Yield Components Of Tomato Research Articles

Optimizing Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Planting Densities and Row Arrangements in Tomato-Basil Intercropping System

A field experiment was conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center under irrigated conditions during 2018, to evaluate the performance of tomato yield and yield components under an intercropping system with different basil planting densities and row arrangements. it was arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications each consisting of ten treatments: two basil row arrangements (one tomato row alternating with one basil row (1T:1B) or with two basil rows (1T:2B)) and four basil population densities (66666, 50000, 33333 and 16666 plants ha -1). Results of the study indicated that intercropping system significantly (p<0.05) affected the yield and yield components of tomato. Inter-cropped tomato with basil had the highest yield (36657.8 kg ha-1) as compared to sole cropped tomato (31004.3kg ha-1) and inter-cropping with basil increased its yield by 15.42%. Therefore, basil with a density of 33,333 plants ha-1and intercropped with tomato with 1T:1B row arrangement could be recommended for the wondo genet and similar agroecology area. However, the effect of tomato-basil intercropping on the incidence and severity of major tomato insects and diseases needs further study.

Yield and yield components of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) selected by pedigree method in the lowlands, Bogor-Indonesia

Introduction. Segregated populations can show the fluctuating performance of one generation to another. This can sometimes confuse plant breeders in interpreting the observed phenomena and determining the selection methods that need to be chosen. Objective. To analyze the performance and yield components of several tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) populations using the pedigree method in lowland environments, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Materials and methods. This study was conducted in December 2018–April 2019, at the Experimental Garden of Bogor Agricultural University, Tajur II (207 meters above sea level), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Four generations generated from 99D×Tora were used in the study, i.e. 200 plants of F2 generation and 100 plants of each of F3, F5, and F6 generations, respectively. Results. The results showed that the population variance in terms of yield and yield components and heritability were lower in the later generation compared with the earlier generation. Increase in the mean value was observed in F3 generation, but decreased in F5 and F6 generations in all observed characters. It could be caused by fixation as the result of the elimination of epistasis genes that played a role in the environmental stress. Conclusion. Pedigree selection at early generation was not suitable in the lowland. It is suggested to evaluate bulk or single seed descent methods, as those methods were able to maintain population variance up to later generations.

Effect of Row Spacing and Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield Components of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) in Yola, North-Eastern Nigeria

Field trial was conducted during 2020 and 2021 dry seasons at experimental farm site of the Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Modibbo Adama University, Yola to study the Effect of row spacing and some weed management practices on growth and yield components of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) in Yola north-eastern Nigeria. The experiment was layout in a split plot arrangement of a Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with (5) treatments Zero weeding (Control), Weedy check (Weeding at 2 and 4 Weeks After Transplanting), Maize straw at 1.0 kg m-1, S-metolachlor at 1.5 kg ha-1 and Pendimethalin at 1.44 kg ha-1) replicated three (3) times. Row spacing of 40x40cm, 60x60cm and 80x80cm was assigned to main plot while the different weed management treatments were assigned to sub-plot. The parameters measured on the crop include tomato plant height, number of branches per tomato plant, number of tomato fruits per plant. And weed parameters measured were number of broadleaf weeds/m2, grasses/m2, sedges/m2, total weed density/m2, weeds dry weight/m2, weed control efficiency (%) and weed index at harvest. The data collected were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test to separate the means at 5% level of probability. The results shows significant differences on plant height of tomato. Weedy check and 40cm row spacing recorded the tallest tomato plant heights of (18.54) at 2 WAT in 2020 while the tallest plant, was recorded at the interaction between weedy check and 60 cm row spacing of (22.58 cm) in 2021. The highest number of branches for the two experimental years of 2020 and 2021, were recorded at the interaction between 40 cm row spacing and weedy check treatment of (7.17) and (11.50), compared with Pendimethalin that recorded the lowest tomato plant heights, number of branches of (1.00) and (2.00) at 4 & 5 WAT. Similarly, the result for weed parameters also indicated that weedy check and 40cm row spacing has the lowest weed density m-2 of (1.84) at 30 days after application in 2020 and (1.77) in 2021 compared to Zero weeding plot and 80cm row spacing that recorded with the highest weed density of (7.04) & (7.16) for both 2020 and 2021 experimental years, also the percentage of weed dry matter. Weedy check also recorded highest weed control efficiency and weed index compared with remaining treatments. Therefore, the finding of this work said “weedy check treatment and 40 cm x 40cm row spacing were the best among weed management practice and row spacing” and are recommended for use as an alternative to the use of herbicide and 60 cm x 60 cm row spacing for effective weed control and maximum yield output of the tomato production in Yola, Nigerian.

