Responses of tomato hybrid cultivars to soil application of humic acid under greenhouse conditions

Responses of three tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hybrids viz. 'Luanova', 'Savarona' and 'Tessera' to various doses (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g L-1) of soil application of humic acid (HA) were evaluated in terms of plant growth, productivity and quality of fruits, under greenhouse conditions, during 2011-12 and 2012-13. In addition to improved quality characteristics, higher values for yield and yield components were recorded for tomato fruits harvested from plants of 'Tessera' cultivar compared to those harvested from other hybrids tested, regardless of growing seasons. Plants from 'Luanova' cultivar were, however, earlier in fruiting with higher number of fruits per plant. Soil application of HA presented positive effects on yield and physicochemical quality of tomato fruits irrespective of the dose of HA and the cultivar investigated, in both seasons. Soil application of HA at higher dose 1.5 g L-1 exhibited better results in all the three tomato cultivars tested, in terms of their vegetative and reproductive growth, and significantly improved the physicochemical quality of their fruits. Conclusively, the tomato hybrid 'Tessera' was found suitable for cultivation under greenhouse conditions while soil application of aqueous solution of HA @ 1.5 g L-1 substantially resulted in higher production of quality tomato fruits.

The usage of niche seeds flour in cupcake production technology

Flour confectionery products occupy an important place in the diet of the population of our country, and the world and are in great demand. A significant disadvantage of this group of products is the low content of vital essential substances, such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, etc., and the high content of carbohydrates and lipids. Demand for these products necessitates the need to adjust the chemical composition of these foods. One of the most famous representatives of flour confectionery is cupcakes. In the recipes of cupcakes, the largest share occupies such types of refined raw materials like wheat flour, granulated sugar, fats, which cause an imbalance in their chemical composition, low nutritional value, and high caloric content. As biologically active additives of plant origin, flour from the seeds of various niche crops (flax, hemp, sesame, amaranth, etc.) can be added to the cupcake recipe. After all, this type of raw material is valuable for its composition (the content of proteins, fats, essential amino acids, and fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, etc.) and health properties. The recipe for cupcakes enriched with flour from the seeds of niche crops has been developed. The prototype for the study was chosen recipe for the cake “Stolychnyi”. Hemp, flax, pumpkin, and sesame flour were chosen as raw materials. Organoleptic, physicochemical quality indicators, nutritional, and energy value of finished products are determined. Based on the results of the organoleptic evaluation of cupcake samples, determination of their physicochemical quality indicators, comparison with the production sample, we recommended the introduction of a cupcake enriched with low-fat hemp flour. The protein content in this sample was 8.85 g/100 g, fat – 17.83 g/100 g, carbohydrates – 51.8 g/100 g, energy value – 396.85 kCal / 100 g of product. Due to the functional properties of hemp flour, the resulting product can be attributed to health products.

Suitability of bio-extracts with coating materials on physicochemical quality of tomato fruits (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) stored at ambient temperature

Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L. (or) Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is being a very nutritious and health protective food, are highly perishable nature. Its sensitivity to postharvest loss due to poor handling, diseases and physical injury limits its successful marketing. Therefore, simple technology is required to reduce the postharvest loss of this commodity. The use of edible coatings with bio-extracts appears to be a good alternative preservation technique to extend the mature tomato fruits. This study was, therefore, initiated to investigate the effect of using bio- extracts garlic bulba and capsicum incorporation with coating materials (maize starch and beeswax on physicochemical quality of tomato fruit stored at ambient conditions (temperature 15.5 to 20.2oC and relative humidity of 55.5 to 67.3%). The experiment was conducted using complete randomized design of two varieties (Fetane and Melkashola) and six treatments. The tomato fruits were coated by dipping into solution for 3 minutes. The treatments prepared were on coating solution of MGE( 9.5% maize starch with 0.5% garlic extract), MCE (9.5% maize starch with 0.5% capsicum extract), BCE (9.5% beewax mixed with 0.5% capsicum extract), BGE (9.5% beewax mixed with 0.5% garlic extract), 10% maize starch without bio-extract, 10% beewax without bio- extract and control. The treatment means were tested at significance level of P ≤ 0.05. The effectiveness of bio-extracts with coating materials on physicochemical quality of tomato fruits were evaluated at three days intervals for 30 days. There was a significance difference (P<0.05) between coated and uncoated fruits. All coatings delayed tomato ripening and improved the keeping quality parameters but best results were exhibited by 9.5% with 0.5% BCE followed by 9.5% with 0.5% MGE by maintaining the mature tomato fruit for 30 days. The study showed that the Fetane variety has maintained more quality attribute than Melkashola variety during storage.