Fertilizer type and harvest maturity index on nutritive content and proximate composition of tomato fruit

ABSTRACT

There may be a link between pre-harvest treatment and the post-harvest quality traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) fruit. The experiment was undertaken to determine the relationship between year of production, fertilizer type, and fruit-ripening index on nutritive and biochemical contents of tomato fruits sourced from the Directorate of University Farms, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Data were collected on: proximate content, total soluble solids (TSS), Vitamin C, lycopene, pH and β-carotene. Fruits harvested at full ripe stage had the highest ash, moisture content, crude fiber, crude protein, fat, ß-carotene, TSS and Vitamin C contents. Year of production did not affect proximate content except for crude fiber. Fertilizer type did not affect proximate content except for ash content. Harvest maturity stage influenced proximate, nutritive, and biochemical content of tomato fruit. Fertilizer type used for cultivation and the stage of maturity at harvest are important factors determining tomato fruit nutritive contents and proximate composition. Knowledge of the right stage of maturity at harvest will affect supply of good quality tomato for the fresh market and food processing.

KEYWORDS:

• Solanum lycopersicum
• crude fiber
• lycopene
• total soluble solids
• Vitamin C