Effect of Fruit Peel Biochar on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill.) and Country Bean (Lablab purpureus) in Acidic Soil of Sylhet, Bangladesh

The potential of biochar as a soil conditioner has been approved by scientists worldwide due to its large surface area, high water retention capacity, slow nutrient releasing nature and liming ability; and it might also help to get desirable crop yield in problem soil like acidic soil. Hence, an experimental field trial was operated at the research field of the Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet to evaluate the performance of banana peel biochar (BB) and orange peel biochar (OB) in the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill.) and country bean (Lablab purpureus) under acidic soil conditions. In case of tomato, plant height (PH), number of leaves plant-1 (NLP), leaf length (LL), and stem diameter (SD) in treatments having different levels of biochar were significantly higher than the control. The maximum PH (72.20 cm), NLP (21), LL (35.66 cm), SD (9.05 cm), and total leaf chlorophyll content (TLCC) (50.56 µmol m-2) of tomato were found in T7 (3% OB w/w + CF) followed by T4 (3% BB w/w + CF) whereas in country bean, the PH (373 cm), NLP (34), branch number (BN) (3), and TLCC (36.65 µmol m-2) were also recorded in T7 followed by T4. The root length (RL) (43.5 cm) and fresh root weight (FRW) (14 g) of country bean were the maximum at T7, followed by T5 (1% OB w/w + CF). According to the results, positive effects of BB and OB application were observed on all the yield parameters of country bean and tomato. The number of pod plant-1 (NPP) (384), individual pod weight (IPW) (5.78 g), total pod weight plant-1 (TPWP) (2220 g), and pod length (PL) (10.57 cm) of country bean were also found to be highest in T7, followed by the T4. Similarly, the highest NFP (37), IFW (55 g), and TFWP (1980 g) of tomato were noted in T7, followed by T4. After the cultivation of country bean and tomato, a significant increase in the soil pH was noticed at T3 (2% BB w/w + CF), T4, T6 (2% OB w/w + CF) and T7 in respect of the control. Therefore, the findings of the study suggest that both BB and OB could have a positive impact on growth and yield components of tomato and country bean by altering soil pH of acidic soil.

Evaluation of the Relations between Yield and Yield Components of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Hybrids by Correlation and Path Analysis

Tomato is one of the most produced vegetables in the world and there are many plant breeding studies that are carried out on this vegetables species. One of the most important aims of tomato breeding is the improvement of fruit quality and yield in both open-field and greenhouse growing conditions. The knowledge of factors with regard to yield is making plant breeders work easier. In the present study, the correlations of some plant characteristics thought to be related to yield and their direct and indirect effects on yield were analyzed. This study was conducted with 14 genotypes in 2020 and a randomized complete block design was employed as an experimental design. The relationship between 12 traits and yield was determined through path coefficient analysis. It was determined that the number of days from the first fluorescence to the first fruit set time, the length under the first cluster, fruit length, fruit diameter and Brix° value have a directly negative effects on the yield. However, fruit weight, fruit number, leaf diameter, and early yield have a directly positive effect on the yield. However, early yield had a directly positive effect on the yield. According to the result of this study, in the correlation matrix, the number of days from first fruit set time to fruit ripening, internode length, fruit diameter, leaf diameter, leaf length and number of fruit per plant are insignificant. The obtained results a potentially be utilized as selection criteria in the future studies on yield.

