Brix levels in tomatoes?

[dld]

If I have this right, the higher the brix level, the sweeter the tomato right? OK, next question, is there a way of changing it (lower or higher) without breeding it in or out?

[jcm05]

A higher brix does not always correlate to the perceived sweetness of the fruit. It is simply a measure in ° of the fruit's soluble sugars. In other words, a brix of 10° would equal a 10% ratio of sugar to liquid.

[landarc]

Envionmental conditions can affect the perception of Brix in tomatoes. Excessive wet or dry conditions and plant health can have effects on the ripening, and hence, the flavor and sugar levels present in a tomato. There would still be variety specific characteristics that determine basic levels.

[amideutch]

Good info on Brix. Ami

www.tandjenterprises.com/

[dld]

Feb 21, 2010 15:16:41 GMT -5 @mulio said:

nitrogen rates have long been known to influence sweetness.

But iv'e been told that too much nitrogen causes more plant growth without much fruit?

[landarc]

Not exactly DLD, nitrogen can cause too much foliar growth and can contribute to BER. But, it is not an absolute relationship between foliar growth and fruiting quality. If a plant receives optimal amounts of nutrients and moisture, the genetics of the tomato can also realize it's maximum potentil. The problems come in knowing and controlling those elements. I am not a believer in hammering tomatoes with Nitrogen, but, it needs some to aid in growing enough structure to support a healthy plant.

[jcm05]

Finally got to play with my new toy today and tested the brix on a few varieties I had. A couple questions resulted. Does the brix level increase in the fruit as it ripens? What other environmental conditions affect brix percentages?