XRF analysis searching for fingerprint elemental profile in south-eastern Sicily tomatoes.

The implementation of analytical techniques able to certify food quality and origin in a fast and non-destructive way is becoming a widespread need in the agri-food sector. Among the physical non-destructive techniques, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is often used to analyze the elemental composition of biological samples. In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental profiles were measured on tomato samples belonging to different geographical areas in Sicily (Italy).

Applications of Delayed Luminescence for tomato fruit quality assessment across varied Sicilian cultivation zones.

The food industry places significant emphasis on ensuring quality and traceability as key components of a healthy diet. To cater to consumer demands, researchers have prioritized the development of analytical techniques that can rapidly and non-invasively provide data on quality parameters. In this study, we propose to use the Delayed Luminescence (DL), an ultra-weak and photo-induced emission of optical photons, as a tool for a rapid evaluation of quality profile associated with fruit ripening, in support of traditional analysis methods.

Epiphytic and endophytic microorganisms associated to different cultivar of tomato fruits in greenhouse environment and characterization of beneficial bacterial strains for the control of post-harvest tomato pathogens.

Several bacterial and fungal diseases affect greenhouse-grown tomato crops, causing severe annual yield losses worldwide. The need to reduce chemical compound applications has encouraged the search of alternative approach for the control of tomato diseases, including the use of biological control agents. The presence of total and beneficial microbial populations was investigated on the surface and in the pulp of seven cultivars of tomato fruit coming from eleven greenhouses in the Pachino district (south-east of Sicily), recognized by the European Community with the "Protected Geographical Indication" label.