Effects of EcoTea Organic Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on Soil Health, Yield and Yield Components of Tomato

This study investigated the effects of EcoTea organic fertilizer and poultry manure on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yield and soil health. The treatments were arranged in randomized block design with three replications. Treatments PM + FW, C + FW and PM + AW in that order had significant effect on the fruit diameter at 8 WAT while OF + FW and OF + AW recorded an increase in fruit diameter at 11 WAT. Same trend was established in other yield components. The highest fruit yield at 8 WAT was recorded in treatments PM + AW and C + FW respectively while the lowest yield was recorded in OF + FW and OF + AW respectively. At 11 WAT, highest fruit yield was recorded in treatments PM + FW and OF + AW. Although the yield gotten from OF + FW here was not as much as the one from C + FW at 11 WAT; it was not the lowest yield (PM + AW). This is an indication that there was consistency in the yield of tomato under OF treatment; a further indication that EcoTea organic fertilizer’s effect on tomato development is positive and reliable. Overall, Organic fertilizer produced a consistent and reliable impact on the soil health, fruit yield and yield components of tomato especially from 8 WAT to 11 WAT; therefore, it is recommended and safe to use for tomato production under similar conditions as used in this study. The application of fertilizers significantly improved the soil chemical properties. Similar research should be carried out for three or more harvest cycles on the same piece of land to ascertain if the impact of EcoTea organic fertilizer will be sustained with same one-time application.

Effect of Transplanting Dates and Varieties on the Vegetative Growth, Yield, and Yield Components of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The study was carried out in the Research field of the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Hathazari, Chattogram, Bangladesh from November 2019 to April 2020 to observe the effect of transplanting date and variety for tomato production. Eight open-pollinated tomato varieties viz. BARI tomato-2, BARI tomato-3, BARI tomato-14, BARI tomato-15, Marglobe, Roma VF, Riograndi, and Khattabegun were considered as the factor A and two transplanting dates viz. 18th December 2019 and 18th January 2020 were considered as factor B. The study was laid out in factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Different transplanting dates and varieties showed significant effects on the vegetative growth and yield of tomato. In 18th December transplanting, the highest number of fruits per plant was recorded in BARI Tomato-3 (46.87), followed by BARI Tomato-14 (43.22), while the lowest number of fruits per plant was recorded in variety Marglobe (13.00). Khattabegun variety had the maximum number of fruits per plant (14.17), followed by BARI tomato-3 (14.02) and BARI tomato-14 (13.97) on transplanting date 18th January. In 18th December transplanting, the highest yield was obtained from BARI tomato-14 (38.55 ton ha-1), followed by BARI tomato-3 (38.16 ton ha-1), while the lowest yield was found in variety Riograndi (9.17 ton ha-1). The highest yield was recorded in BARI tomato-15 (12.10 ton ha-1), while the lowest yield was observed in local variety Khattabegun (6.25 ton ha-1) on transplanting date 18th January. Therefore, it is concluded that BARI Tomato-14 and BARI Tomato-3 with a combination of transplanting date in 18th December was noted as the best combination to get the optimum yield of tomato.

