Impacts of different growing media on the quality traits and phytochemical compounds of tomato throughout cold storage

Abstract

Purpose and Methods; The main aim of the study was to assess the effects of different growing media [tomato stalk waste (TSW) and pre-treated tomato stalk waste (PTSW)] prepared from tomato waste developed as an alternative to commercial growing media (cocopeat and peat + perlite) used in soilless culture on quality traits and phytochemical compounds of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. 'Bandita F1') during cold storage. The fruit was stored at 8 ± 0.5°C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (R.H.) for 14 d.Results; During cold storage, the lowest weight loss was detected in TSW, the lowest respiration rate in peat + perlite treatment. The firmness of tomato fruit grown in cocopeat and PTSW media was higher than that of peat + perlite and TSW. At harvest and day 7, a* value (redness) of peat + perlite and PTSW treatments were higher than the TSW treatment. In all measurement periods, TSW treatment had higher soluble solids, titratable acidity and vitamin C content than peat + perlite treatment. Total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were higher in TSW, PTSW and peat + perlite treatments than in cocopeat.Conclusions; As a result, it can be stated that TSW and PTSW media can be used as a growing medium to delay weight loss and maintain the quality of tomato fruit during cold storage.