The Yield and Diseases-Pest Performance of Breeding Materials for Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) Sourced from Different Exotic Sources

A study was conducted with 36 tomato germplasm [PGRC (19), The Netherlands (7), Japan (2), and Bangladesh (9)] with 3 check varieties in the research field of the Olericulture Division of Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur during the winter season of 2022-23 to identify promising tomato breeding germplasm. All the germplasm showed differences in most of the parameters studied. Considerable variation was observed for fruit yield per hectare varied from 39 to 144 tons, while the highest fruit yield per hectare was harvested from the germplasm viz., BD 7759B, BD 7757, BD 7751, BD 7301, QM, BD 7759A, BD 7762, QF, BD 7753, BD 8886, BD 10351, NL-1A, SLA-19. The number of locules, total soluble solids (TSS) and plant height at last harvest varied from 2 to 6.6, 2.6 to 5.9%, and 66 to 154cm, respectively. The TYLCV infection (%) and leaf-sucking pest infestation (%) were observed with a 1 to 20% range in the field condition in both cases. So, we can select that germplasm has zero per cent infestation. Considering the plant growth habit, earliness, different yield contributing horticultural traits, virus and pest infestation thirteen germplasm viz., BD 7759B, BD 7757, BD 7751, BD 7301, QM, BD 7759A, BD 7762, QF, BD 7753, BD 8886, BD 10351, NL-1A, SLA-19 were selected as breeding materials for further tomato improvement program.

Study on Salinity Tolerance of Tomatoes during Seed Germination under Different Salt Stress Conditions

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide the theoretical basis for screening and utilizing salt-tolerant tomato varieties as well as for cultivating salt-resistance.[Method] Salinity tolerance of tomato during seed germination under simple salt sodium chloride and double salt calcium nitrate or sodium chloride stress were studied by Petri dish culturing.[Result] As the two kinds salt concentration increased,the germination regularity,the germination rate,the germination index and the growing vigor index of tomato seedlings decreased,but the germination losing rate increased.When salt concentration was from 0.2% to 0.4%,there was little difference among all indexes under two kinds of salt stress.However,when salt concentration was from 0.6% to 1.0%,the difference among all indexes under two kinds of salt stress was significant.[Conclusion] Salinity tolerance of tomato seeds under double salt calcium nitrate or sodium chloride stress was higher than that under simple salt sodium chloride stress.

Studies on the Inheritance of Locule Formation in Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

To fully understand the tomato ovary locule formation of inheritance, two varieties, ovary multi-locule （MLK1） and few-locule （FL1）, were used in these studies. Using reciprocal cross, self-cross, and backcross, we have constructed various groups to seek the genetic law and mechanisms of tomato locule formation, for modifying the tomato breeding theory. The parental and the resulting FI and F2 generations have been used to examine the heredity of the locule number. The results showed that few-locule was incompletely dominant. The data from backcross demonstrated a significant effect on the locule number, whereas, the reciprocal cross showed an insignificant effect. Not surprisingly, the locule number was controlled by nuclear genomes, not by exogenous substances. The model that inherited the locule number belonged to the additive-dominant model： additive effects played a very important role and were partially dominant. In addition, the results revealed that the locule number in tomato was mainly controlled by a single gene, whereas, it was modulated by a number of other genes. Finally, the general inheritability and narrow inheritability of the locule number were 69.44% and 52.98%, respectively.

Exogenous GSH protects tomatoes against salt stress by modulating photosystem Ⅱ efficiency, absorbed light allocation and H2O2-scavenging system in chloroplasts

