DELAYED LUMINESCENCE AS AN INDICATOR OF TOMATO FRUIT-QUALITY

To develop nondestructive, objective, quality indicators for tomatoes we measured delayed luminescence, firmness, soluble solids, dry matter , color and respiration during ripening in cherry tomatoes (Lycopersic on esculentum var,cerasiforme), They were harvested at various maturit y stages and ripened in the dark at 20 degrees C and 80% relative humi dity. Ten days after harvest we observed on fruit showing similar colo r, significant differences in the delayed luminescence, soluble solids and dry matter, directly related to harvest maturity. We suggest that delayed luminescence can be used as a nondestructive indicator of imp ortant indicators of tomato fruit quality.