Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the management of the nutrient solution concentrations used in the fertigation of table tomatoes cultivated in a protected environment, on postharvest quality. The treatments consisted of managing the nutrient solution based on the electrical conductivity (EC) and individual ionic concentrations (IC) in the leached solution at the levels of 1.6 and 3.2 dS m-1. The fruits were evaluated for their macromineral contents, total soluble solids (TSS), vitamin C, total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants. The N, P and S contents were higher for management of the nutrient solution based on the IC, regardless of the initial ion concentrations. The K and Ca contents showed interaction effects between the forms of management and ion concentrations, while the Mg content was not influenced by the factors studied. The vitamin C content and antioxidant activity were higher for management of the solution based on EC, while total phenols and flavonoids were greater for management based on IC. The type of management and the nutrient solution concentration used in fertigation affect the postharvest quality of tomato fruits.
Keywords:
Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.; Fertigation; Minerals; Phenols; Flavonoids; Antioxidants