Planting density and arrangement for the mechanized spraying of vertically staked tomatoes

Anderson Fernando Wamser,Siegfried Mueller,Leandro Hahn,Atsuo Suzuki,Anderson Luiz Feltrim,Marcos M Ender,Walter F Becker,Janice Valmorbida

doi:10.1590/s0102-053620170408

Abstract

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine an adequate planting density and arrangement for the mechanized spraying of vertically staked tomatoes. Two experiments were carried out in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 harvests in the city of Calmon, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, both in randomized block design. In 2013/14, treatments were arranged in a 4x2 factorial, corresponding to four planting densities (10,753, 12,903, 16,129 and 21,505 plants/ha) and two planting arrangements (single and double rows). In 2014/15, treatments were arranged in a 5x2 factorial, corresponding to five plant densities (the same planting densities of the previous harvest beyond 32,258 plants/ha) and the same planting arrangements. Total, marketable (considering extra AA and extra A fruits as marketable) and unmarketable yield, the average mass of marketable fruits and severity of leaf diseases were evaluated. Economic analysis was also performed. For tomatoes grown under mechanized spraying, double row plantings resulted in higher yield of marketable fruits and a higher percentage of top grade fruits compared to single row plantings. Maximum fruit yield was reached at approximately 34,000 plants/ha, although maximum revenue was estimated for 23,000 plants/ha. Bacterial spot and Septoria leaf spot severity were higher in double rows than in single rows. Increases in planting density resulted also in increases in bacterial spot and early blight severity.

Highlights

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a melhor densidade e arranjo do tomateiro tutorado verticalmente para a pulverização mecanizada
As maiores severidades de mancha bacteriana e septoriose foram observadas no arranjo de plantas em fila dupla, em relação ao arranjo de plantas em fila simples
In 2013/14, marketable and extra AA fruits produced in double rows had higher average mass and extra AA fruits had a significantly higher contribution to total marketable yield than when plants were arranged in single rows (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a melhor densidade e arranjo do tomateiro tutorado verticalmente para a pulverização mecanizada. Na safra 2013/14, o delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com arranjo fatorial 4x2, sendo combinados quatro densidades de plantas (10.753, 12.903, 16.129 e 21.505 plantas/ha) e dois arranjos de plantas tutoradas verticalmente (fila simples e fila dupla). Na safra 2014/15, o delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com arranjo fatorial 5x2, representado pela combinação de cinco densidades de plantas (10.753, 12.903, 16.129, 21.505 e 32.258 plantas/ha) e de dois arranjos de plantas tutoradas verticalmente (fila simples e fila dupla). For example in cross-over or inverted “V”, can result in losing many advantages of vertical singlerow staking, among them spraying both sides of plants (Picanço et al, 1995) Spraying both sides increases plant phytosanitary coverage and the efficiency in controlling diseases and pest insects (Wamser et al, 2008; Becker et al 2011). Vertical plant staking in single rows increases the incidence of solar radiation and ventilation of plant canopies and, by reducing leaf wetness, reduces disease severity (Santos et al, 1999)

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