Tomato Yield Research Articles

Predicting fungal infection sensitivity of sepals in harvested tomatoes using imaging spectroscopy and partial least squares discriminant analysis

Tomatoes ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) are a widely grown and globally traded vegetable, essential for both local consumption and international trade. However, approximately 30% of harvested tomato yields are lost due to fungal decay during postharvest handling. Timely disease identification is crucial to prevent such losses, but certain tomato varieties exhibit higher susceptibility to fungal infections than others. Additionally, there are variations in susceptibility among individual sepals, with unknown underlying causes. Traditional methods for assessing fungal presence in plants have limitations, such as sample destruction and a focus on symptom detection rather than evaluating susceptibility to fungal infection. Hence, there is a demand need for an accurate, non-destructive method capable of predicting susceptibility to fungal infection. The use of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) with chemometrics presents a pioneering approach to address this need. In this study, three tomato cultivars (‘Brioso,’ ‘Cappricia,’ and ‘Provine’) were studied. Hyperspectral images were captured on day-1 of harvest, followed by controlled fungal growth conditions. Ground truth assessments were conducted by three experts on day-3 and day-4, averaging severity scores assigned per sepal. The methodology involved extracting spectra from HSI images and calibrating and validating models using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA), aiming to optimize model parameters for accurate predictions. The models were categorized into those developed using data from a single variety (intravariety) and those utilizing data from multiple varieties combined (global models). The best-performing intravariety model was established using the Cappricia variety, achieving a balanced accuracy of 0.84. Conversely, a global model combining Cappricia and Provine varieties achieved a balanced accuracy of 0.70. Overall, the results suggest that distinguishing between more and less susceptible sepals is feasible under controlled conditions.

The Effects of Tomato Intercropping with Medicinal Aromatic Plants Combined with Trichoderma Applications in Organic Cultivation

To increase biodiversity in tomato cultivation, two herbal aromatic plants, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), were introduced as companion plants. Their role was to improve crop plant growth and stress resistance. Moreover, the effect of the soil application of Trichoderma microbial preparations on tomato growth parameters and yield, in combination with companion plants, was studied. Ligno-cellulose multi-layer microcapsules with Trichoderma atroviride TRS14 spores (MIC14) and the commercial preparation Trianum G (TG) were used as microbial preparations. This experiment was carried out in a certified organic field. Tomato plants were intercropped with thyme or basil in the arrangement of two tomato rows alternating with one herbal row. In all intercropping arrangements and in the control (tomato plants grown without herbs), subplots were sectioned. The soil in the subplots was amended with the MIC14 and TG preparations used at a concentration of 104 spores g−1 of the soil and planted with tomato transplants. No control measures were applied during tomato growing, and the plants were naturally infected with late blight. Tomato plant growth parameters and yield were assessed, and late blight severity was monitored. The degree of soil colonization by Trichoderma fungi and the effect of these applications on soil microbial activity and biodiversity (dehydrogenases activity, EcoPlates AWCD, and Shannon index) were evaluated. The results clearly showed a significant influence of thyme and basil on tomato growth and yield in organic production. The cultivation of thyme adjacent to tomatoes had a beneficial effect on the development of the root system and the number of flowers and fruits on the crop plants. Basil, on the other hand, clearly decreased tomato yield and adversely affected the effect of Trichoderma applications by reducing root system development. Moreover, basil as a companion plant increased late blight symptoms. Both Trichoderma strains colonized soil, but they had no significant effect on the microbial activity or metabolic potential measured on the EcoPlates with the use of the BIOLOG system. However, a decrease in dehydrogenases activity was noted. In organic cultivation, the Trichoderma preparations used had no significant effect on tomato yield, opposite to its increase in integrated tomato production.

Plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria for sustainable tomato production

Numerous phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are found in the rhizosphere, benefiting the host plant in different mechanisms and promoting sustainable agriculture. They improve soil fertility with minimum cost requirements using an eco-friendly approach, which is an essential attribute for small-scale farm production. Thus, isolation, characterization, and evaluation of symbiotic effectiveness are hierarchical procedures to develop bioinoculants. Using a dual (plate and liquid medium) screening technique and a greenhouse trial, four potential PSB strains (Mk-1–25, Mk-13–16, Mk-20–7, and Mk-20–20) were selected from tomato rhizosphere soil. All isolates exhibited the following traits: produced colony clear-zone, lowered liquid medium pH, gram-positive, produced urease and IAA, dissolved substantial P from various substrates, symbiotically effective, and improved tomato growth and yield. Taxonomically, they belong to Bacillus and Priestia species (i.e., Mk-1–25 Bacillus halotolerance, Mk-13–16 Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Mk-20–7 Bacillus megaterium, and Mk-20–20 Priestia megaterium). Among the current strains, Bacillus halotolerance recorded higher SI (3.11), was able to grow in extreme conditions (10% salt, up to 45 °C), produced HCN and siderophore, and improved tomatoes’ shoot length and weight, in contrast, Mk-20–20 produced HCN, siderophore, was able to fix nitrogen, improved tomato germination, shoot dry weight, and fruit weight. Various P-supplements (Ca3(PO4)2, bonemeal, FePO4, AlPO4, compost, and DAP fertilizer) were added to induce tomato-strain symbiotic interaction; hence, compost substantially promoted the interaction and resulted in higher symbiotic effectiveness. Ca3(PO4)2 was a good media composite preferred by most PSB strains; consequently, a higher concentration (219 µg/ml) of dissolved P was recorded from the liquid medium after 10 days of incubation than other substrates. Based on the data obtained from laboratory and greenhouse trials, the current strains were found to be potential candidate. Future work should confirm their efficacy at the field level using model host crops at different sites to recommend them as farm inputs and biofertilizer.

Effects of Applying Organic Amendments on Soil Aggregate Structure and Tomato Yield in Facility Agriculture

Amendment significantly improves soil structure and promotes crop growth. To combat soil degradation and low crop yields in facility agriculture, it is crucial to study the optimal application rate of amendments. This study analyzed the effects of biochar, vermicompost, and mineral-source potassium fulvic acid on the stability of aggregate structure, soil nutrient content, and tomato yield in cambisols, providing a theoretical basis for improving the soil quality of plastic greenhouses in Southern China. A pot experiment on tomato cultivation was carried out in yellow-brown soil in plastic greenhouses. The experiment included eight treatments: 1% biochar (B1); 3% biochar (B3); 5% biochar (B5); 3% vermicompost (V3); 5% vermicompost (V5); 0.1% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid (F1); 0.2% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid (F2); and the control condition without adding soil amendments (CK). The results showed that the biochar and vermicompost treatments effectively reduced soil bulk density and increased total soil porosity. Compared to the control, treatments with soil amendments significantly increased soil pH and had different effects on soil nutrients: F2 showed the most significant improvement in the content of available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, with an increase of 133.33%, 834.59%, and 74.34%, respectively; B3 treatment had the highest increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), while B5 treatment had the highest organic matter content. Compared to the CK, the particle size of the biochar treatment was mainly 0.053~0.25 mm, while the V3, F1, and F2 mainly occurred with a particle size > 0.25 mm; and V3 has the best aggregate stability. Biochar, vermicompost, and mineral potassium fulvic acid can all promote tomato yield, with the F2 and V3 treatments having a yield increase effect of over 30%. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a highly significant positive correlation between geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mean weight diameter (MWD), water-stable macroaggregate content (R0.25), and a positive correlation between alkaline-dissolved nitrogen, available phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon content, and aggregate stability indicators. Adding 0.2% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid optimizes cambisols’ properties, enhances aggregate formation and stability, boosts tomato yield, and shows great application potential.

