Growth analysis and yield of tomato crop under different irrigation depths

José A Monte,Leonardo D B Da Silva,Daniel F De Carvalho,Leonardo O Medici,Carlos Pimentel

doi:10.1590/s1415-43662013000900003

José A Monte, Leonardo D B Da Silva + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1415-43662013000900003

Copy DOI

Abstract

The influence of irrigation depth was evaluated on tomato crop hybrid Debora plus for salad in a field experiment in split-block design with five treatments (irrigation depth of 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc) and four replications. During the experiment, ten plant samples were collected to determine phytomass and leaf area to estimate plant growth parameters for different depths of irrigation. Results showed maximal growth between 70 and 80 days after transplanting in all treatments. Increase in irrigation depth above 80% of ETc increased crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI) and total production of tomato fruits, although same commercial fruit yield was obtained with the lower depths. Therefore, an increase in depth of irrigation above 80% of ETc promotes higher water and energy consumption, without providing an increase in commercial yield of tomato fruits.

Highlights

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is one of the most important and has the highest acreage of any vegetable crop in the world (Jensen et al, 2010)
Increase in irrigation depth above 80% of ETc increased crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI) and total production of tomato fruits, same commercial fruit yield was obtained with the lower depths
A distinct pattern was observed from the 1st to the 60th days after transplant (DAT) in all treatments, whereas a similar pattern appeared in the second half the cycle

Summary

Introduction

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is one of the most important and has the highest acreage of any vegetable crop in the world (Jensen et al, 2010). In 2010, its global production was approximately 145.6 million tons of fresh fruit and Brazil ranks ninth, with 2.7% of the world production (Matos et al, 2012). The commercial value of the table tomato is defined by the characteristics and quality of the fruit (Ferreira et al, 2004). In the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, tomato growing is more common in winter, as temperatures are milder (Filgueira, 2008). Low rainfall makes crop dependent on irrigation, as lack of water greatly affect the quality and quantity of production (Pires et al, 2009)

Methods

Results

Conclusion