Effects of Mulching and Amount of Water on Yield and Yield Components of Tomato under Drip Irrigation at Adola Rede District, Southern Ethiopia

Water has been recognized as one of the scarcest inputs, which can severely avoid agricultural production and productivity unless it is carefully conserved and managed. This study has investigated the effects of mulching and amount of water on yield and yield components of tomato ( Solanum Lycopersicum L.) under drip irrigation at Adola rede District, Southern Ethiopia. The treatments of the study involved combination of three drip irrigation levels (100, 75, and 50% of crop water requirement, ETc) and three mulches (No mulch, white polyethylene sheet, and wheat straw). The yield and yield components in the mulched treatment with excessive stages of irrigation have been considerably higher in compared to these in the unmulched treatments. The yield of tomatoes increased with the growing quantity of irrigation water in mulched treatments. The highest marketable fruit yield for each mulch (35478kg ha -1 for white mulch and 28831kg ha -1 for straw mulch) was obtained when 75% of the crop water requirement used to be applied. With 100% water application, the white plastic mulched treatment produced a decrease marketable fruit yield than the straw-mulched treatment. The best water productivity of (12.915kg m -3 ) was received with 75% water application under white plastic mulch, But statistically non-significant with straw mulch under 75% crop water requirement application. The highest net benefit of 563475.7ETB ha -1 was recorded from white plastic mulch with 75% ETc and followed by 484454.7ETB ha -1 with Straw mulch with 75% ETc. The lowest net advantage 285477.3ETB ha -1 was acquired from no mulch with 50% ETc. The lowest net benefit to cost ratio was gained under treatment straw mulch with 75% ETc (15.04) and followed by no mulch with 100% ETc (14.32). This end result showed that wheat straw mulch with 75% ETc is economically feasible for tomato production in the Adola area of the Guji zone. Keywords: Crop Water Requirement, Tomato, Drip, Mulching, Water Levels, Marketable Fruit Yield DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-11-01 Publication date: November 30 th 2022

Grape Tomato Growth, Yield, and Fruit Mineral Content as Affected by Rootstocks in a High Tunnel Organic Production System

Recently, so-called “vegetative” and “generative” rootstocks have been identified by seed companies as rootstock types that have different impacts on tomato scions. In this experiment of grafted grape tomato production in an organically managed high tunnel system, we characterized the effects of vegetative and generative rootstock cultivars on tomato yield components and fruit mineral contents. Grape tomato scions ‘BHN 1022’ (determinate) and ‘Sweet Hearts’ (indeterminate) were grafted onto ‘DR0141TX’ (vegetative), ‘Estamino’ (generative), and ‘Multifort’ (noncharacterized) rootstocks with self- and nongrafted scions as controls. Experiments were conducted twice with different transplanting dates (Expt. 1: 31 Jan. vs. Expt. 2: 9 Mar.) in 2018. No rootstock by scion interaction effects on whole-season fruit yield components were observed, indicating similar responses of determinate and indeterminate grape tomato scions to all rootstocks tested. For Expt. 1, the three rootstocks increased marketable fruit number, marketable yield, and total yield by 23.3%, 37.9%, and 34.4% on average, respectively, compared with the self- and nongrafted controls, primarily due to improved productivity during the peak and late harvest periods. For Expt. 2, the rootstocks did not significantly benefit any whole-season yield components. ‘DR0141TX’ and ‘Multifort’ increased stem diameter in both experiments, whereas ‘Estamino’ only increased stem diameter in Expt. 2 relative to the nongrafted controls. Consistent increase in aboveground dry biomass of rootstock treatments at crop termination in Expt. 1 corresponded to the greater yield of rootstock-grafted plants in that experiment. All rootstocks in both experiments consistently increased fruit P, K, Ca, Zn, and Fe contents on a dry weight basis at peak harvest regardless of the tomato scion used. Despite a relatively low level of root-knot nematode infestation, plants grafted with ‘DR0141TX’ or ‘Estamino’ tended to have lower root galling index ratings than scion controls and ‘Multifort’-grafted plants, which was more evident in Expt. 1. Given the different environmental conditions during the tomato production period between the two experiments conducted in high tunnels, our findings highlight the important influence of production environment on grafted tomato performance. This study on grafted grape tomatoes in high tunnel organic production systems also demonstrated that so-called “vegetative” and “generative” rootstocks had similar impacts on tomato scion yield components and fruit mineral contents.

