Effect of ripening media and season on postharvest quality of three tomato varieties.

Abstract: Studies were conducted during the early and late seasons of 2001/02 in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, to examine the postharvest quality of fruits of three tomato cultivars (Roma VF, Ibadan Local and NHLe 158-13) ripened on the parent plant, transparent polyethylene, black polyethylene and laboratory tabletop. Cracking resistance was tested by dropping the fruits on a concrete floor from different vertical heights (50 to 275 cm). The height at which 50% of the fruits cracker (CH50) was 100-125 cm for Ibadan Local, 150 cm for Roma VF and 220 cm for NHLe 158-13. Ripening method and harvesting season had no significant effect on the cracking tendency of the tomato cultivars. Lycopene, crude fibre and ascorbic acid contents were significantly higher in fruits harvested during the late season than the early season. All three quality parameters as well as moisture content were significantly higher in fruits ripened on the parent plant than the other ripening methods. Ether extract content was neither affected by cultivar nor se