The effects of exogenous GSH（reduced glutathione）on photosynthetic characteristics,photosystem Ⅱ efficiency,absorbed light energy allocation and the H2O2-scavenging system in chloroplasts of salt-stressed tomato（Solanum lycopersicum L.）seedlings were studied using hydroponic experiments in a greenhouse.Application of exogenous GSH ameliorated saline-induced growth inhibition,the disturbed balance of Na＋ and Cl- ions and Na＋/K＋ ratios,and the reduction of the net photosynthetic rate（Pn）.GSH also increased the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ（Fv/Fm）,the electron transport rate（ETR）,the photochemical quenching coefficient（qP）,and the non-photochemical quenching coefficient（NPQ）.In addition,GSH application increased the photochemical quantum yield（Y（Ⅱ））and relative deviation from full balance between the photosystems（β/α-1）and decreased the PSⅡ excitation pressure（1-qP）and quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation（Y（NO））in leaves of salt-stressed tomatoes without BSO（L-buthionine-sulfoximine,an inhibitor of key GSH synthesis enzymeγ-glutamylcysteine synthetase）or with BSO.Further,the addition of GSH depressed the accumulation of H2O2 and malondialdehyde（MDA）,induced the redistribution of absorbed light energy in PSⅡ reaction centers,and improved the endogenous GSH content,GSH/GSSH ratio and activities of H2O2-scavenging enzymes（including superoxidase dismutase（SOD）,catalase（CAT）,peroxidase（POD）and key enzymes in the AsA-GSH cycle and Grx system）in the chloroplasts of salt-stressed plants with or without BSO.Therefore,GSH application alleviates inhibition of salt-induced growth and photosynthesis mainly by overcoming stomatal limitations,improving the PSⅡ efficiency,and balancing the uneven distribution of light energy to reduce the risk of ROS generation and to mediate chloroplast redox homeostasis and the antioxidant defense system to protect the chloroplasts from oxidative damage.Thus,GSH may be used as a potential tool for alleviating salt stress in tomato plants.

Correlation Between Endogenous Hormones of Stem Apices and Fruit Locule Numbers in Tomatoes During Floral Bud Differentiation Stages

The study was designed to elucidate the changes in the endogenous hormones of stem apices in tomatoes and the function of correlative endogenous hormones in tomatoes during floral bud differentiation stages. The tomato parents were crossed and reverse crossed by using two inbred lines of multi-locule （MLK1） and few-locule （FL1） with significant difference, and the relationship between endogenous hormones GA3, IAA, and ABA levels and ovary locule numbers of parents and progeny during floral bud differentiation initial stage, floral bud differentiation stage, sepal petal formation stage, carpel formation initial stage, and ovary locule complete formation stage was studied. GA3 levels in P1, P2, F1, and RF1 were consistent with locule numbers, and IAA and ABA levels were reverse to ovary locule numbers during the key stage. The correlation showed that, during sepal petal formation stage, the ovary locule numbers were positively correlated with GA3, GA3/IAA, and GA3/ABA, and were negatively correlated with IAA and ABA. It was speculated that increasing GA3 levels or decreasing IAA and ABA levels of stem apices in tomato might be able to enhance ovary locule numbers. The sepal petal formation stage was an important stage which regulated endogenous hormones in the ovary locule formation.

Effect of Different Calcium Levels on Growth,Yield and Fruit Quality of Tomatoes in Substrate Culture

Tomato seedlings were grown in substrate culture with pots. The formulation of Holland Greenhouse Horticulture Research Institute was used(as CK) and the effects of different Ca concentrations(LCa, CK and HCa)on growth, yield, and fruit quality(protein, Vitamin C, nitrates, organic acid and soluble sugar) of tomato were studied keeping concentrations of other nutrients unchanged in the nutrient solution. The results showed that parameters related to the growth of tomato(plant height and Stem diameter), changes of tomato yield per plant and quality of tomato fruits were the highest when the plants were grown at 20% Ca treatments. In the second study, increased EC concentrations of nutrient solution resulted in stronger plants with improved yields and quality. Four different concentration gradients of nutrient solution treatment were designed based on the results of the first research stage(EC=1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 m S/cm, respectively). The single tomato plant had the highest production which is 2 268.994 g/plant, when the nutrient solution strength was at EC=1.5 m S cm, whereas they have the best fruit quality when the solution strength at EC 4.5 m S/cm. This suggests the need for wide popularization of the nutrient solution formula in large areas to improve the tomato production.

Characterization of the Causal Organism of Soft Rot of Tomatoes and Other Vegetables and Evaluation of Its Most Aggressive Isolates

To isolate the causal organism of soft rot of vegetables, diseased samples of potato, tomato, carrot, chilies, and bell pepper, were analyzed in the lab, using nutrient agar (NA) and/or the enrichment host (Bell pepper) technique. Successful isolations were purified by sub-culturing, identified as Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora through biochemical tests and their pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation on green tomato fruits. The isolates were tested for their aggressiveness to find out the most aggressive one in term of producing maximum soft rot on tomatoes. CRD (completely randomized design), with four replication was used and data were analyzed using LSD (least significant test) test. Among the five isolates evaluated for aggressiveness on tomato fruits, chili isolate was found to be the most aggressive followed by tomato and potato isolates producing 22.3 mm, 7.9 mm, and 7.8 mm diameter soft rot lesions, respectively.