Biocompatibility of Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum melongena which developed in heavy metal polluted soils

Response of Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum melongena to different HMs concentration in various types of soil matrix has been studied in greenhouse experiments over the course of 11 months. Nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in examined soils have been founded within the permissible value for agricultural soil prescribed by FAO. Cadmium has been founded to be the most extractable metal from soil matrix with percent soil remediation reached to 66% and 60% for S. lycopersicum and S. melongena, respectively. Cadmium and nickel presented with higher concentrations in roots than in other parts of tomato and eggplant. Metals Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, and Cd have been recorded in tomato and eggplant fruits with a concentration far exceed the internationally permitted concentrations, and their concentrations have been founded to be correlated with increasing their concentrations in soil matrix. Metals Zn, Ni, and Cu have been showed a lower Bioconcentration factor (BCF) values than Cd and Co, however, they have been showed higher translocation factor for shoot (TFS) and translocation factor for fruit (TFF) values. The observed decrease in yield components of tomato and eggplant under HMs stress was in line with reduction in photosynthetic pigment content and stimulation of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The present study was carried out to examine the biocompatibility of S. lycopersicum and S. melongena grown in different soil types contaminated with HMs for human consumption.

Integrated Effects of Vermicompost and Nitrogen on Yield and Yield Components of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) in Lowlands of Eastern Harerghe

Availability of insufficient amount of nutrients in the soil is among the main factors which constrained productivity of the tomato. Due to this gap the experiment was conducted in Sofi district, Harari People Regional State, Ethiopia in 2016 and 2017 cropping season to investigate the effect of vermicompost and nitrogen rate on yield and yield components of tomato. Experimental treatments were vermicompost rate (0, 1.4, 2.8 and 4.2 t ha -1 ) and nitrogen rate (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha -1 ). A total of 16 treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement with three replications. Melkashola Variety was used for the experiment. . The result showed that plant height was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the application of vermicompost while number of branches, number of clusters, number of fruits, average fruit weight and fruit yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected due to the interaction effect of vermicompost and nitrogen.. The highest plant height was rerecorded at 2.8 t ha -1 of vermicompost whereas the lowest was for the rest rates. Maximum number of clusters, number of fruits and fruit yield were obtained at combined application of 2.8 t ha -1 of vermicompost with 100 kg ha -1 N while maximum number of branches and average fruit weight were recorded at 2.8t ha -1 with 150 kg ha-1 N and 4.2t ha -1 with 50 kg ha -1 N respectively. Maximum economic return (461,606 birr ha -1 ) was also recorded at 2.8 t ha-1 and 100 kg ha -1 vermicompost and nitrogen, respectively with acceptable marginal rate of return. In general, the combination of vermicompost and nitrogen at 2.8 t ha-1 and 100 kg ha -1 was the best combination for the study area. Keywords: Melkashola, Nitrogen, Tomato, Vermicompost DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-11-03 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

Integrated Effects of Vermicompost and Nitrogen on Yield and Yield Components of Tomato (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lycopersicum esculentum &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;L.) in Lowlands of Eastern Harerghe

