolic activity, respiration rate, and ethylene production [25], whilst reducing the ripening rate, water loss, and decay, thereby preserving quality and extending shelf life of harvested tomatoes [26].…”

Postharvest Handling of Indigenous and Underutilized Fruits in Trinidad and Tobago

“…This increases the metabolic activity that should be reduced immediately after harvest. Pre-cooling minimizes the efect of microbial activity, metabolic activity, respiration rate, and ethylene production [8,9].…”