Tomato Transplant Growth Research Articles

Tomato transplant growth and leaf nutrient uptake using different nutrient solutions in the tropics

The use of a proper nutrient solution is a key factor in achieving production of vigorous transplants and subsequently obtaining profitable yields. It is true indeed when the grower says: “a good transplant is 50% of the production”. However, management of vegetable transplants' nutrition in Venezuela and in most tropical countries is seldom practiced, or it is carried out empirically, without any planning. The influence of different nutrient solutions on the growth of tomato transplants and leaf nutrient uptake was investigated in an experiment performed at a commercial nursery farm located in Quibor, Lara state, Venezuela. The treatments were: (1) tap water alone (TW); (2) conventional grower nutrient solution (C); (3) wye nutrient solution (W); and (4) W+TW (dW; concentration of 50%), using individual 200-plastic transplant trays filled with a combination of peat and coir (60 and 40%, respectively). It was found that all the transplant growth parameters evaluated (height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter and shoot and root dry weights were significantly higher in W and dW solutions than in the C and control (TW) solutions. Similar responses were observed regarding leaf nutrient uptake. Plant tissues accumulated more nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium when W and dW were used. The lack of observed differences between C and TW could be associated to some nutrients supplied mainly from peat. Results from the study suggest that introducing new and balanced nutrient solutions is a crucial horticultural practice for the production of vegetable transplants. Besides, further research on integrated and planned transplant fertilization using other nutrient solutions (organic and mineral) and alternative substrates are recommended.

EFFECTS OF WATER SALINITY AND EGYPTIAN CLOVER AMENDED SUBSTRATES ON TOMATO TRANSPLANT PRODUCTION

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth of tomato transplants irrigated with saline water in a commercial soilless potting media amended with fermented clover produced by anaerobic fermentation of a mixture of clover and water for different periods (1, 2 and 3 weeks). Treatments were distributed in completely randomized factorial design included three salinity levels in irrigation water (260, 1000 and 2000 mg l-1) without and with fermented clover corresponding to 0, 10, 20 and 30% of the substrate (1peat: 1perlite: 1vermiculite) by volume. Plant height (cm), number of leaves, vegetative fresh and dry weights (g) per plant were recorded 35 days after sowing. The obtained results showed that the mean values of the aforementioned parameters were increased due to the incorporation of clover-based amendment with higher pronounced effect recorded for fermented clover as compared to non-fermented clover. The highest values were obtained due to the incorporation of three weeks fermented clover at 20% mixing percentage followed by 30%. There were significant differences among water salinity treatments; fresh water (260 mg l-1) recorded the highest vegetative growth of tomato transplants. Furthermore, fermented clover alleviated the salt stress on transplants and increased the growth parameters under saline water irrigation. These results suggested that clover can be used for producing organic tomato transplants, instead of imported media, supporting by fermentation to enhance the ability of clover to supplement the transplants with the nutrient needs and cope the salinity condition.

Efficacy of 1-methylcyclopropene in promoting shoot growth of tomato transplants

The ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is commonly used to increase the shelf life of fruits. However, the application of 1-MCP to modulate the shoot growth of vegetable transplants is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of 1-MCP on improving the growth and quality of tomato transplants. Eight tomato cultivars ('Florida 47', 'Shanty', 'Volante', 'Tycoon', 'TAMU-Hot', 'Felicity', 'Charger', and 'BHN685') were grown in greenhouse conditions for seven weeks and then 1-MCP (50 mg L-1) was applied to transplants using a boom fertigation system. After treatments, both the 1-MCP and untreated plants were transferred to 0.5-L pots and placed in three growth chamber environments differing in day/night temperature regimes, 30/20°C (optimum), 34/24°C constant (stress) and 34/24°C ramping (stress). The plant morphology and physiology variables were collected during the study period. 1-MCP application significantly increased the leaf area, stem diameter and plant height of 'Florida 47' across all temperature regimes. 'TAMU-Hot', which was grown only in the 34/24 environment (ramping) also positively responded to 1-MCP. However, the leaf gas exchange (photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance) and SPAD measurements were inconsistent across cultivars. 1-MCP had no negative effect on the transplant growth across all cultivars in the 30/20 environment but reduced growth components in Felicity and Tycoon in the 34/24 environment. Our results showed that the application of 1-MCP to improve the transplant quality is promising. Since genetics and environment may influence the sensitivity of tomato plants to 1-MCP, future studies should aim to identify the optimal microclimate growth conditions for specific cultivars.

