Regulated deficit irrigation and partial root-zone drying irrigation impact bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in two select tomato cultivars

Publication Type
Journal contribution (peer reviewed)
Authors
Bogale, A; Nagle, M; Latif, S; Aguila, M; Müller, J
Year of publication
2016
Published in
Scientia Horticulturae
Editor
Science Direct
Band/Volume
213/
DOI
10.1016/j.scienta.2016.10.029
Page (from - to)
115-124
Keywords
deficit irrigation, Lycopene, phenolic contents, Vitamin C
Abstract

Since drought stress and low WUE both influence fruit quality, the corresponding relationship between water supply and synthesis of bioactive compounds requires investigation. In this study, the effect of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root-zone drying irrigation (PRD) techniques on the lycopene, β-carotene, vitamin C, and total phenolic (TPC) contents in two tomato cultivars (Matina and Cochoro) were investigated. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP and TEAC assays. Deficit irrigation treatments affected plant growth as well as yield, quality, and antioxidant contents of fruits. However, the effects on content of antioxidants were cultivar-dependent. Vitamin C and lycopene contents in Matina significantly increased, while values decreased in Cochoro under both PRD and RDI. TPC and β-carotene contents increased in both cultivars, but a greater increment of TPC (+88.1%fw) was recorded in Cochoro. Overall, vitamin C and TPC were found to be the main contributors to the total antioxidant activity in fruits. The study suggested that choice of appropriate cultivars subjected to deficit irrigation strategies can significantly influence the bioactive compounds, particularly vitamin C, lycopene, and TPC.

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