EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATIONS OF CACL2 ON TOMATO STORED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES

Nine foliar treatments of 0.1 M CaCl2 were applied to tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Daniela) cultivated in a greenhouse. After harvesting, green-mature tomatoes from treated and nontreated plants were stored under three conditions (15 days at 20 degrees C; 3 days at 37 degrees C + 12 days at 8 degrees C, and 15 days at 8 degrees C). Subsequently, all of the fruits were placed at 20 degrees C, simulating a shelf life of 9 days. Ca2+-treated fruits showed higher values of flesh firmness during storage, but they also showed quicker development of red color, greater weight loss, and higher soluble solids content than the nontreated fruits, especially during shelf life. Heat treatment increased the soluble solids content and decreased the titratable acidity of fruits. Neither CaCl2 nor postharvest heating was more effective in delaying tomato ripening than refrigeration at 8 degrees C.