Tomato seedling growth response to different water sources and a substrate partially replaced with dewatered aquaculture effluent

The experiment was performed to determine the effect a commercial potting mix partially replaced with dewatered aquaculture effluent had on tomato transplant growth. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 3 factorial and evaluated two water sources (water-soluble, inorganic fertilizer or municipal water) and three soilless substrates with 0, 5 or 10 % dewatered aquaculture effluent (v/v) on substrate properties and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill. ‘Bolseno’) transplant growth. The layout was a completely randomized design with twelve single-pot replications for each treatment. There was a substrate and water interaction affecting plant height, leaf dry matter (LDM), stem dry matter, root dry matter (RDM), and total dry matter (TDM). Tomato plants watered with inorganic fertilizer and grown in substrates replaced with 0 and 5 % dewatered aquaculture effluent had greater LDM, RDM, and TDM compared to plants watered with municipal water. However, tomato plant growth in substrate partially replaced with 10 % dewatered aquaculture effluent was similar irrespective of water source. Substrates incorporated with 10 % aquaculture effluent provided optimal physical and chemical properties along with sufficient nutrients for tomato transplants without the need for commercial, inorganic fertilizer.

The Growth of Tomato Transplants Influenced by the Air Temperature during Transportation

The Growth of Tomato Transplants Influenced by the Air Temperature during Transportation

Vermicompost as Substrate Amendment for Tomato Transplant Production

<p>Vermicompost may be a promising substitute for peat especially in transplant production. Vermicomposting is a sustainable solution for management of organic wastes. However, due to variability of organic wastes, vermicomposts might have varying nutrient content levels. The study compared vermicomposts from different sources on growth and nutrition of tomato (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> L.) transplants. Chemical composition of vermicomposts differed. Common characteristics were high pH and very high electrical conductivity. All vermicomposts stimulated growth of tomato transplants, with up to a 2.2-fold increase occurring in shoot biomass. Differences in growth were attributed mainly to differences in nutrient content of the potting mixtures, but some changes in physical and biological properties of the substrate could also be responsible.</p>

Effect of Composts in Substrates on the Growth of Tomato Transplants

In this work, we studied the effect of different substrate mixes composed of blond peat and compost produced from solid urban waste, vegetable waste, and vine pomace on the quality of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Dakapo). Each compost was mixed with blond peat at different ratios such that the initial electric conductivity (EC) of the final mixes was 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 dS·m−1. The following control substrates were used: blond peat and blond peat + black peat + standard coconut fiber used in commercial nurseries on experimental basis. Emergence and several seedling quality variables were monitored. Results showed that peat in nursery substrates can be partially substituted by these composts to grow tomato seedlings. The quantity of vegetable waste and vine pomace compost used should not allow the initial EC to exceed 2.5 dS·m−1.