Organic fertilizers improve the soil texture, structures, aeration and allow it to hold water longer, and increase the bacterial and fungal activity in the soil. So, they not only assist your plants, they help the soil. Increasing the use of organic fertilizers and minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers lead to sustainable production of food for human being. Shifting crop production to the use of organic fertilizers can minimize the cost of purchasing chemical fertilizers. Insufficient amount of nutrients in the soil is also among the main factors which constrained productivity of the tomato. Due to this gap the experiment was conducted in Sofi district, Harari People Regional State, Ethiopia in 2016 and 2017 cropping season to investigate the effect of vermicompost and nitrogen rate on yield and yield components of tomato. Experimental treatments were vermicompost rate (0, 1.4, 2.8 and 4.2 t ha^-1) and nitrogen rate (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha^-1). A total of 16 treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement with three replications. Melkashola Variety was used for the experiment. The result showed that plant height was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the application of vermicompost while number of branches, number of clusters, number of fruits, average fruit weight and fruit yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected due to the interaction effect of vermicompost and nitrogen.. The highest plant height was rerecorded at 2.8 t ha^-1 of vermicompost whereas the lowest was for the rest rates. Maximum number of clusters, number of fruits and fruit yield were obtained at combined application of 2.8 t ha^-1 of vermicompost with 100 kg ha^-1 N while maximum number of branches and average fruit weight were recorded at 2.8 t ha^-1 with 150 kg ha^-1 N and 4.2 t ha^-1 with 50 kg ha^-1 N respectively. Maximum economic return (461,606birr ha^-1) was also recorded at 2.8 t ha^-1 and 100 kg ha^-1 vermicompost and nitrogen, respectively with acceptable marginal rate of return. In general, the combination of vermicompost and nitrogen at 2.8 t ha^-1 and 100 kg ha^-1 was the best combination for the study area.

Effect of Plant Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Shewarobit, Central Ethiopia.

Inappropriate spacing is one of the major problems in tomato production at the study area. A field experiment was conducted to determine inter- and intrarow plant spacing for yield and yield components of tomato at Shewarobit, central rift valley of Ethiopia, under irrigation condition. The treatment comprises of three intrarow spacing (20, 30, and 40 cm) and four interrow spacing (60, 80, 100, and 120 cm) replicated three times and arranged in randomized complete block design using tomato variety Weyno. Data collected on fruit yield and yield components were analysed using SAS. The main effect of interrow spacing significantly affected marketable fruit, unmarketable fruit, marketable fruit number, unmarketable fruit number, and fruit diameter. The 20 cm interrow spacing showed a marked increase in marketable fruit yield by 35.96% as compared to 30 cm spacing used by farmers. Planting tomato in closer interrow spacing (60 cm) resulted in 50% yield increment than the widest (120 cm) space between rows. Interaction effects of both inter- and intrarow spacing significantly (p < 0.05) affected plant height and fruit length. An intrarow and interrow spacing of 20 ∗ 100 cm and 20 ∗ 120 cm resulted in tallest plants and widest fruits, respectively. Therefore, farmers can use 20 cm intrarow spacing and 60 cm interrow spacing for planting of tomato seedling of Weyno variety.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano Zinc Oxide Foliar Fertilizer and its Influence on Yield and Postharvest Quality of Tomato

Nanoparticles of ZnO were synthesized via an alkaline precipitation technique that is ideal for large-scale and cost-effective production, using ZnSO4 and ZnCl2 as starting materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that rod-shaped ZnO crystals with nanoscale dimensions were produced from both precursors, but ZnCl2 produced smaller and less aggregated crystals compared to ZnSO4. Using ZnCl2 as starting material, we refined the synthesis parameters by varying the solution pH and temperature, drying and calcination temperature, and adding cationic surfactant. Scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis verified the nano size of ZnO (average of 45 nm via SEM), with low degree of aggregation, and high chemical purity (59.96% Zn via EDS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns identified hexagonal wurtzite structure with high crystallinity. Mineralogical analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) showed that the nano ZnO were free from impurities (90.39% ZnO) while FTIR analysis authenticated the presence of Zn and O bonds. There was sufficient evidence to conclude that nano ZnO with high chemical purity, and suitable characteristics as Zn foliar fertilizer source, was successfully synthesized using ZnCl2 as starting material. The synthesized nano ZnO (SNZ) was tested as foliar fertilizer on pot-grown ‘Marimar’ F1 tomato, and compared with bulk ZnO (BZ), commercial nano ZnO (CNZ), and granular zinc sulfate (ZS). Boric acid was incorporated to a separate set of the Zn foliar treatments (SNZ+B, BZ+B, CNZ+B, ZS+B) to determine the synergistic effects of Zn and B on the growth and yield of tomato. SNZ+B resulted in positive responses in Zn and B uptake and dry matter yield. Marketable yield was found to be significantly highest in SNZ+B. Statistically, SNZ+B was either better than or equal to the SNZ and CNZ+B treatments in terms of the growth and yield parameters. SNZ+B also led to significant improvements in fruit quality, including higher TSS, %TA, and ascorbic acid content. SNZ enhanced the agronomic effectiveness of Zn foliar fertilizers as evident in the improvements in yield components of tomato. Nanoscaling made ZnO more available to stomates, making nutrient use more efficient. It also resulted in increased number of particles per unit weight of applied Zn, while increasing the specific surface area and solubility of ZnO in water, thus enhancing plant uptake which ultimately led to improvements on yield as well as postharvest quality.

