Summary
This study examined how tomato cultivar selection and hydroponic nutrient solution composition—specifically calcium nitrate concentration—influence fruit quality and mineral content. Four cultivars were grown across a range of calcium nitrate concentrations (0.425–1.70 mmol L⁻¹), with quality and mineral composition assessed three times during harvest. Cultivars 'Fado' and 'Rally' demonstrated superior dry matter, soluble solids, and vitamin C content, whilst elevated calcium nitrate concentrations increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium accumulation in fruit tissue.
Regional applicability
Although this work was conducted in Croatia, the findings on cultivar selection and nutrient management in hydroponic systems are transferable to United Kingdom protected horticulture. UK growers using soilless systems could apply these cultivar recommendations and nutrient protocol insights to optimise tomato quality and micronutrient density, particularly under winter production conditions.
Key measures
Dry matter content (%), soluble solids content (°Brix), pH, total acidity, ascorbic acid (mg per 100 g fresh weight), total nitrogen (% dry matter), phosphorus (% dry matter), potassium (% dry matter)
Outcomes reported
The study measured qualitative properties (dry matter, soluble solids, pH, acidity, ascorbic acid) and mineral content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) of four tomato cultivars grown under different calcium nitrate concentrations in hydroponic nutrient solution. Significant cultivar-specific and nutrient-dependent variation was observed across harvest periods.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.