Effect of Organic and Chemical Fertilizer Application on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Small-Sized Tomatoes

Tomatoes in Japan are generally cultivated under management systems that use chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides. However, the continuous use of these fertilizers and pesticides damages the soil environment and reduces the number of soil microorganisms. Organic farming has a relatively low environmental impact compared to conventional farming techniques, but typically has lower and more unstable yields. In this study, we investigated the effect of organic and chemical fertilizer application on growth, yield, and quality of small-sized (cherry) tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes were cultivated using organic and chemical organic fertilizers. Average weight and lateral diameter were significantly higher under organic fertilizer than under chemical fertilizer. In addition, shoot dry weight was significantly higher under organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizer. Lycopene content was significantly higher under organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizer. The total carbon (TC), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), available phosphoric (SP) and exchangeable potassium (SK) contents, C/N ratio, and pH were significantly higher under organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizer. Bacterial biomass, nitrite (NO? 2-N) oxidation activity, nitrification (N) circulation activity, and phosphoric (P) circulation were higher under organic fertilizer than chemical fertilizer. From these results, the study indicates that appropriate controls such as TC, total nitrogen (TN), and C/N ratio of organic fertilizer increased microbial biomass and enhanced nutrient circulation such as N circulation activity and P circulation activity. These results can be used to improve current organic farming practices and promote soil conservation.

Effect of organic fertilizers used in sandy soil on the growth of tomatoes

In order to reveal the regulating capacity of organic fertilizers on sandy soil, pots experiments were carried out. The growth of tomatoes planted on sandy soil amended by organic fertilizers was measured. Organic fertilizers can be helpful to improve the plant height, stem diameter, the aerial parts fresh weight, root fresh weight, leaf photosynthetic rates and photosynthesis, and lay a good foundation for the growth of ??tomatoes. The effect of organic fertilizer is the most significant. Among all the treatments of adding 2.5%, 5%, 10% organic fertilizers, adding 10% organic fertilizers are the best. It can significantly enhance the growth and photosynthesis of tomatoes, and it is among the best of these three soil treatments for sandy soil.

Effects of biodegradable mulch on soil water and heat conditions,yield and quality of processing tomatoes by drip irrigation

To combat the problem of residual film pollution and ensure the sustainable development of agriculture in oasis areas,a field experiment was carried out in 2019 at the Wuyi Farm Corps Irrigation Center Test Station in Urumqi,Northwest China.Four types of biodegradable mulches,traditional plastic mulchs and a control group(bare land;referred to as CK)were compared,including a total of six different treatments.Effects of mulching on soil water and heat conditions as well as the yield and quality of processing tomatoes under drip irrigation were examined.In addition,a comparative analysis of economic benefits of biodegradable mulches was performed.Principal component analysis and gray correlation analysis were used to evaluate suitable mulching varieties for planting processing tomatoes under drip irrigation.Our results show that,compared with CK,biodegradable mulches and traditional plastic mulch have a similar effect on retaining soil moisture at the seedling stage but significantly increase soil moisture by 0.5%-1.5%and 1.5%-3.0%in the middle and late growth periods(P<0.050),respectively.The difference in the thermal insulation effect between biodegradable mulch and plastic mulch gradually reduces as the crop grows.Compared with plastic mulch,the average soil temperature at 5-20 cm depth under biodegradable mulches is significantly lowered by 2.04°C-3.52°C and 0.52°C-0.88°C(P<0.050)at the seedling stage and the full growth period,respectively,and the water use efficiency,average fruit yield,and production-investment ratio under biodegradable mulches were reduced by 0.89%-6.63%,3.39%-8.69%,and 0.51%-6.33%(P<0.050),respectively.The comprehensive evaluation analysis suggests that the black oxidized biological double-degradation ecological mulch made from eco-benign plastic is the optimal film type under the study condition.Therefore,from the perspective of sustainable development,biodegradable mulch is a competitive alternative to plastic mulch for large-scale tomato production under drip irrigation in the oasis.

