Physio-chemical properties of two cherry tomato varieties in relation to the greenhouse environmental factors

Abstract

To prevail on the agricultural market, greenhouse grown cherry tomatoes need to meet certain quality standards. The quality can be assessed by determining several chemical and physical characteristics. The aim of the current study is to analyse such parameters of two cherry tomato varieties (Cheramy and Flaviola) in relation to their flowering stage and to the growing conditions within the greenhouse: air temperature, relative humidity and CO2 concentration. The soluble solids, titratable acidity and dry matter were determined. Furthermore, the β-carotene, lycopene and ascorbic acid contents were analysed. Tomato fruit size and firmness were also assessed. The current study illustrates a limited correlation between the environmental factors and the quality parameters. Thus, future research should be pursued for a better understanding of the effect of these climatic conditions on greenhouse grown tomatoes.