Effects of the Rare Sugars D-psicose and D-tagatose on the Sugar Content and Incidence of Blossom End Rot in Tomato Grown Hydroponically with Salinity Treatment

Summary

This field study examined whether rare sugars D-psicose and D-tagatose could improve sugar accumulation and reduce blossom end rot in hydroponically grown tomatoes under salt stress across multiple seasons. D-psicose treatment increased sugar content consistently and reduced blossom end rot during summer by lowering stomatal conductance and increasing relative water content, though it paradoxically increased blossom end rot incidence in winter and rainy seasons. D-tagatose had no measurable effect on any parameter tested.

Regional applicability

This research was conducted in Japan under controlled hydroponic conditions with specific salinity regimes. Findings on D-psicose's seasonal efficacy may have limited direct transferability to United Kingdom temperate outdoor or field-grown tomato systems, though the physiological mechanisms of improved water retention under salt stress could inform UK glasshouse production strategies. The winter/summer differential response suggests climate-dependent effectiveness that would require validation under UK growing conditions.

Key measures

Soluble solids content (sugar content), blossom end rot incidence, cumulative solar radiation during maturation, stomatal conductance, relative water content, water potential

Outcomes reported

The study measured sugar content of hydroponically grown tomato fruits and incidence of blossom end rot across multiple cropping seasons under salinity treatment with D-psicose and D-tagatose application. Associated physiological parameters including stomatal conductance, relative water content, and water potential were also assessed.

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