Antioxidant potential of new tomato hybrids

Introduction of new hybrids of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) with high antioxidant potential that will have an impact on human health is a challenge for researchers and producers of seed and planting material. In our research, 10 new and one commercial hybrid tomato Adriatic F1, were grown in a greenhouse and investigated for the content of anthocyanins, polyphenols, catechins and cyanidin. Anthocyanins are pigments, which as secondary metabolites, not only affect the color intensity of fruits, but also protect plants from various biotic and abiotic stresses. In our research, the content of total anthocyanins (TAC) ranged from 2.0 to 4.0 mg/L, of which the highest content was found in the hybrid 128 and the commercial hybrid Adriatic F1. The content of total polyphenols (TPC) ranged from 1.7 to 2.3 mg/L, while the content of low molecular procyanidins Catechin (LMPC) ranged from 0.11 – 0.21 mg/L, and High molecular procyanidins Cyanidin ( HMPC) of 0.20 - 0.31 mg/L. High catechin and cyanidin content were found in the hybrid 118. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a very high negative correlation between total anthocyanins and catechin (R= -0,84), while there is a medium negative correlation between anthocyanins and cyanidin (R= -0.58). According to the obtained data, it can be concluded that the content of phenolic compounds in the tomato depends on the hybrid, the degree of maturity, the climatic and agroecological conditions.