PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF AQUAPONICALLY GROWN TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.) SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENT NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable in the country which is consumed both raw and as processed product. This study aimed to evaluate the growth, yield, postharvest qualities and profitability of aquaponically grown tomato supplemented with different nutrient solutions. The study was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 8 treatments replicated 3 times. Tomato fruits were first harvested 60 days after transplanting with 100 percent survival rate. Early flowering of tomato plant was observed when applied with VSU liquid nutrient formulation (VSU-LNF) with node number ranging from 13.33-14.00 bearing the first flower. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of lateral shoot, root length and fruit size are stimulated by the application of VSU liquid nutrient formulation and in combination with ferments. This also resulted to high number and weight of marketable fruit in tomato plant. Carotenoid and chlorophyll contents of the fruits were higher in aquaponically grown tomato supplemented with fermented kuhol (Pomacea canaliculata L.). Free radical scavenging activity was found highest in the fruit of tomato grown in aquaponic system supplemented with combined VSU liquid nutrient formulation with fermented malunggay (Moringa olifera). However, vitamin Cand sugar content of tomato fruits were found highest when supplemented with combine VSU liquid nutrient formulation and fermented kuhol. No significant differences were obtained on firmness, percent weight loss, respiration rate at 2 and 4 weeks after storage, titratable acidity, fruit nitrogen, pH of fruit, oxidation reduction potential, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. On the other hand, higher moisture content of the tomato fruits were observed with the application of VSU liquid nutrient formulation and in combination with ferments. Therefore, high yield was produced with the application of VSU liquid nutrient formulation which resulted to higher net return. Aquaponically grown tomato supplemented with VSU-LNF produced lesser yield but with considerable net return.