BM_2024v15n6

Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 356-368 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 365 rate of respiration and delay ripening, thereby extending the shelf life of the fruits (Glion et al., 2019). Additionally, maintaining an optimal storage temperature of around 12℃ can help preserve firmness, color, and nutritional quality (Tsouvaltzis et al., 2023). Another important post-harvest treatment is the use of biostimulants, which have been shown to improve the post-harvest quality of cherry tomatoes. For instance, the application of enzyme hydrolyzed animal protein biostimulants has been found to enhance vegetative growth and yield, which can indirectly improve post-harvest quality by producing more robust and resilient fruits (Polo and Mata, 2018). These biostimulants can be applied through foliar sprays or irrigation, starting from the early stages of plant growth and continuing through the fruiting period. 8.3 Quality maintenance strategies during storage and transportation Maintaining the quality of cherry tomatoes during storage and transportation is critical for ensuring that consumers receive fresh and high-quality produce. One effective strategy is the use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), which can help maintain the desired levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide around the fruits, thereby reducing respiration rates and delaying spoilage (Glion et al., 2019). This technique is particularly useful for long-distance transportation, where maintaining optimal conditions can be challenging. Another important strategy is the careful management of temperature and humidity during storage and transportation. Studies have shown that storing cherry tomatoes at a consistent temperature of 12℃ and maintaining high humidity levels can help preserve firmness, color, and nutritional quality (Tsouvaltzis et al., 2023). Additionally, the use of grafted plants has been found to improve the post-harvest quality of cherry tomatoes by enhancing their resilience and reducing the incidence of post-harvest diseases (Lee et al., 2021). Grafted plants tend to maintain growth balance and photosynthesis efficiency for longer periods, resulting in higher fruit yield and better post-harvest quality. 9 Concluding Remarks The meta-analysis of various cultivation techniques reveals significant impacts on the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes. Optimal irrigation and fertilizer management, as demonstrated by the multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, significantly enhance cherry tomato growth and yield. The study identified specific irrigation and nutrient levels that maximize growth across different seasons, highlighting the importance of precise water and nutrient management. Similarly, optimizing root distribution patterns through emitter density and deficit irrigation has shown to improve water use efficiency and yield, with two emitters per plant being the most effective. The use of organic fertilizers also positively impacts soil properties and tomato yield, with bio-organic fertilizers showing superior results in yield improvement and soil health. Additionally, intercropping systems with legumes and the use of shading screens under different irrigation levels have been found to enhance yield and fruit quality. Despite the proven benefits of advanced cultivation techniques, their dissemination faces several challenges. One major issue is the limited public knowledge and adoption of these techniques, particularly in regions like Indonesia where cherry tomato cultivation is still emerging. The complexity of managing precise irrigation and nutrient levels, as well as the initial costs associated with implementing advanced systems like soilless substrate-based cultivation, can be barriers for small-scale farmers. To address these challenges, it is essential to provide comprehensive training programs and extension services that educate farmers on the benefits and implementation of these techniques. Additionally, developing cost-effective and user-friendly technologies can facilitate wider adoption. Government subsidies and support programs can also play a crucial role in encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable and high-yield cultivation practices. Future research should focus on further refining and integrating these cultivation techniques to enhance their efficiency and applicability. Studies could explore the synergistic effects of combining optimal irrigation, nutrient management, and organic fertilizers to maximize yield and quality. Additionally, investigating the long-term impacts of these techniques on soil health and sustainability will be crucial. There is also a need to develop more resilient cherry tomato cultivars that can thrive under varying environmental conditions and stressors, such as

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