ORGANIC TOMATO TRANSPLANT PRODUCTION IN COMPOST-AMENDED SUBSTRATE

There is limited information available about organic fertilization of vegetable transplants. The availability and release of the mineral nutrients from organic fertilizers is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of compost rate and chicken manure on the growth of tomato transplants. Tomato transplants were grown in an organic peat-based substrate (Garden Safe® Organic Potting Mix) amended with six rates of either compost (0% to 50%, by weight) or chicken manure (0% to 40%, by weight). The results showed that plant dry weight was minimally affected by compost rates, suggesting that compost provided only a minimal amount of nutrients to the plants. However, since transplants produced with compost-amended substrate were of similar quality compared to those produced exclusively with the substrate, it suggests that compost may be used to partially replace peat-based substrates used for transplant production. Shoot, root and plant dry weight increased with increasing rates of chicken manure (applied prior to seeding) reaching a maximum at 10%-20% (by weight) and then declined at 40% rate. Thus, chicken manure mixed with the substrate appeared to provide enough nutrients to tomato transplants. INTRODUCTION Organic vegetable growers are increasingly faced with reduced supply and poor quality transplants (plugs). Vegetable transplants produced organically are often of low quality because of poor fertilization management. There is limited information available on fertilization of organic production of vegetable transplants. A major challenge in organic production is the uncertainties in bio-availability of macro and micro nutrients contained in organic fertilizers or amendments. In most instances the essential nutrients are in unavailable forms or need to be chemically modified to be available to plants. Thus, it is usually difficult to determine optimum application rates of organic fertilizers based only on the chemical composition of organic amendments. Chicken manure has a higher mineral nutrient content and higher rates of N mineralization compared to compost (Eklind et al., 2001). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of compost rate and chicken manure rate on growth and development of tomato plugs grown organically. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted in a greenhouse at the Horticulture Farm, Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Ga, during the fall of 2006. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) ‘Florida-47’ transplants were grown in organic substrate (Garden Safe® Organic Potting Mix) amended with different rates of either compost or chicken manure. The design was a randomized complete block with four replications (replication = one 200cell tray) and six treatments (rates of compost or chicken manure). In the compost trial, the treatments were 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% (by weight). Compost (Longwood Plantation, Newington, Georgia) was prepared from cotton gin waste, chicken litter, and a small amount of peat humus, mixed, and composted for a minimum of 10 weeks. In the Proc. IV IS on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment

Response of Rockwool-grown Greenhouse Cucumber, Tomato, and Pepper to Kinetin Foliar Sprays

Encouraging results from previous trials on field vegetables led to the expectation that a kinetin foliar spray from the commercial product KIN-Gro (5000 ppm kinetin) on greenhouse vegetables would positively affect their growth and productivity. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the usefulness of this product on rockwool-grown `Bodega' cucumber (Cucumis sativus), `Rapsodie' tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), and `4-Ever' and `444' pepper (Capsicum annuum) at the Greenhouse and Processing Crops Research Centre of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Harrow, Ont. Two replicated experiments were conducted to study the effect of kinetin spray on growth and production of all three crops: the first in Spring-Summer 2004 and the second in Fall-Winter 2004. Foliar sprays of kinetin at 2.5, 5, and 10 ppm concentrations were tested against a water spray (control) on each crop. A 2.5-ppm kinetin spray had beneficial effects on the growth of cucumber transplants (taller plants and greater leaf area and fresh weight of leaves and stems). Furthermore, this treatment resulted in higher marketable yield in the Spring-Summer crop and in larger fruit size in the Fall-Winter crop. Regression analysis showed that cucumber marketable yield had an overall quadratic response to kinetin spray concentration in Spring-Summer season maximizing at 5.1 ppm kinetin. Kinetin spray also had beneficial effects on the growth of tomato seedlings, but not on yield. On the other hand, significant beneficial effects were observed on the growth of pepper seedlings and on marketable yield and fruit quality. Regression analysis showed that the response of pepper marketable yield to kinetin spray concentration was positive and linear. It must be noted that, given the rather short-term nature of our experiments, the observed beneficial effects of the kinetin sprays on yield can only be interpreted as beneficial effects on early yield rather than on the total yield. We concluded that under our growing conditions, cucumber production would benefit from a dilute (2.5 ppm) kinetin spray, and pepper production from a high concentration spray (10 ppm); tomato transplant growth will also benefit from a kinetin spray at 2.5 ppm. The results of this study could be of considerable significance to the greenhouse vegetable industry.

