Characteristics of 10 processing tomato cultivars grown hydroponically for the NASA Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program

Ten hydroponically grown processing tomato cultivars were characterized, in order to identify the most appropriate cultivar for direct consumption and processing for NASAʹs Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program. Tomatoes were grown under semi-controlled environmental conditions at a Rutgers University greenhouse. The performance of each cultivar was evaluated using growth and yield indicators, physical/chemical indexes and sensory testing. Most quality indexes showed significant differences between cultivars, although their values remained in the typical ranges for processing tomatoes. The primary use of this information is to assist NASA in the decision on the most appropriate processing tomato cultivar for ALS use. The cultivar selected was SUN 6177, which ranked best in growth/yield and physical/chemical characteristics and in sensory attributes, and was second in consumer liking. The data generated in this study is of equal interest for comparing hydroponically grown fresh consumption and processing tomatoes, as well as for evaluating the effects of hydroponic growth on processing tomatoes.