Although UV-C hormesis is known to increase the content of lycopene
and total phenolic compounds in tomatoes (Jagadeesh et al., 2009; Liu et
al., 2009; Liu, Cai, Lu, Han, & Ying, 2012), its effect on individual bioactive compounds has not been intensively investigated. The aim of the present
study was to ascertain the effect of UV-C hormesis on the individual antioxidant
bioactive compounds in breaker tomatoes intended for fresh consumption.
Particular emphasiswas placed on determining any changes in
the content of β-carotene, lycopene and its isomers, and total and individual
phenolic compounds, as well as changes in in vitro antioxidant
activity.