Paramylon Treatment Improves Quality Profile and Drought Resistance in Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Micro-Tom

Summary

Tomatoes, the most cultivated vegetables worldwide, require large amounts of water and are adversely affected by water stress. Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Micro-Tom was used to assess the effects of β-(1,3)-glucan (paramylon) purified from the microalga Euglena gracilis on drought resistance and fruit quality profile. Plants were grown in an aeroponic system under three cultivation conditions: optimal water regimen, water scarcity regimen, and water scarcity regimen coupled with a root treatment with paramylon. Eco–physiological, physicochemical and quality parameters were monitored and compared throughout the lifecycle of the plants. Drought stress caused only a transient effect on the eco–physiological parameters of paramylon-treated plants, whereas physicochemical and biochemical param