Foliar supplement of Boron limits yield gaps linked to reproductive growth and development hitches intomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Abstract

Bloom drop and small size fruits are fundamental yield-limiting factors widening yield gap in tomato. This study was initiated with the objective to evaluate the contribution of boron combined with NPK in reducing the gap between potential and actual yield in a F1 Cobra 34 tomato hybrid. Treatment combinations consisted of two levels of NPK viz. (20:10:10) and (13:23:13) and three levels of boric acid (H3BO3) viz, 0.45mg.L-1, 0.90mg.L-1,1.80mg.L-1 denoted B1, B2, B3 respectively and an absolute control tested on reproductive growth of tomato. The experiment was an outdoor trial laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design including 3 blocks and7 treatment combinations repeated trice in each block. Same crop management practices were carried out in all experimental units. Parameters evaluated were mean number of flower /truss, mean number of flower drop, mean number of fruits at anthesis, mean number of fruit drop, mean number of fruits that reached harvestable maturity, mature fruit biometric characteristics, mean percentage of fruit cracks and shelf life. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 17. Results revealed that, combined effect of H3BO3 and the two NPKs showed significant variations in all parameters evaluated compared to the control. However, optimum fruit yield related attributes and shelf life were obtained under H3BO3 at 1.80 mg.L-1 + NPK (13:23:13) treatment.