Nutrimental quality and antioxidant capacity in native tomato varieties and genotypes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Solanum lycopersicum L. possesses great diversity of native genotypes and many of these produce fruits with important characteristics in the genetic improvement. The objective of this research was to evaluate the content of some biochemical components as well as the antioxidant capacity in tomato fruits from commercial varieties and native genotypes. The study was carried out at the Department of Plant Science, Universidad Autonoma Chapingo. The experimental design used was completely randomized. The evaluated variables were: titratable acidity, total soluble solids, roundness index, firmness, fresh biomass, vitamin C, lycopene, total phenols and antioxidant capacity. It was found that commercial varieties had a vitamin C content that fluctuated between 13.92 and 52.47 mg ac.asc.100 g(-1), a lycopene content between 1391.5 and 2695.7 mu g.100 g(-1), 12.6 mg.100 g(-1) total phenols and between 48.9 and 134.8 mu mol eq Trolox.100 g(-1) antioxidant capacity. Native genotypes were noted for their high lycopene content, between 4544 and 8247 mu g.100 g(-1) higher than commercial varieties, as well as total soluble solids and phenols; however, vitamin C content was lower. The fruits of native genotypes presented the highest concentration of soluble solids and lycopene, which could be very useful as a selection material in genetic improvement.