Évaluation comparative de l’efficacité des différentes méthodes traditionnelles et modernes dans la lutte contre les maladies de la tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L) en post-récolte

Abstract

This study aims to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of various traditional and modern methods in controlling post-harvest diseases in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and their influence on the physicochemical and nutritional quality of the fruit during storage. To achieve this objective, several treatments were applied after harvest: basil essential oil, garlic extract, cold storage, ash, and brine, compared to an untreated control. The tomatoes were then stored for 21 days. The evaluation of the treatments focused on several quality parameters, including pH, titratable acidity, lycopene, β-carotene, and total polyphenol content, as well as weight loss, firmness, and percentage of rot. The results showed that the first signs of rot appeared from the 14th day of storage. The control treatment exhibited the highest rate of rot (33.33%), while the garlic extract and ash treatments limited this rate to 20%. The basil essential oil treatment showed the greatest effectiveness, with only 6.66% rot. Furthermore, no rot was observed in the cold and brine treatments throughout the entire storage period. The results also revealed that basil essential oil was the most effective treatment for preserving the overall quality of the tomatoes. It significantly reduced weight loss (3.2% after 21 days), maintained fruit firmness, and preserved bioactive compounds. At the end of storage, this treatment resulted in the highest levels of lycopene (4.081 mg/100 g), β-carotene (1.875 mg/100 g), and polyphenols (70 mg GAE/100 g) among the stored tomatoes. These results demonstrate that natural methods, particularly basil essential oil, along with cold storage, represent effective alternatives for combating post-harvest diseases and extending the shelf life of tomatoes while preserving their nutritional and commercial qualities.