Suitability of wood fiber substrates for production of vegetable transplants II.: The effect of wood fiber substrates and their volume weights on the growth of tomato transplants

The influence of wood fiber substrates (WFS) and their volume weights (VW) on the growth of tomato transplants ( Lycopersicon lycopersicum (L.) Karst. ex Farw.) were examined. No significant differences were observed for the absolute and relative growth rate of tomato transplants cultivated in WFS as compared to white peat (WP). Particularly in WFS plants showed a well developed root system. When the tomato transplants were cultivated in spring increases of VW led to a reduction of root growth, but no significant differences were observed for other plant parameters. In summer differences between weakly and strongly compacted substrate treatments for fresh mass of leaf and stem for both WFS were found. The coarse WFS also showed a significant difference in leaf area for these two treatments. Weakly compressed substrate had a faster decrease of matric potential in summer. WFS are suitable for cultivation of vegetable transplants and are a good alternative for peat-based substrates. When filling containers, moderate compression of WFS is recommended.

Nitrogen Fertilization of Florida-grown Tomato Transplants: Seasonal Variation in Greenhouse and Field Performance

Fall-grown tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) transplants were larger than spring-grown transplants when fertilized in the greenhouse with NH3NO3 at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, or 75 mg·L-1 N in a standard 1/4 strength Hoagland's solution. All transplant growth characteristics measured (stem length, leaf area and number, root and shoot dry mass) increased linearly with increasing N in both seasons. However, in the fall, when greenhouse temperatures and light levels were higher, stem length, leaf area, root: shoot ratio, and the ratio of shoot dry weight: leaf area responded quadratically. In the spring, total fruit yield and production of extra-large fruit increased with increasing transplant N fertilization, but the opposite trend occurred in the fall. These differing seasonal responses suggest fundamental differences in tomato transplant growth that must be addressed by modifications in N fertilization between spring and fall.

Nitrogen Fertilization of Florida-grown Tomato Transplants: Seasonal Variation in Greenhouse and Field Performance

Fall-grown tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) transplants were larger than spring-grown transplants when fertilized in the greenhouse with NH3NO3 at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, or 75 mg·L-1 N in a standard 1/4 strength Hoagland's solution. All transplant growth characteristics measured (stem length, leaf area and number, root and shoot dry mass) increased linearly with increasing N in both seasons. However, in the fall, when greenhouse temperatures and light levels were higher, stem length, leaf area, root: shoot ratio, and the ratio of shoot dry weight: leaf area responded quadratically. In the spring, total fruit yield and production of extra-large fruit increased with increasing transplant N fertilization, but the opposite trend occurred in the fall. These differing seasonal responses suggest fundamental differences in tomato transplant growth that must be addressed by modifications in N fertilization between spring and fall.

The Effects of Mechanical Conditioning on Tomato Transplant Growth and Field Performance

Stretching is a problem in high-density transplant production. Mechanical conditioning provides good height control for many crops, but information concerning the dosage and timing of stimulation, and possible effects on field performance are necessary for successful commercial implementation. Mechanical conditioning was applied to processing tomatoes (`Ohio 8245') grown in #288-deep flats (≈2000 plants/m2). Brushing was applied by daily gentle stroking of the plant canopy with a Styrofoam planter flat. The appropriate dose as determined by stroking 0, 10, 20, or 40 times daily back and forth. Twenty strokes provided sufficient height control with minimal plant damage. The interval between strokes was also varied, using 0.6 6, 60, or 600 s. These intervals were all equally effective in reducing the growth rate of the canopy. This broad range provides flexibility in commercial use of this technique. To test for effects on field performance, two methods of conditioning were used: brushing and impedance. Brushing was 20 continuous strokes daily. The impeded plant canopy was compressed slightly by a piece of Plexiglas suspended overnight. The treatments were applied from canopy closure until transplanting to the field. At transplanting, brushed and impeded plants were significantly shorter than control plants without a reduction in shoot dry weight. The treatments did not affect the speed at which the plants grew in the field. Within 5 weeks after transplanting, there were no significant differences between treatments in any measured parameter, including final yield. Therefore, both brushing and impedance provide a flexible and effective method for controlling tomato transplant height without adversely affecting establishment or yield.

