Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) as Influenced by the Combination of Liquid Organic Fertilizer Concentration and Branch Pruning

Abstract

The research was carried out in Oebelo Village, Kupang Tengah Subdistrict, Kupang Regency. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer combination and branch pruning toward the growth and yield of tomatoes. The research design used was Random Design Single factor group with 3 replications. The combination tried were K0 (without liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and without pruning); K1 (without LOF by pruning 1 branch); K2 (without LOF by pruning 2 branches); K3 (LOF 50 ml/l of water without pruning); K4 (LOF 50 ml/l of water by pruning 1 branch); K5 (LOF 50 ml/l of water by pruning 2 branches); K6 (LOF 100 ml/l of water without pruning); K7 (LOF 100 ml/l of water followed by pruning 1 branch); K8 (LOF 100 ml/l of water by pruning 2 branches); K9 (LOF 150 ml/l of water without pruning); K10 (LOF 150 ml/l of water by pruning 1 branch); K11 (LOF 150 ml/l of water by pruning 2 branches). The results of the study based on the Duncan test 5% showed that the treatment of liquid organic fertilizer concentration 100 ml/l of water and pruning 1 branch (K7) affected the plants height of 21 Days After Planting (45.25 cm), 28 DAP (68.83 cm), and 35 DAP (88.00 cm); number of leaves (31.00); number of fruits (37.50); fruit weight (393.22 g); and fruit diameter (5.11 cm) which significantly different from other treatments.