Functional Quality of Improved Tomato Genotypes Grown in Open Field and in Plastic Tunnel under Organic Farming

In response to urgent demand to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of tomato consumption and to advocate for healthy diets through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, this study is intended to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle, sharing the best practices of production and consumption. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of the growing system (field vs. plastic tunnel) and of genotype characteristics for organic improved tomato genotypes. The research was carried out in the 2019 and 2020 years on eight improved tomato genotypes. The results showed that the ascorbic acid content presented higher values for organic tomatoes cultivated in the field for all genotypes studied, with an upper limit of 18.57 mg.100 g(-1) FW. In contrast, the content in beta-carotene and lycopene showed higher values for genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were noticed concerning the mean values of all genotypes according to cultivation conditions (field vs. plastic tunnel) for most parameters excepting total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturity index (MI) and flavor index (FI). This highlights the major importance of the selection of some genotypes of tomatoes that respond positively to the organic cultivation system in terms of the presence of the antioxidants compounds (vitamin C, lycopene, and carotene) in representative quantities. Genotype 3 is highlighted by the highest content in carotene (7.4 mg.100 g(-1) F.W.) and lycopene (8.4 mg.100 g(-1) F.W.) and genotype 5 by the highest content in vitamin C (16.8 mg.100 g(-1) F.W.). The results of the study suggest that by applying appropriate techniques for growing organic tomatoes in the plastic tunnel system, the antioxidant substrate can be optimized compared to the results obtained for the field system.

Automated summary

This study aimed to promote healthy and balanced lifestyle through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, comparing the effects of field vs. plastic tunnel growing systems on organic improved tomato genotypes. Results showed higher values of ascorbic acid in field-cultivated tomatoes, while beta-carotene and lycopene content were higher in genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were observed in most parameters between cultivation conditions, highlighting the importance of selecting genotypes that respond positively to organic cultivation in terms of antioxidant compounds.