Beta-carotene content and its changing dynamics in nor and rin tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) genotypes

Abstract

The content of beta-carotene and its changing dynamics, was investigated in two tomato genotypes with normal ripening period (NR-1 and NR-2), in two genotypes with long shelf life (NR-10 and NR-12) and in their hybrids of F-1 and F-2 generations. The fruits were harvested 65 days after pollination, stored in controlled conditions, and measurements at the intervals of ten days. The beta-carotene content was determined by spectrometry. Significant differences were found for beta-carotene content and its changing dynamic was recorded during the shelf life. Differences were found not only between the genotypes with normal ripening period and nor and rin genotypes (10 genotypes measured three times), but also between nor and rin genotypes themselves (6 genotypes measured six times). During the storage period, beta-carotene content was increased in nor and rin genotypes, compared to the genotypes with normal ripening period, which was the effect of the long shelf life. This was also proved by the significant linear correlation coefficients in the investigated genotypes. The results of comparison of the group tendencies between nor and rin genotypes were not significant concerning the correlation between beta-carotene content and changing dynamics. This suggests that there was a great similarity between the results of these two genotypes for the investigated feature.