Understanding and Predicting Tomato Cracking in Greenhouses

Greg Howard
13th July, 2024

Understanding and Predicting Tomato Cracking in Greenhouses

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Northwest A&F University investigated tomato fruit cracking in a greenhouse setting
  • Cracking rates increased when temperatures exceeded 30°C and daily temperature differences were over 20°C
  • Lower daily humidity variations (less than 20%) also aggravated fruit cracking
Tomato fruit cracking is a significant issue in agriculture, leading to substantial economic losses due to reduced market value. The recent study by Northwest A&F University aimed to investigate the environmental causes of tomato fruit cracking, the characteristics of these cracks, and their propagation prediction in a greenhouse setting[1]. This study is particularly relevant as it builds on previous research and provides new insights into mitigating this problem. Fruit cracking in tomatoes is influenced by several factors, including temperature, humidity, and the physical properties of the fruit's skin. The study utilized the Provence tomato variety and employed a fruit bagging approach to create a controlled microclimate around the fruit. This method allowed researchers to manipulate temperature and humidity to induce fruit cracking, thereby providing a controlled environment for testing. The results showed a clear correlation between environmental conditions and the rate of fruit cracking. Specifically, the cracking rate increased when the temperature exceeded 30°C and the difference between the highest and lowest daily temperatures was greater than 20°C. Additionally, the cracking rate was aggravated when the daily humidity variation was less than 20%. These findings suggest that extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity are critical factors in the occurrence of fruit cracking. The study also categorized the types of cracks observed. The proportions of top cracking, longitudinal cracking, ring cracking, radial cracking, and combined cracking were 5.4%, 16.1%, 28.3%, 26.8%, and 32.1%, respectively. The fruit shoulder was identified as the most susceptible region to cracking, followed by the fruit belly and top regions. Notably, longer cracks were observed in the fruit belly region, indicating a higher propensity for crack propagation in that area. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of the fruit's external appearance and mechanical integrity in determining consumer choice and market value[2][3]. For example, the exocarp, or outer skin of the tomato, plays a crucial role in maintaining the fruit's structural integrity during growth and ripening[3]. The cuticle, a component of the fruit skin, becomes increasingly important as a structural component, especially during the later stages of fruit maturation[3]. This study by Northwest A&F University aligns with these findings by emphasizing the role of environmental factors in affecting the mechanical properties of the fruit skin, leading to cracking. Moreover, the study's use of the fruit bagging technique to control the microenvironment around the fruit is noteworthy. Fruit bagging has been recognized as an effective method to protect fruits from various stresses and improve their overall quality[2]. However, the technique's labor-intensive nature and the need for suitable bagging materials have been challenges[2]. This study demonstrates the practical application of fruit bagging in a controlled research setting, providing valuable data on its effectiveness in mitigating fruit cracking. The researchers also developed an extended finite element method to predict the susceptibility and propagation of cracks in tomato fruit. This model was validated using the measured data, achieving a relative error of 4.68%. This predictive capability is significant as it allows for better management of environmental conditions to minimize fruit cracking. In conclusion, the study by Northwest A&F University provides comprehensive insights into the environmental causes of tomato fruit cracking and offers practical solutions for mitigating this issue. By understanding the critical role of temperature and humidity fluctuations, as well as the mechanical properties of the fruit skin, growers can adopt more effective strategies to reduce fruit cracking and improve market value. This research not only builds on previous findings but also introduces innovative methods for predicting and managing fruit cracking in tomatoes[2][3].

FruitsAgricultureEnvironment

References

Main Study

1) Investigation on the environmental causes of tomato fruit cracking and its propagation prediction in greenhouse.

Published 12th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1111/jtxs.12845

Related Studies

2) Influence of Bagging on the Development and Quality of Fruits.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020358

3) Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit growth and ripening as related to the biomechanical properties of fruit skin and isolated cuticle.

Journal: Journal of experimental botany, Issue: Vol 56, Issue 413, Mar 2005


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