Effect of Simulated Temperature and Water Stress on Growth, Physiological and Yield Parameters of Tomato [<em>Lycopersicon esculentum var: Thilina,</em>] Grown with Mulch

Abstract

Understanding the effect of temperature stress on growth and yield of crops, and also identifying suitable management options to sustain the productivity under different changes in the natural environment are of timely importance. The main aim of this research is to compare the growth, yield and quality parameters of Tomato (solanum lycopersicum) variety Thilina grown with mulch when subjected to temperature and water stress if there is global warming. The plants were grown in pots under temperature-controlled poly tunnels. Main plot included two different irrigation applications (no water stress by irrigation to field capacity moisture level and, water stress by irrigating only up to the 50% of the available water capacity). Coir dust and saw dust were used as mulch and sub plots contained 3 different temperature regimes (34°C maximum temperature poly tunnel/32°C maximum temperature polytunnel/Open space-ambient temperature). The treatments were set up in a completely randomized design with 3 replicates. To make sure of the temperature replication, the trials were repeated 3 times. According to the results, there is significant effect of mulch on growth parameters of Tomato plants exposed to water and temperature stresses. Individual water stress showed a highly significant effect on growth, and yield parameters of Tomato. High yield reduction was shown in the high temperature (34°C) and water stressed plants. Mulching of saw dust and coir dust improved the yield even at 34°C temperature treatment. Therefore, Tomato variety Thilina would not be a successful crop in open field condition due to temperature and water stress if there is global warming, but mulching will help to improve the situation.