The Impact of Modern Organic and Integral Cultivation Systems as Innovative Technological Approaches on the Yield, Quality and Economic Profitability of Tomato Hybrids

Modern agricultural production increasingly relies on sustainable and technologically advanced cultivation systems that ensure stable yields while reducing environmental impacts. Although vegetable quality is often assessed based on external characteristics, sensory and nutritional attributes are fully expressed only after consumption. Tomato is among the most important vegetable crops due to its wide use and high nutritional value, while intensive application of synthetic inputs in conventional production has encouraged the development of organic and integral growing systems. In the post-pandemic period, challenges related to production organization, input availability and market stability further highlighted the importance of economic efficiency and sustainability in food production. In this context, the use of organic fertilizers and protected cultivation represents an innovative approach to improving yield and fruit quality while maintaining economic profitability. The aim of this study was to evaluate yield parameters, fruit quality and economic profitability of four tomato hybrids (mini–midi plum and grapolo type) grown under organic and integral systems in protected conditions. The analyzed parameters included yield per flower branch, total yield per plant, water-soluble dry matter content (°Brix) and key economic indicators. Average yield per flower branch ranged from 339.10 g in Vespolino to 662.84 g in Dirk, while total yield per plant varied from 2.37 kg to 5.18 kg. Water-soluble dry matter content ranged between 3.68% and 6.68%. Economic analysis showed that both organic and integral systems achieved high profitability alongside favorable yield and quality indicators, confirming their economic viability, sustainability and competitiveness in modern vegetable production under protected cultivation.