Beneficial soil fungi enhance tomato crop productivity and resistance to the leaf-mining pest Tuta absoluta in agronomic conditions

Research has shown that soil-borne beneficial microorganisms can enhance plant growth, productivity, and resistance against pests and pathogens and could thus serve as a sustainable alternative to agrochemicals. To date, however, the effect of soil-beneficial microbes under commercial crop production has been little assessed. We here investigated the effect of root inoculation with nine well-characterized bacterial and fungal strains and two consortia on tomato performance under intensive tomato crop management practices. We measured the impact of these root inoculations on plant growth, fruit quality, yield, and pest and pathogen incidence. While most microbial strains showed weak effects, we found that the fungal strains Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 and Funneliformis mosseae significantly increased marketable tomato yield. Moreover, we found that inoculation with most of the fungal strains led to a significant reduction in the incidence of the devastating leaf-mining pest Tuta absoluta, while this effect was not observed for bacterial inoculants. In addition, we found that microbial inoculations did not impact the incidence of introduced natural pest enemies, supporting their compatibility with well-established integrated pest management strategies in horticulture. In summary, the observed general positive effects of soil microbes on tomato yield and resistance reinforce the move toward broader adoption of microbial inoculants in future crop production, ultimately improving agricultural sustainability.

RESPONSE OF SUMMER TOMATO WITH EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID AND CALCIUM

A pot experiment was carried out at Horticulture Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka May to September, 2016 to evaluate the performance of summer tomato production with the supplementation of salicylic acid (SA) and calcium (Ca). The experiment consisted of two factor. Four different levels of SA (S1 = 0 mM SA, S2 = 0.3 mM SA, S3 = 0.6 mM SA, S4 = 0.8 mM SA) and three levels of Ca (C1 = 0 mM Ca, C2 = 4 mM Ca, C3 = 8 mM Ca). Both morphological traits and yield of summer tomatoes were significantly affected by the application of SA and Ca. Exogenous application of SA and Ca influenced the growth including plant height, leaf number, branch number, yield contributing characters and yield. The combined supplementation of 0.8 mM SA and 8 mM Ca resulted the highest yields (0.8 kg/plant) where lowest one (0.3 kg/plant) was recorded from the control treatment (without SA and Ca). These results suggest that SA and Ca can improve the growth and yield of tomatoes during the summer season by alleviating the detrimental effects of extreme heat in the summer.

RESPONSE OF LIQUID MANURES AS ALTERNATIVE NUTRIENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO

An experiment was conducted on response of Liquid Manures as alternate nutrient on growth and yield of tomato at the Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from November 2023 to March 2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were used in the study were T1; Control, T2; Vermi Tea, T3; SAU-MLM, T4; SAU-NLM, T5; SAU-PLM and T6; RFD (Recommended Fertilizer Dose). In this study, the treatments showed significant variation on growth and yield of tomato production. The tallest plant (109.63cm), highest number of leaves per plant (25.0), maximum fruit weight (127.2g), maximum fruit weight per plant (3.48kg), maximum yield per plot (20.8kg) and maximum yield per hector (56.5t/h) were recorded with treatment T6 (RFD) and it was statistically identical with treatment T5 (SAU-PLM). Whereas the minimum plant height (92.03 cm) and number of leaves per plant (17.0), lowest fruit weight (62.8g), lowest fruit weight per plant (1.53kg), lowest yield per plot (9.1kg) and lowest yield (22.9t/h) were recorded in T1 (Control). Furthermore, treatment 5 (SAU-PLM) produced highest brix (5.7), that is highest sweetness tomato were produced with T5 treatment. That’s why it can be said that different liquid manure has good impact on growth and yield of tomato with environment friendly impact.

