EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF TOMATO Cv. ‘SAVIOR’ DURING POSTHARVEST RIPENING

Abstract

      The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature on physiological changes of “Savior” tomatoes during postharvest ripening. Tomatoes grown in the winter season and summer season were harvested at two maturity stages, mature green and breaker, and ripened at two temperatures, 22°C and 35°C. At the time of harvesting, ethylene production and respiration rate were measuredand then again every two days during the 14 day postharvest ripening process. The results showed that temperature has a great effect on the physiological attributes of tomatoes during postharvest ripening. Ethylene production and respiration rate in tomatoes ripened at 22°C were higher than those ripened at 35°C. Ethylene production was slightly higher in fruits grown in the summer season than those grown in the winter season. Postharvest ripening was inhibited at 35°C.