Fruit ripening and postharvest changes in very early-harvested tomatoes

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Premature fruit harvesting typically hinders development and quality.
• Limited research exists on the postharvest maturation and ripening of very early-picked fruits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular, physiological, and biochemical effects of early tomato harvesting.
• To understand the potential for postharvest development and seed viability in prematurely harvested tomatoes.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of tomato accessions at molecular, physiological, and biochemical levels.
• Analysis of pigment and cuticle formation.
• Assessment of seed germination and plant development.

Main Results:

• Very early-harvested tomatoes can undergo postharvest maturation and ripening.
• Defects in pigment and cuticle formation were observed in early-harvested fruits.
• Seeds from early-harvested tomatoes successfully germinated and developed into healthy plants.
• The SlCER1-2 gene was identified as a key regulator of cuticle integrity, contributing to defects.

Conclusions:

• Postharvest ripening and seed development are possible even with very early fruit harvest.
• The genetic and physiological programs for maturation and ripening are initiated early in fruit development.
• These programs are not solely dependent on complete fruit expansion or plant attachment.