Organic fertilizer integrated with marine waste derived CaCO3 nanocarrier system: A focus on enhanced yield and quality in tomato cultivation

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and other mineral sources including phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium and iron. Major constraints in tomato cultivation were high cost, poor cultivation due to adverse weather conditions, pest attacks, microbial infections and nutritional deficiency complications. Conventional fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and growth regulators are effective at higher concentration, which induces specific toxic effects on soil fertility, plant yield and also affects the health status of humans, animals and soil associated microbes. The use of organic fertilizers to meet the soil nutrient demand increases the acidity of soil affecting plant growth, which turned the focus of researchers towards nanofertilizer. The present study focuses on synthesis of marine waste derived CaCO3 nanoparticles formulated with azadirachtin and panchakavya emulsion to develop a CaCO3 nanofertilizer. CaCO3 nanofertilizer developed through this study was investigated for its material properties and behavioral traits. Further, the in-vitro antifungal impact of the CaCO3 nanofertilizer was examined, and it was sprayed on tomato plants via foliar spray. CaCO3 nanofertilizer effectively inhibited fusarium wilt causing plant fungal pathogen and also exhibited enhanced growth and yield of tomatoes against pest attack and nutritional deficiency with effect to foliar treatment. Also, CaCO3 nanofertilizer enhanced the total carotenoid level and essential nutritional minerals in fruit yield of tomatoes. Overall, fabricated CaCO3 nanofertilizer exhibits synergistic role of fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide and growth regulator in tomato cultivation. It suggests that, CaCO3 nanofertilizer generated from renewable biowaste will become the innovative platform for sustainable agriculture.

Effect of Different Intensities of Leaf Removal on Tomato Development and Yield

Defoliation (leaf removal or pruning) is a common practice in tomato production that makes crops more manageable, prevents conditions conducive to fungal attack and increases the exposure of the fruit to light, especially in winter conditions. The intensity and frequency of leaf removal on commercial farms often vary according to workforce availability criteria, which makes it difficult to determine their effect on tomato crop yields. It would be reasonable to think that a reduction in leaf area influences radiation interception and, therefore, the production of assimilates and biomass. However, in intensive production systems with a high leaf area index (LAI), leaf pruning can increase radiation interception, either by reducing competition between productive and vegetative organs or by increasing radiation use efficiency. This study was therefore designed to assess the effect of different intensities and frequencies of basal leaf removal on dry matter production and partitioning between the different organs of the plant, and thus on tomato crop productivity. A series of trials were conducted over three consecutive seasons, with a trial conducted per season: (a) Trial 1: leaf removal control—LRC (with leaves removed from the base to two leaves below the truss close to harvest, T0) was compared with LR1 (leaf removal from the base to two leaves below the truss above T0, i.e., T1) and LR2 (two trusses above T0 (T2)); (b) Trial 2: LRC compared with LR2 and LR4 (four trusses above T0 (T4)), carried out at two frequencies; and (c) Trial 3: LRC compared with an intense leaf removal treatment (LRI) whereby between 10 and 12 leaves were left on each stem. LAI saturation values under our conditions were found to be around 2.0. No significant differences in yield were found between the control and treatments LR1, LR2 and LR4, with a reduction in the number of leaves of up to 35% and LAI values during harvest above 2.0. The intense leaf removal treatment (LRI), which reduced the number of leaves by 47% and the LAI value from 2.8 to 1.5 compared to the control, resulted in a 15% reduction in dry biomass and a 17% decrease in fruit yield.

Control of fungal diseases of tomato (<i>Lycopersicum esculentum</i> Mill) fruits using various plant extracts