TOMATO TRANSPLANT PRODUCTION USING THE FLOAT TRAY SYSTEM

Studies were conducted in plastic foam trays in float tanks to investigate effects of aeration of the nutrient solution, tray management after seeding and addition of KNO3 fertilizer to the substrate media on tomato transplant growth. Aeration of the nutrient solution had no effect on rate of tomato seedling emergence or growth, even though dissolved O2 was higher in aerated tanks than in non-aerated tanks. Placing trays in the tanks immediately after seeding caused faster seedling emergence than either delaying placement in the tanks or stacking trays until emergence began. KNO3 at 20 g·kg dry Pro-Mix” media resulted in delayed initial emergence but no differences were found 7 days after planting. Initial tray treatments or addition of KNO3 to the media had no effects on final tomato transplant size.

Effect of supplementary light on tomato transplant growth, and the after-effects on yield

Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), transplants, cultivars ‘Matador’ and ‘Blizzard’, were grown with supplementary light at photosynthetic photon flux densities of 30, 60 and 90 μmol m −2 s −1 and constant temperatures of 17, 19 and 21°C to determine the effect of supplementary light level on growth and the after-effects on yield, and to examine interactions with cultivar and temperature. Plant height, leaf number, leaf area and dry weight of aerial plant parts were significantly increased with increasing levels of supplementary light. Greater early yield and market value was found with increasing levels of supplementary light prior to planting, due to an increased number of harvested fruit in the early cropping period. The increased yield and market value was maintained throughout the 16 week harvest period. A reduction in fruit quality with increasing levels of supplementary light was found in the early cropping period but no differences were found after 16 weeks of harvest. No significant interactions with temperature or cultivar were found.

Growth and Subsequent Yield of Tomatoes following End-of-day Light Treatment of Transplants

The influence of end-of-day (EOD) light treatments of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Mountain Pride) transplants on growth and subsequent fruit production was investigated. In the first experiment, transplants were treated with EOD red (R) and far-red (FR) light for 2 weeks in a controlled environment and then placed in the greenhouse under ambient light conditions from November to March. Before transplanting to the greenhouse, transplants treated with EOD R light were shorter and had less total leaf length than plants that were not treated with EOD light (controls). EOD R light increased the number of flowers on the plants before first harvest but had no effect on subsequent fruit production (as compared to plants treated with EOD FR light or control plants). In the second experiment, cool-white fluorescent lights (a light source high in red wavebands) were used to supplement solar light that transplants received in a nonshaded glasshouse for 1 hour before the end of the natural photoperiod. The fluorescent light reduced transplant height and total leaf length as compared to plants not treated with supplemental light. Supplemental fluorescent light for transplants had no effect on subsequent fruit production in the field. These results suggest that EOD light treatments that affect tomato transplant growth do not affect subsequent fruit production.

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertility Regimes Affect Tomato Transplant Growth

Tomato (L.ycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings were nutritionally conditioned with solutions containing factorial combinations of N at 25, 75, and 225 mg·liter -1, P at 5, 15, and 45 mg·liter-1, and K at 25, 75, and 225 mg·liter -1 to determine the effect of nutritional regimes on tomato transplant growth and quality. As N increased from 25 to 225 mg·liter-1, fresh shoot weight, plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, shoot and root dry weights, and total chlorophyll increased. Nitrogen accounted for the major source of variation. Phosphorus effects were significant only in 1988; Pat 45 mg·liter-1 increased fresh shoot weight, plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and leaf area in comparison to 5 and 15 mg·liter -1. Potassium did not significantly influence any of the growth variables measured in the study. For quality transplant production, nutrient solutions should contain at least N at 225 mg·liter-1, P at 45 mg·liter-1, and K at 25 mg·liter-1.

Effect of Continuous Plant Culture and Soil Fumigation on Soilborne Plant Pathogens and on Growth of Tomato Transplants

Effect of Continuous Plant Culture and Soil Fumigation on Soilborne Plant Pathogens and on Growth of Tomato Transplants