Micronutrient Status and their Deficiency Diagnosed through DRIS in Tomato Growing Areas

Abstract

The nutritional imbalances in tomato plants determined on the basis of soil and plant tests with interpretations on the critical nutrient level are less well correlated with the corresponding crop yields. Nutrient imbalance in tomatoes yield was assessed using Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) approach was more efficient. The study objectives were to evaluate micronutrient status in tomato growing areas and determine the nutrient(s) limiting tomato yield and establish DRIS norms for micronutrients for tomato crop. Twenty-six tomato fields from Chatter plain (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Sheikupura (Punjab) were collected with soil, accompanying leaf index tissue and tomato yield was recorded. Tomato yield data were recorded and divided into high- (≥3.90 kg per 10 plants) and low- yield (3.95 kg per 10 plants) populations. DRIS analysis identified a deficiency of iron in the tomato production areas. Norms established through DRIS can be used for potential tomato yield.