Long-life tomato cultivars growing under the hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique

Ronan Gualberto,Francisco Vilela Resende,Paulo Sérgio Rabelo De Oliveira

doi:10.1590/s0103-90162002000400027

Abstract

Farmers are interested in hydroponic tomato cultivation because of the high demand of high quality products by the consumers. Three trials here carried out under greenhouse conditions in Marília, SP, Brazil, using the hydroponic nutrient film technique, in order to evaluate yield and quality of long-life salad tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) varieties, during 1998 and 1999. Four varieties (Carmen, Diva, Graziela, and Vita) were tested using a randomized block design, with six replications. The variety x crop season interaction effect was significant, meaning that varieties have distinct performances during the different cropping seasons. The Vita variety presented commercial valid yield, with mean fruit weights higher than the other varieties.

Highlights

IntroductionThe cultivation of long-life tomato varieties has expanded more than expected, in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil
In Brazil, the tomato production for consumption as fresh fruit was significantly altered because of the technological changes that took place in the last decade, surch as the development of several new varieties, like the new generation of hybrids developed for salad, which are replacing the traditional large and fleshy Japanese varieties (FNP Consultoria e Comércio, 1998).The cultivation of long-life tomato varieties has expanded more than expected, in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil
Since they were introduced in Brazil, the long-life tomatoes have increased their sharing in the fresh market and are estimated to account for about 70% of the whole market (Della Vecchia & Koch, 2000)

Summary

Introduction

The cultivation of long-life tomato varieties has expanded more than expected, in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil. Since they were introduced in Brazil, the long-life tomatoes have increased their sharing in the fresh market and are estimated to account for about 70% of the whole market (Della Vecchia & Koch, 2000). The tomato crops have become less resistant to diseases, pests, and adverse environmental conditions as a result of the long-term selection process imposed in order to improve fruit productivity and quality. The tomato crops became very dependent on the intensive use of pesticides when grown in open field.

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