Improvement of antioxidant and defense properties of Tomato (var. Pusa Rohini) by application of bioaugmented compost

Abstract

Nutrient management practices play a significant role in improving the nutritional quality of tomato. The present study deals with the evaluation of compost prepared using Effective Microorganisms (EM), on antioxidant and defense enzyme activities of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). A field experiment with five treatments (control, chemical fertilizer and EM compost alone and in combination) was conducted in randomized block design. An increment of 31.83% in tomato yield was recorded with the combined use of EM compost and half recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (N50P30K25 + EM compost at the rate of 5 t ha(-1)). Similarly, fruit quality was improved in terms of lycopene content (35.52%), antioxidant activity (24-63%) and defense enzymes activity (11-54%), in tomatoes in this treatment as compared to the application of recommended dose of fertilizers. Soil microbiological parameters also exhibited an increase of 7-31% in the enzyme activities in this treatment. Significant correlation among fruit quality parameters with soil microbiological activities reveals the positive impact of EM compost which may be adopted as an eco-friendly strategy for production of high quality edible products.

Tomato Quality from Organic and Conventional Production in the Selected Area of Dharan, Sunsari, Nepal

“…Ascorbic acid content in organically fertilized tomatoes ranges between 29% and 31% (Verma et al, 2015), which is higher than the results obtained from tomatoes that were fertilized with mineral solutions.…”

Earthworm Grazed-Trichoderma harzianum Biofortified Spent Mushroom Substrates Modulate Accumulation of Natural Antioxidants and Bio-Fortification of Mineral Nutrients in Tomato

“…While investigating the impact of nitrogen and bioinoculant Bacillus licheniformis , Ochoa-Velasco et al (2016) have reported a positive effect of application of B. licheniformis on vitamin C and lycopene content in tomato. Similarly, enhancement in quality parameters of tomato due to the application of bio-augmented compost with effective microorganisms was reported by Verma et al (2015) . Currently, increased attention is being paid to evaluate the role of antioxidants in human diet and health ( Singh et al, 2013c ).…”

The Optimization of Nitrogen Fertilization Regulates Crop Performance and Quality of Processing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Heinz 3402)

“…Another aspect to be considered is the firmer and probably thicker skin of fruit with the control treatment, since according to Vinha et al [91] and Toor and Savage [92], skins contain significant amounts of lycopene. Moreover, Verma et al [93] suggested a significant variation of lycopene content in processing tomato fruit under different nutrient management practices, such as using composts, effective microorganisms and chemical fertilizers. Similarly, Zhang et al [94] reported that nitrogen fertilizers mixed with manure resulted in the highest amounts of β-carotene, while they suggested a positive correlation of nitrogen rates with β-carotene content.…”