Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-31863

Influence of soil moisture levels and packaging on postharvest qualities of tomato

J.N. AguyohA.M. OpiyoC.I. Sibomana

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Abstract

94 words

Plants respond to reduced soil water availability without experiencing any detectable change in shoot-water relations. The tomato seedlings (cv. ‘Moneymaker’) were planted in plastic pots under greenhouse conditions under five different soil moisture levels (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the pot capacity). They were then assessed for postharvest qualities including use of different types of packaging [non-packaged (control), perforated and non-perforated high density polythene bag (HDPE)]. Plant growth and yield were reduced due to moisture stress but postharvest qualities were enhanced. Packaging positively influenced tomato fruit quality and extended tomato shelf life.

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