General Objective: To determine the physical-chemical, functional and bioactivity characteristics of two graft and control tree tomato ecotypes (Solanum betaceum Cav.) at different maturity rates. For which, fruits will be collected in different degrees of maturity and the parameters established in the NTE INEN 1909.2009 Standard will be measured in the fruit. The functional compounds (carotenoids and phenolic compounds) will be determined with HPLC and the bioactivity will be evaluated in the sample extracts by means of in vitro tests. These data will constitute the starting baseline of the rootstock relationship and nutritional characteristics of the fruit, promoting its consumption and exports based on the benefits it presents; which will be reflected in economic improvements for producers.
Specific objectives
- Obtain the fruits in different maturity index of the two ecotypes of control and graft tree tomato, by studying the floral evolution; flowering will be marked and the chronology of the fruit for harvest will be determined.
- Carry out the physical-chemical characterization of the fruits of the two ecotypes of control and graft tree tomato in their different maturity indices; The equatorial and longitudinal diameters, weight, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, ash, moisture, and color will be measured in fresh fruit, and in freeze-dried fruit: fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate contents, among others.
- To determine the profile of carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glycoalkaloids in the fruits that presented the highest total content of these compounds, as well as their exocarp, endocarp and placenta, by DAD liquid chromatography.
- Perform in vitro activity tests on exocarp, endocarp and placenta lyophilized: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial, of the fruits that presented the highest total content of carotenoids and phenolic compounds.
Participating Institutions:
UTE, UPS, UTA, INIAP.
Participants:
Project Director Ing. Elena Beltrán, MSc.
- Elena Rosario Beltran Sinchiguano
- Juan Eduardo Bravo Vasquez
- Daniel Ramiro Acurio Vasconez
- Jacqueline de las Mercedes Ortiz Escobar
- William Fernando Viera Arroyo
- Pablo Francisco Viteri Diaz
Awarded budget: $59520
Project status: Signing of agreements.