Effects of Intra-Row Spacing and N Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Tomato ( Lycopersicon Esculentum L.) at Harawe, Eastern Ethiopia

Improper plant spacing and nitrogen fertilizer are among the main factors which constrained productivity of the tomato. Due to this gap the experiment was proposed and conducted in Sofi district, Harari People Regional State, Ethiopia in 2016 and 2017 cropping season to investigate the effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and yield components of tomato. Experimental treatments were nitrogen rates (0, 39, 69 and 99 kg ha-1) and intra-row spacing (25, 30, 35 and 40cm). A total of 16 treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replication. Melkashola Variety was used for the experiment. The results revealed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences for plant height, number of branches, fruit clusters per plant, number of fruits per plant due to nitrogen application. Increasing nitrogen rate from nil to 69 kg ha-1 increased all these parameters. Average fruit weight and fruit yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected due to the interaction effect of nitrogen and intra-row spacing. The highest fruit weight was recorded at 39 kg N ha-1 and 40cm intra-row spacing while the lowest were at 0 N and 40cm intra-row spacing. The highest fruit yield was recorded at 69 kg ha-1 N and 30cm intra-row spacing while the lowest was at 0 N and 40cm intra-row spacing. In conclusion, the application of 69 kg N ha-1and 30cm intra-row spacing recorded highest fruit yield with highest economic returns (270,330 birr ha-1). Based on fruit yield and economic return, combination of 69 kg N ha-1 and 30cm intra-row spacing was recommended for the study area and similar agro-ecology.

Benefits of soil biochar amendments to tomato growth under saline water irrigation

Biochar amendments have been used in agriculture to improve soil fertility and enhance crop productivity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that biochar amendment could also enhance the productivity of salt-affected soils. The trial was conducted over two consecutive growing seasons to investigate the effect of biochar amendment (four application rates as: B1 = 0%, B2 = 2%, B3 = 4%, and B4 = 8% by mass of soil) on yield and quality of tomatoes grown in a silt loam soil using non-saline water (I0 = 0.7 dS m−1) and saline water (I1 = 1 dS m−1; I2 = 3 dS m−1) irrigation. Furthermore, the study investigated the mechanism by which biochar addresses the salt stress on plant. The results showed that soil productivity as indicated by the vegetative growth and tomato yield components was adversely and significantly affected by saline water irrigation (P < 0.05). Tomato yield decreased from 689 ± 35.6 to 533 ± 79.0 g per plant as salinity of irrigation water increased from I0 to I2. Then, biochar amendment increased vegetative growth, yield, and quality parameters under saline irrigation water regimes, and ameliorated the salt stresses on crop growth. The highest (8.73 ± 0.15 and 4.10 ± 0.82 g kg−1) and the lowest (8.33 ± 0.08 and 2.42 ± 0.76 g kg−1) values of soil pH and soil organic matter were measured at B4I0 and B1I2 treatments, respectively. Also, the highest rate of biochar amendment combining with non-saline water irrigation (B4I0) produced tomato with the highest plant photosynthetic (17.08 ± 0.19 μmol m−2 s−1) and transpiration rate (8.16 ± 0.18 mmol H2O m−2 s−1). Mechanically, biochar amendment reduced transient sodium ions by adsorption and released mineral nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium into the soil solution. Therefore, biochar amendments have the potential in ameliorating salt stress and enhancing tomato production.

