Cherry tomato qualities affected by foliar spraying with boron and calcium

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar spraying with boron and calcium on the qualities of light red maturity-stage ‘Unicorn’ cherry tomato. Increased cell -wall compactness was observed after boron (B) + calcium (Ca) treatment. The respiration rate was lowest in B + Ca-treated tomato fruits at harvest time and after storage. Firmness increased and was retained during the storage period in B + Ca treated tomato fruits. The least fresh weight loss and best shelf life were observed in B + Ca-treated tomato fruits. The vitamin C content was higher in B + Ca-treated tomato fruits than in the control. These results indicate that B + Ca treatment increases cell -wall compactness, reduces the respiration rate, reduces fresh weight loss, increases shelf life, maintains flesh firmness, and increases vitamin C content in cherry tomato.