Impacts of Sletr1-1 and Sletr1-2 mutations on the hybrid seed quality of tomatoes

Shelf life is an important breeding trait in tomato, especially for the tomato production in subtropical and tropical regions. Previously we have isolated and characterized ethylene receptor mutants, Sletr1-1 and Sletr1-2 from mutant population based on Micro-Tom cultivar. Sletr1-1 showed insensitivity to ethylene while Sletr1-2 showed reduced sensitivity to ethylene. We also have demonstrated that the traits are useful for extending fruit shelf life of the hybrid tomato cultivars. For commercializing the hybrid cultivars, the seed quality is another important trait. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the Sletr1-1 and Sletr1-2 mutations on the seed quality characteristics of F_1 hybrid lines generated by crossing Sletr1-1 and Sletr1-2 with three commercial tomato cultivars, Intan, Mutiara and Ratna. Sletr1-1 mutation conferred insensitivity to ethylene in the F_1 hybrid seedlings, resulting in negative effects including reduced germination rate, vigor index and emergence speed index. Interestingly Sletr1-2 mutation had almost no effect on the seed quality characteristics of the F_1 hybrid lines, suggesting that Sletr1-2 was suitable for producing high quality of hybrid seeds.

Histological,transcriptomic,and gene functional analyses reveal the regulatory events underlying gibberellin-induced parthenocarpy in tomato

Gibberellin(GA)is one of the major plant hormones that promote parthenocarpy,a highly valuable agronomic trait.Here,we demonstrated that exogenous GA3application triggered the formation of parthenocarpic fruits with smaller size but unchanged shape in tomato(Solanum lycopersicum).These fruits exhibited a thicker pericarp,undeveloped ovules,and few jelly tissues,leading to smaller locules with empty cavities.Histological investigation showed that GA treatment produced more cell layers with larger cells in the pericarp,suggesting its promotion in both cell division and expansion.Transcriptomic analyses between GA-3and mock-treated unpollinated ovaries/fruits identified a large number of differentially expressed genes related to hormones,cell division,cell expansion,and transcription factors,implying that they coordinately regulated parthenocarpy conferred by GA.In particular,the downregulation of five reported repressors of tomato parthenocarpy,including two auxin signaling components,AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR5(SlARF5)and Sl ARF7,and three MADS-box genes,TOMATO APETALA3(TAP3),TOMATO PISTILLATA(TPI),and AGAMOUS-LIKE6(SlAGL6),after GA treatment might play a key role in this process.Furthermore,we found that the knockdown of a GA signaling factor SlMYB33,which was depressed by GA treatment,induced parthenocarpic fruit set in tomato,an effect that might have been achieved by enhancing GA biosynthesis and decreasing the expression of some repressors of tomato parthenocarpy.Thus,our results provide a basis for understanding the regulatory mechanism of GA in tomato parthenocarpy.

The antithrombotic activity of mini-type tomatoes is dependent on the particular variety and the stage of harvest. Lycopene content does not contribute to antithrombotic activity

The prevention of arterial thrombotic disease has a high priority in developed countries. We have focused our studies on the antithrombotic activity of those fruits and vegetables with the potential to prevent the disease, and the present study was undertaken as part of a series of investigations to examine beneficial fruits and vegetables. For this purpose, suitable laboratory tests as well as diets have been devised. In the current investigation, we have classified various tomato varieties with antithrombotic properties, and we now have extended our overall data to include more than ten antithrombotic varieties of fruits and vegetables. A method designed to measure shear-induced platelet activity (the Global Thrombosis Test, GTT) was used to assess haemostasis in vitro and a He-Ne laser-induced thrombosis technique was utilized to examine arterial thrombogenesis in vivo. Concentrations of the antioxidant, lycopene, were also measured. Three mini-type tomato varieties, coded “Cin”, “Pik” and “Caec”, and one mediumtype variety, coded “K”, were harvested at different stages of maturity. All mini-type varieties demonstrated antithrombotic activity at an early (green) stage. The antithrombotic activity decreased with the maturation of “Cin” and “Caec” but remained constant at all stages of maturity with “Pik”. The medium variety, “K”, did not possess antithrombotic activity. Lycopene was not detected at any stage in any of the tomato varieties, suggesting that this antioxidant did not contribute to antithrombotic activity. The present results indicated that the antithrombotic activity of tomatoes is dependent on the particular variety and stage of maturity, and that this activity is not due to lycopene.

