Author : Tantung, Rosalind L.

Summary : Detached mature green tomato fruits were stored at 25 degree C, 35 degree C, and 40 degree C to simulate the range of temperature to which tomatoes could possibly be subjected to during non-refrigerated shiptment from Mindanao to Manila markets. The objectives were to explain why fruits have a yellow to yellow-orange color, and if treatment with Ethrel will induce lycopene sythesis at high temperature. Tomatoes dipped in Ethrel (4,000 ppm Ethepon) turned red within 5 days of storage at 25 degree C correspondingly reaching peak of 21.104 n1/g/h for ethylene production and high EFE activity of 8.098 n1/g/h. ACC and MACC production continuously increased during storage of 10 days. Tomatoes stored at 35 degree C turned yellow in 5 days. Production of ethylene, ACC, MACC and EFE activity activity were inhibited. Tomatoes stored at 40 degree C remained green and when transferred to 25 degree C, softened and turned watery perhaps due to electrolyte leakage. B-Carotene was not inhibited by high temperature. In fact, Ethrel treatment enhanced its production. The synthesis of lycopene, on the other hand, was inhibited at 35 degree C and 40 degree C. Treatment with Ethrel (4,000 ppm Ethepon) overcame the inhibiting effect of storage at 35 degree C but not at 40 degree C.