FOLIAR SPRAY OF ETHANOL AFFECTED FRUIT GROWTH, YIELD AND POSTHARVEST PERFORMANCE OF 'SAHIL' TOMATO

This study was carried out to enhance yield, fruit quality, and shelf life of tomato using pre-harvest foliar sprays of ethanol at different concentrations 0 (control spray), 5, 10, 15 and 20%. Application of 10% ethanol resulted in greater plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of flower clusters per plant, and yield per plant. After 12 days postharvest storage, fruit treated with 20% ethanol had the highest fruit firmness, and lowest total soluble solids (TSS). Titratable acidity and vitamin C content was highest in untreated fruit and least in fruit treated with 20% ethanol. Similarly, sugar content was highest in untreated fruit and lowest in fruit treated with 20% ethanol. Foliar spray of 10% ethanol enhanced growth and yield of tomato, while 20% ethanol prolonged the shelf life as compared to other treatments. Differences were significant for color parameters that is; L*, a* and b*. Analysis of data also showed significant differences for chroma and hue angle among the treatments. Moreover, 5 and 10% ethanol treatment improved fruit color, taste and texture.