Phytoene synthases 1 modulates tomato fruit quality through influencing the metabolic flux between carotenoid and flavonoid pathways

The deterioration in fruit quality of commercial tomatoes is a major concern of modern tomato breeding.However,the metabolism and genetics of fruit quality are poorly understood.Here,we performed transgenic and molecular biology experiments to reveal that tomato phytoene synthase 1(SlPSY1)is responsible for the accumulation of an important flavor chemical,6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one(MHO).To dissect the function of SlPSY1 in regulating fruit quality,we generated and analyzed a dataset encompassing over 2000 compounds detected by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS along with transcriptomic data.The combined results illustrated that SlPSY1 deficiency imparts novel flavor to yellow tomatoes with 236 volatiles significantly changed and improves fruit firmness,possibly due to accumulation of seven cutins.Further analysis indicated SlPSY1 is essential for carotenoid-derived metabolite biosynthesis by catalyzing prephytoene-PP(PPPP)to 15-cis-phytoene.Notably,we showed that SlPSY1 can influence the metabolic flux between carotenoid and flavonoid pathways,and this metabolic flux was confirmed by silencing SlCHS1.Our study provided insights into the multiple effects of SlPSY1 on tomato fruit metabolome and highlights the potential to produce high-quality fruit by rational design of SlPSY1 expression.

Use of By-Products from the Tequila Industry. Part 12: Composted Agave Bagasse for Growing Grape Tomatoes

Here, we evaluated the possibility of growing grape tomatoes on three different mixtures of composted agave bagasse substrate. Tomatoes were grown in 28-L pots for 106 days under a drip irrigation system with a hydroponic crop nutrient solution. The average production of grape tomatoes was 338.9, 358.9, and 325.7 g/pot/cut for each of the substrates studied, and no significant difference was observed between treatments (p > 0.5). The mean of numbers of grape tomatoes were 34.6, 38.8, and 34.2/pot/cut for each of the substrates studied, and no significant difference was observed between treatments (p > 0.5). The mean weight of individual grape tomatoes was about 10.4 g for all of the substrates tested. These results confirmed the notion that a composted agave bagasse substrate could replace an expensive imported substrate. The remaining challenge is to produce agave bagasse substrate commercially, because to date, agave bagasse substrates have only been produced on a pilot scale for testing. Therefore, it is necessary to implement a stabilized process for producing agave bagasse at a commercial level. This process must consider economic production costs and market value to ensure that the product is competitive with other substrates typically used in soilless crops.

Prevalence of Salmonella in Fresh Produce Tomatoes Sold in Open Market in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Tomato is a widely consumed vegetable in Burkina Faso and throughout the world. However, when handled improperly, it can serve as a vector of pathogen transmission to human if ingested raw or through cross-contamination with cooked food. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp from tomatoes sold in the markets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and characteristics of vending conditions. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) different tomato samples were randomly purchased from one hundred and thirteen (113) different vendors in the markets of Ouagadougou. The samples were examined and classified into three categories according to their texture and the level of deterioration. The prevalence of Salmonella spp identification was determined using standard microbiological methods. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire on transport and vending conditions for tomatoes. In total, Salmonella prevalence was 19.19% in all tomato’s samples analyzed and was 18.18% for intact category, 22.73% in D2 category and 16.67% in category D4. The survey revealed poor transport and sales conditions for the majority of tomato sellers. The present study revealed the presence of Salmonella in tomatoes samples. These results highlight the risk associated with the consumption of tomatoes if hygienic practices are not respected during tomatoes handling and preparation. The results of the study also show the need to wash tomatoes systematically after purchase with a disinfectant, especially tomatoes sold in open markets in developing countries.

Characteristics of transgenic tomatoes antisensed for the ethylene receptor genes LeERT1 and LeERT2

Two stable transformed lines containing antisense LeERT1 or LeERT2 sequences and their hybridized line were investigated to determine the effect of LeERT1 and LeERT2 specificity in the ethylene receptor family in tomato （Lycopersicon esculenturn Mill.） on ethylene signaling. The transgenic line alel containing antisense LeER T1 displayed shorter length of seedling grown in the dark and adult plant in the light, severe epinastic petiole, and accelerated abscission of petiole explant and senescence of flower explant, compared with its wild type B 1. The transgenic line ale2 containing antisense LeERT2 also exhibited shorter hypocotyls and slightly accelerated abscission. The phenotypes of cross line dale of LeERT1 and LeERT2 were close to alel in many aspects. These results suggested that LeERT1 probably plays a relatively important role in ethylene signaling of tomato growth and development.

