Changes in the Biochemical Composition of Tomato Fruit under the Influence of Illumination Quality
Key Engineering Materials. Vol.850: Materials Science and Applied Chemistry III: Selected peer-reviewed papers from 60th International Scientific Conference of Riga Technical University (RTU). Section of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry (MSAC 2019). 2020
Ieva Erdberga, Ina Alsiņa, Laila Dubova, Māra Dūma, Daiga Sergejeva, Ingrīda Augšpole, Ansis Avotiņš

Tomatoes are one of the most consumed vegetables in the world. Unfortunately, obtaining a high quality tomato yield in our latitudes is inconceivable without additional lighting. Changes in biochemical composition are mainly dependent on the light received by the plant. During winter months, natural daylight at 55° latitude is insufficient for fruit-bearing vegetables. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in the biochemical composition of tomato fruits if less conventional lighting methods are used. This approach could offer potential energy savings by providing higher levels of biologically active substances in tomatoes. The study was conducted in a greenhouse at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies during the 2018-2019 winter season 2018-2019, using a 16-hour photoperiod. LED, induction, and high pressure sodium lamps (as control) were used in the study. These lighting devices, with some differences, simulate daylight. Three tomato cultivars: ‘Diamont F1’, Encor F1’, and ‘Balzano F1’ were studied. The study included tomato yield and the following biochemical parameters: soluble sugars (BRIX), vitamin C, organic acids, lycopene, carotenoids, phenols, and flavonoids. As expected, the yield and species-specific pigment content of tomato fruit is largely dependent on the genetics of the variety. On the other hand, biologically active compounds such as organic acids, soluble sugars, vitamin C, and flavonoids undergo more changes due to the composition of light. The obtained biochemical parameters give an opportunity to consider different illumination methods. It is needed to carry out further studies in order to confirm the conclusions. Significantly higher yields were observed if conventional high pressure sodium lamps were used. But it also should be noted that, if LED lamps were used, higher content of lycopene, phenols, and vitamin C were observed.


Keywords
Carotenoids | Flavonoids | Lycopene | Phenols | Spectral composition
DOI
10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.850.172
Hyperlink
https://www.scientific.net/KEM.850.172

Erdberga, I., Alsiņa, I., Dubova, L., Dūma, M., Sergejeva, D., Augšpole, I., Avotiņš, A. Changes in the Biochemical Composition of Tomato Fruit under the Influence of Illumination Quality. Key Engineering Materials, 2020, Vol. 850, pp.172-178. ISSN 1013-9826. e-ISSN 1662-9795. Available from: doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.850.172

Publication language
English (en)
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