The Effect of Biostimulants on Fruit Quality of Processing Tomato Grown under Deficit Irrigation

Summary

This field trial evaluated the combined effects of four biostimulant formulations and two irrigation regimes on processing tomato fruit quality under water-stress conditions. Regulated deficit irrigation combined with biostimulant application generally increased energetic value, carbohydrates, and free sugars, whilst the response of lipophilic compounds (tocopherols and carotenoids) was complex—negatively affected by regular irrigation but beneficially influenced by certain biostimulants under deficit conditions. The findings suggest that eco-friendly agronomic strategies combining water-saving irrigation with targeted biostimulant use may enhance processing tomato quality.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in field conditions but does not specify location; transferability to United Kingdom conditions would depend on climate similarity and crop production systems. Processing tomato cultivation is less common in the UK than in Mediterranean regions, but the underlying mechanisms of biostimulant stress mitigation and deficit irrigation strategies may have relevance to UK horticulture where water availability and irrigation efficiency are increasingly important considerations.

Key measures

Energetic value, carbohydrates, free sugars, organic acids, tocopherols (α-, β-, γ-, δ-), carotenoids (lycopene and β-carotene), fatty acids (palmitic and linoleic), TBARS and OxHLIA antioxidant assays, total phenolic content, flavonoid content

Outcomes reported

The study measured effects of four biostimulant products and two irrigation regimes (regulated deficit irrigation at 65% field capacity versus regular irrigation at 100% field capacity) on processing tomato fruit quality parameters including energetic value, carbohydrates, free sugars, organic acids, tocopherols, carotenoids, fatty acids, antioxidant activity, and phenolic and flavonoid content.

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