Influence of Combinations of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers on Biochemical Responses of Tomato Fruits in Different Maturity Stages

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of organic and conventional fertilizers on the quality attributes of Nergis F1 tomatoes. The fertilizers tested included full-dose vermicompost (VC), organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF, 11:11:11), chemical fertilizer (CF, 20:20:20), and their combinations. Key quality parameters were assessed, including pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid (AsA), lycopene, beta-carotene, organic acids, phenolic compounds, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenols (TP), respiration rate, and ethylene production. Results showed that the OMF treatment significantly increased TSS at the red maturity stage (8.33 degrees Brix), while the highest TSS value (8.65 degrees Brix) was observed in T1, followed closely by T4. Treatments T10 and T9 also exhibited elevated TSS levels at the red and pink maturity stages, respectively. Additionally, combinations of OMF and VC positively influenced organic acid and phenolic compound concentrations. These findings highlight the potential of organic and organo-mineral fertilizers to enhance tomato quality and support sustainable agricultural practices.