Gamma- and X-rays: These are higher frequency wavelengths
that can more easily harm fruit quality if not properly calibrated
(El-Assi et al., 1997) but are especially effective for killing
parasitic microbes, fungi and insects (Sharma, 2004). There are
not many studies that looked at TSS alteration by gamma and
X-rays, but at selected doses they seemed to be effective biocides
while preserving quality. Shurong et al. (2005) showed that
TSS in cherry tomato treated with 0.5–3 Gy and subsequently
stored for 10 days at room temperature lost firmness but did
not differ in TSS, while irradiated tomatoes stored at 4 ◦C had
higher TSS than the controls (Shurong et al., 2005). Horak et al.
(2005) exposed cherry tomato in a salad to 0–3 Gy which again,
reduced firmness, however the sensory panel did not discriminate
between the control and irradiated treatment (Horak et al.,
2005).