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Morphological, Leaf Nutrient, and Fruit Quality Characteristics of Diverse Tomato Cultivars under Organic Low-Input Management

Author

Listed:
  • Leangsrun Chea

    (Division Quality of Plant Products, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany)

  • Cut Erika

    (Division Quality of Plant Products, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany)

  • Marcel Naumann

    (Division Quality of Plant Products, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany)

  • Inga Smit

    (Division Quality of Plant Products, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany)

  • Bernd Horneburg

    (Section of Genetic Resources and Organic Plant Breeding, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
    Present Address: Section of Organic Plant Breeding and Agrobiodiversity, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany.)

  • Elke Pawelzik

    (Division Quality of Plant Products, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany)

Abstract

Increasing fruit yield and quality of tomatoes under organic low-input conditions remains a challenge for producers and breeders. Therefore, it is necessary to identify superior tomato cultivars that are suitable for production and use as parents in breeding programmes. In the present study, the variations in plant morphology and fruit quality characteristics of tomato cultivars were assessed to reveal the traits associated with improved yield and fruit quality. Sixty diverse tomato cultivars were screened in 2015, and in 2016, a subset of 20 cultivars was selected for further evaluation under organic low-input conditions. The results showed high variability among cultivars in all 28 traits that were observed. Salad cultivars had lower plant growth and fruit quality (minerals, dry matter, total soluble solids, and total phenolics) by 10–70%, but they displayed 10–60% higher fruit yield and leaf minerals than cocktail cultivars. Salad tomato cultivars with superior yield and harvest index were mainly derived from breeding for intensive indoor production. Cocktail cultivars with superior yield were mainly derived from organic and outdoor breeding programs. There was a trade-off between fruit yield and quality, indicating a challenge for simultaneous improvement of yield and quality. The importance of Mg was highlighted because of its contribution to the fruit mineral concentration and fruit quality. Cultivars superior in one trait or trait combination under organic low-input conditions were identified to be used by producers and breeders as superior cultivars to meet their production targets and breeding objectives. The importance of Mg provides a novel path for further research on improving soil-available Mg in organic tomato production to enhance fruit mineral concentration and fruit quality in general.

Suggested Citation

  • Leangsrun Chea & Cut Erika & Marcel Naumann & Inga Smit & Bernd Horneburg & Elke Pawelzik, 2021. "Morphological, Leaf Nutrient, and Fruit Quality Characteristics of Diverse Tomato Cultivars under Organic Low-Input Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:12326-:d:674553
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tiffany L. Fess & James B. Kotcon & Vagner A. Benedito, 2011. "Crop Breeding for Low Input Agriculture: A Sustainable Response to Feed a Growing World Population," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 3(10), pages 1-31, October.
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