Inheritance mechanism of yield and yield components in tomato

A set of 9x9 half diallel cross comprising of promising genotypes was studied to analyze the inheritance pattern of yield components in tomato. Hayman’s analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated importance of both additive and nonadditive genetic components for all the thirteen yield contributing characters. The ANOVA showed unidirectional dominance, asymmetrical gene distribution and residual dominance effects for all the characters studied. Five out of the thirteen characters viz., number of flowers/cluster, individual fruit weight, fruit breadth, number of locules and number of seeds/fruit followed the simple additive-dominance genetic model. The rest of the characters showed non-allelic gene interaction or epistasis. P6 had most of the dominant genes for both number of flowers/cluster and number of locules, while P3 contained most dominant genes for individual fruit weight and P5 possessed that for both fruit breadth and number of seeds/fruit. The estimates of components of variance demonstrated involvement of both additive and dominant components in the inheritance of all those five characters. The distribution of dominant and recessive genes was equal in the parents for only fruit breadth. There was drastic influence of environment on these characters following simple additive-dominance genetic model except fruit breadth.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 335-344, June 2016

Genetic Analysis to Select Good Combiners for TYLCV-Tolerance and Yield Components in Tomato

Genetic Analysis to Select Good Combiners for TYLCV-Tolerance and Yield Components in Tomato

Genetic analysis to identify good combiners for ToLCV resistance and yield components in tomato using interspecific hybridization

The interspecific hybridization for tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) resistance was carried out among 10 genetically diverse tomato genotypes (diversified by 50 SSR markers). Among the 10 parents, four susceptible cultivars of Solanum lycopersicum were crossed with six resistant wilds, such as S. pimpinellifolium, S. habrochaites, S. chemielewskii, S. ceraseforme, S. peruvianum and S. chilense in a line x tester mating design. All the 24 hybrids and their parents were grown in the field and glasshouse conditions to determine the general-combining abilities (GCA) and specific-combining abilities (SCA). The variances due to SCA and GCA showed both additive and nonadditive gene effects. Based on GCA estimates, EC-520061 and WIR-5032 were good general combiners while based on SCA estimates, PBC x EC-520061 and PBC x EC-521080 were best specific combiners for coefficient of infection and fruit yield per plant in both the environments. These lines could be selected and utilized in ToLCV resistance and high yield breeding programme for improving the traits.

Effect of Nutrients and Plant Growth Regulator on Yield and Biochemical Parameter of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.)

The experiment was carried out during Rabi season 2013-14, Department of Biological Sciences, SHIATS, Allahabad (U.P.) the influence of organic, inorganic nutrients forms and plant growth regulators on various morphological growth, biochemical traits, and yield components in tomato (Lycopersicum esculetium. L.) The experiment was consisting of two organic i.e., FYM and vermicompost at two different concentrations, one P-solubilizer nutrients viz., KNO3 and FeSO4 and plant growth regulators viz., salicylic acid and GA3 with three replications. Significant differences were observed for various morphological, biochemical and yield attributes due to the application of organic, nutrients and plant growth regulators. The plant height increased significantly due to the application of salicylic acid (50 ppm) and P-solubilizer (2.5 kg/ha). The morphological traits viz., number of branches, in leaf increased significantly due to application of organic, nutrients and plant growth regulators. Among various treatments the application of GA3 (20 ppm), P-solubilizer (2.5 kg/ha) and vermicompost (2 t/ha) were effective in increase plant height, leaves, fruit diameter, & number of fruit. The biochemical parameters tested, like chlorophyll content was significantly higher with GA3 (20 ppm) followed by vermicompost (2 and 1t/ha).