Efects of preharvest foliar application of humic acid at different doses on postharvest quality and storage life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit

This study aimed to determine the effects of pre-harvest foliar application of humic acid at different doses on the quality characteristics and storage life of tomato fruits during storage period. For this purpose, the effects of foliar application of humic acid at different doses (0, 2 and 4 ml/L) on the quality characteristics and storage life of tomato fruits during storage were investigated in 'Mercan F1' tomato cultivar. Harvested fruits were stored for 28 days under 5±1°C temperature and 90±5% relative humidity conditions. Within the scope of the study, weight loss, fruit colour, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, pH, fruit firmness, rotting, calyx drying/rupture and sensory (external appearance, taste-aroma) parameters were examined during storage. As a result of the study, it was concluded that pre-harvest humic acid treatments were successful in reducing weight loss, preserving fruit brightness and colour, SSC, TA content and delaying decay during storage of tomato fruits compared to the control group. In addition, humic acid treatments had positive effects on the preservation of calyxes freshness, sensory quality characteristics and lycopene, beta carotene and total phenolic contents of tomato fruits. As a result, it is thought that pre-harvest foliar humic acid application as a practical and environmentally friendly application can be recommended for the maintaining the post-harvest quality of tomatoes.