Effect of Bunching Onion Crude Extract Concentrations and Irrigation Levels on Quality of Tomato

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicon L.) fruit quality is a vital factor that should be improved through sustainable means to meet future food demands. This study aimed to determine the effect of bunching onion (Allium fistulosum) crude extract concentrations and irrigation levels on the quality of tomatoes the study was carried out at KALRO-Kakamega, Kenya. The laboratory experiment was conducted in a single-factor treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with combinations of Allium fistulosum crude extract and different irrigation levels treated as distinct treatments. The treatments comprised combinations of different levels of Allium fistulosum; 20%, 15%, 0%, positive control with 0.5L, 1L, 1.5L and 2L levels of irrigation. In this study, Allium fistulosum crude extract combined with irrigation levels generally improved the quality parameters of the tomato plant. Shelf-life of fruits was high, under 20% combined with 1.5L of water. At the same time, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid (C6H8O6) content, lycopene content and beta-carotene (C40H56) content of tomato fruits were maintained at the highest content under 20% + 0.5 L of water then followed by 1 L of water as compared to negative control combined with 2 L of water. In conclusion, an Allium fistulosum crude extract concentration of 20% combined with 2L of water was recommended in tomato production systems to enhance tomato quality.