Determining the Effects of Selected Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yields of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum: Var. Rio Grande Tomatoes) in Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan

Worldwide, the demand for agro-organic foods that are healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly is increasing dramatically across all nations among consumers. Tomatoes being one of the dietary requirements in almost every meal is not exceptional and its availability in the market all year round is very important to farmers as well as consumers because it is highly demanded as a vegetable par excellence;which is either eaten raw in salads, cooked or processed into liquid ingredients. This study investigates the impact of chicken, goat, and cow manure treatments on tomato plant growth response to height, leaf length, and width, as well as fruit yield. The experimental field trials were conducted over two planting seasons in Mundri West County. It followed a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) approach, consisting of four blocks. Each block contained three treatments replicated four times and a control group. The data of measured parameters from all 16 plots were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Gen Stat 14th Edition software. The findings indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) among all the different organic manure applications on tomato plant growth parameters compared to the control group. Chicken manure resulted in the tallest tomato plants (30.1 and 37.9 cm), longest leaves (9.9 and 10.4 cm), and widest leaves (2.1 and 2.5 cm) in both seasons respectively. The study showed plots treated with chicken manure had a highly significant impact (P < 0.05) on the prevalence of aphids (1.0) and white flies (1.4) with the lowest value compared to those with cow and goat manure applied. Additionally, chicken manure led to the highest yields (39.30 and 49.49 tons/ha) in both seasons. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that using chicken manure effectively improves the performance of Rio Grande Tomatoes, and thus, farmers are encouraged to utilize chicken manure to maximize their tomato yields.

Effect of Grafting on Growth and Shelf Life of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Grafted on Two Local Solanum Species

The Rio Grande variety of tomato is widely grown because of its high productivity during the cold and dry seasons, and its resistance to Verticillium wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporium) and to stem canker (Alternaria). Grafting tomato onto compatible rootstocks resistant to these diseases offers a better potential to overcome soil-borne diseases, abiotic stresses, improve growth, yield and fruit quality. However, in Cameroon, there is little or no information on grafting between Rio Grande tomato and selected eggplant rootstocks. The objectives of this study were: 1) To determine the compatibility between Rio tomato grafting and a popular local eggplant (Nkeya) rootstock;2) To verify the effect of grafting on flowering time;3) To evaluate the effect of eggplant rootstocks on growth, fruit shelf life and fruit quality of Rio tomatoes. The trial was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Rio Grande (To) was the ungrafted treatment used as a control. To/Ko, To/To and To/Nk were the grafted treatments eventually transplanted to the field. Growth data were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS software. Descriptive analyses were performed for the other parameters. The results revealed that, 1) The cleft grafting method used was successful with success rate varying between 90 and 100%;2) Grafting influenced flowering date (DAT, p = 0.05) as well as tomato growth parameters including stem height (H, 1.49 × 10-10 p 0.00014) and collar diameter (SD, 4 × 10-14 p 0.009). The To/To treatment was significantly different from the ungrafted cultivar To, which had no significant difference in stem diameter. A significant difference in plant height was also observed between the ungrafted treatment To and the To/Ko and To/Nk treatments. In addition, only the collar diameter of To/Nk was different from To. Also, there was no significant difference between To/To and To, but a significant difference between To/Ko and To/Nk compared to To. Conversely, grafting improved the lifespan of To/Ko. Ultimately, the grafting method used was successful, but further studies are needed to overcome the problem of graft incompatibility in order to improve the agronomic performance of grafted plants.

Main and Trace Element Contents of Tomatoes Grown in Austria

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and widespread kinds of vegetables on a global scale. Tomatoes of various varieties, sizes and shapes, were grown in 3 different greenhouses in Austria on solid substrates. After freeze drying, they were analyzed for main and trace elements by ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and combustion methods （for C, N）. Main inorganic cation was K, whereas contents of hazardous metals （e.g. Cd, Pb）, Rare Earth Elements, Si, and Ti were marginal. Due to high water contents, the contribution to the Recommended Daily Intake of essential elements is largely below 1/5 for 1 kg consumption. In spite of different varieties grown at the 3 sites, trends for concentrations versus fruit size could be noted for K, Ca, S, B, Cu, Fe, Zn and Si. Similarly, fruits with seeds ＋ jelly tended to contain more of almost all elements, but less of Li, Ca, Sr, and Ba, whereas P and B were equally distributed. No significant correlations between the concentrations found in tomato-fruits and the amount of soil mobilizable in 0.16 M acetic acid （exchangeable ＋ acid mobile） were found. A look into already published data from other countries reveals that element concentrations met in tomatoes presumably depend on climatic conditions and suitably adapted varieties than on the growing substrate.