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News

Tomato content positively influenced by deficit irrigation

13/03/2018 - François-Xavier Branthôme - Lire en français
Tomatoes of the same quality as normal, but using only half the water

Experts from the Pharmacy Faculty and the Higher Technical School of Agricultural Engineering (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica – ETSIA) of the University of Seville have published a study that shows that when reducing the water used to water cherry tomato crops by more than 50%, the product not only maintains its quality, both commercially and nutritionally, but it also even increases the level of carotenoids, compounds of great interest in the food-processing industry. In addition to being natural colourings, some are Vitamin-A precursors, which are beneficial for the health and have cosmetic uses.

These findings, published in the important international review Food Chemistry, are the result of a three-year study, during which the researchers analysed two varieties of cherry tomatoes and other new types of tomatoes, in both autumn and spring cycles in ETSIA's own fields. These results are similar to those obtained in France by a group of researchers from INRA, SONITO and CTCPA in 2016 and 2017 (See also "Agronomy: less water, better fruits").

The "controlled watering deficit" approach consists in reducing as much as possible the plant’s water supply during the most resistant phase of cultivation, after increasing the supply of water at the start of the phase of cultivation, when it is most sensitive to stress.
 
"This is not about using half the water for no reason, but rather studying the water status of the plants and, knowing their needs, watering the crop in the right way and at the best time", explains the Agroforestry Sciences teacher Mireia Corell.
This methodology benefits growers, opening up new possibilities in the field of water-sustainable products that are differentiated in the market by reduced consumption of both water and energy. It also brings added-value to the consumer, who buys a better quality product in terms of nutrition and environmental sustainability.
"Consumers demand healthier food so that they can live longer and better. But it's not only a matter of increasing life expectancy. It's also about making sure that we are healthy in our old age", says Antonio J. Meléndez, a teacher in the Pharmacy Faculty at the University of Seville.

Meléndez leads a European research network called the European Network to Advance Carotenoid Research and Applications in Agro-food and Health. This network’s main objective is to advance research and innovation in the area of carotenoids via interaction and cooperation between scientists, technicians, business operators and other interested parties. He also works closely with the Ibero-American Science and Technology for Development Programme (Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo – CYTED).

Carotenoids are highly versatile compounds that are very important in areas such as agriculture, food, nutrition, health and cosmetics, among others. Therefore, the market for these compounds as food ingredients, for both humans and animals, is continually growing. Furthermore, many studies conclude that appropriate carotenoid levels in the diet can play a positive role in protecting against ocular and cardiovascular diseases and different types of cancer, among others health issues.
 
Sources: hortidaily.com, sciencedaily.com, sciencedirect.com
 
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