The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of humic substances and of different organic substrates on the textural quality of tomato fruit of the Vênus hybrid, in a protected environment. Four types of substrates were used: coconut fiber; coconut fiber and carbonized coffee husk 1/3 (v/v); coconut fiber and carbonized coffee husk 2/3 (v/v); and carbonized coffee husk. The humic substances (humic acid, 10% + fulvic acid, 10,2%) dosages of 0, 20, 40 and 80 L ha-1 were applied onto the substrates fortnightly from the eighth day after transplanting. The experimental design was in randomized block in a 4x4 factorial arrangement. Evaluations were done for fruit firmness, percentage of pectin solubilization, and enzymatic activity (pectinmethylesterase and polygalacturonase). Different enzymatic activities of pectinmethylesterase and polygalacturonase were observed according to the doses of humic substances added to the different substrates. The humic substances dosage effects of the humic substances in fruit firmness, pectin solubility and enzymatic activity were dependent upon the substrate used. Fruit grown in coconut fiber had an increase in firmness and a reduction in the percentage of pectin solubilization with the application of increasing doses of humic substances.
Lycopersicon esculentum; humic substances; enzymatic activity; firmness; pectic solubilizing
