Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of tomato hybrids with resistance to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV)

A breeding program at the University of Costa Rica developed three tomato hybrids carrying tolerance to bacterial wilt and resistance genes (Ty) to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, carotenoid composition (HPLC-DAD), metabolite profiles (UHPLC-HRMS), and antioxidant activity (radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation) of these hybrids (H1, H2, and H3), compared with parental (P) and commercial (C) control samples. Physicochemical analyses revealed significant differences in protein, dietary fiber, organic acids, vitamin C, and selected minerals, with hybrid H1 showing comparatively higher nutritional values. Lycopene was the predominant carotenoid, and hybrid H2 exhibited the highest lycopene content in whole fruit (1967.25 mg·kg − 1 DW). Metabolomic analysis from tomato extracts identified alkaloids, polyphenols, and terpenoids as the main classes of compounds. Antioxidant assays indicated significantly greater inhibition of lipid peroxidation and overall antioxidant capacity in hybrid H2, as supported by Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI) values. Principal component analysis distinguished hybrids H1 and H2 based on their bioactive compound composition and antioxidant activity. Overall, hybrids H1 and H2 exhibited more favorable nutritional and functional profiles, providing additional multicriteria support for the selection of commercially valuable tomato genotypes beyond disease resistance in breeding programs.