Effects of film plastic cover on the growth and yield of bush tomatoes grown in a bed system

Abstract

SummaryTransplants of the bush tomato cv. Sleaford Abundance were raised in the glasshouse and planted out in the field using a bed system appropriate to ‘pick-your-own’ harvesting. The use of perforated polyethylene film to cover the plants for three weeks after they were set out in the field promoted growth in dry weight of the shoots and growth in leaf area. These effects were attributable, in part at least, to higher temperatures under the polyethylene. The use of cover produced marked increases in yields of ripe fruit. When planting was early (4 May), early yield (fruits harvested during the first three weeks of cropping) was increased by the use of cover. When planting was later, early yield was similar in covered and uncovered plants. Increases in plant density produced by the use of multiple seeded planting modules did not result in any increase in yield of fruit. It is suggested that the size attained by the shoot system before fruit growth became dominant was important in determining yield. The ...