Abstract
A large-fruited greenhouse tomato cultivar (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ’Dombello’) was grown in 12-, 24- and 36-L bags containing three types of peat:perlite substrates (85:15, 70:30 and 55:45, vol:vol). The control consisted of 36-L bags containing peat only. Plant density was three plants per bag, i.e. 3.22 plants m−2. Early and total yields of marketable and nonmarketable fruits were measured. Early yields were higher for plants grown in 12- or 24-L bags as compared to those grown in 36-L bags, although blossom-end rot followed the same trend. Seasonal cumulative yields were not influenced significantly by bag size and substrate composition. Reduced perlite content and bag size increased the incidence of blossom-end rot. The incidence of blossom-end rot and average fruit weight indicate that reduction of root-zone volume and air porosity increased water stress. Greenhouse tomatoes can be grown successfully in smaller bag sizes containing peat substrate amended with more than 15% perlite.Key words: Tomato, peat-lite substrates, root-zone restriction, blossom-end rot, fruit weight, grow bag
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