Plant harmful fungi induce symptoms of illnesses that significantly impair the quantity and quality of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) yields. The high-water composition of tomatoes renders it highly vulnerable to fungal decay. These fungi, responsible for the decay of tomatoes, generate mycotoxins that pose serious risks to human health. Thus, this research goal is to separate, characterize, and classify the fungi linked with the decline of tomato produce sold across four markets in Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Among the fungal pathogens extracted from afflicted tomato fruits were Fusarium moniliformes, Rhizopus stolonifera, and Aspergillus alternata. Different concentrations of the extracts were individually introduced into Potato Dextrose Agar media. The fungal pathogens were at that point individually introduced into the media and left to incubate for 7 days. Findings revealed that P < 0.05 suppressed the mycelial evolution of the fungal pathogens at a greater concentration tested, with the extent of inhibition varying among different extracts. The results concerning the proportion inhibition of plant extracts on different fungus indicated that, at concentrations ranging from 40% to 80%, ethanolic extracts derived from Cola acuminata and Zingiber officinale significantly (p<0.05) restrained the growth of F. moniliformes, R. stolonifera, and A. alternata. Specifically, the ethanolic leaf extract of C. acuminata demonstrated moderate inhibition on A. alternata at 60%, while the ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale exhibited low inhibition on F. moniliformes at 40%. At a concentration of 60% in ethanolic extracts, F. moniliformes experienced the greatest inhibition among the plant extracts, whereas A. alternata displayed the least inhibition. Pathogenicity testing indicated that Aspergillus alternata exhibited the largest decay of 25mm in diameter in a healthy tomato fruit, while Rhizopus stolonifera had the smallest decay diameter. Thus, to cover the ledge life of tomato fruits, therefore there’s adequate need to implement proper handling techniques and utilize adequate storage facilities.

Amending clayey and sandy soils with nano - bio phosphorous for regulating tomato growth, biochemical, and physiological characteristics

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient that significantly enhances tomato production, so maintaining an adequate level of phosphorus plays an essential role in enhancing the growth of tomato by being present in the soil. This study assessed the impact of soil texture and phosphorus content on tomato plant properties using a factorial, complete, randomized design with four replications. Treatments included clayey and sandy soils with varying phosphorus sources: non-phosphorus (P0), calcium phosphate (CaP1 and CaP2), and nano-hydroxyapatite (PN1 and PN2), where 1 indicates a concentration of 0.12 g and 2 indicates a concentration of 0.23 g per 5-kilogram pot of fertilizer. Results indicated that treatments significantly influenced yield parameters such as average fruit weight, juice content, antioxidant activity, and fruit volume. In the clayey soil, CaP2 treatment had a superior effect on yield, average fruit weight, and shoot fresh weight. In comparison with sandy conditions, CaP2 produced a 50% increase in fruit number, 29% increase in average fruit weight, and 91% increase in fruit yield. The treatments then impacted the shoot fresh weight and root length, while the phosphorus concentration appeared to be more dependent on soil type than on phosphorus sources. Similar to the CaP1 and CaP2 treatments, the PN1 treatment in clay soil also resulted in the highest fresh and dry weights of tomato shoots when compared with the control group. Generally, the findings from this study suggest that the use of CaP2 can serve as a reliable method to improve the growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomatoes, especially in clayey soil environments. However, nano-based phosphorous sources need to be tested more to see if they can improve tomato performance in a range of soil conditions. Also, further research should look into the long-term effects of phosphorous interventions on soil health and sustainability.

Multispecies Trichoderma in Combination with Hydrolyzed Lignin Improve Tomato Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Quality of Fruits

The application of biological pesticides as alternatives to chemical phytosanitary products is a natural and innovative method to improve environmental protection and sustainable agricultural production. In this work, the compatibility between Trichoderma spp. and a commercial lignin extract was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The beneficial effects of lignin in combination with different Trichoderma consortia were evaluated in terms of improved growth and quantitative and qualitative tomato productivity. T. virens GV41 + T. asperellum + T. atroviride + lignin formulation was the most effective in growth promotion and increased root and stem dry weight compared to control (45.4 and 43.9%, respectively). This combination determined a 63% increase in tomato yield compared to the control, resulting in the best-performing treatment compared to each individual constituent. Consistent differences in terms of lycopene, GABA, ornithine, total, essential, and branched-chain amino acids were revealed in fruits from tomato plants treated with Trichoderma–lignin formulations (T. asperellum + T. virens GV41 + lignin) or with the microbial consortia (T. asperellum + T. virens GV41, T. atroviride + T. virens GV41). The developed bioformulations represent a sustainable biological strategy to increase yield and produce nutritional compound-enriched vegetables.

Optimal Water and Nitrogen Regimes Increased Fruit Yield and Water Use Efficiency by Improving Root Characteristics of Drip-Fertigated Greenhouse Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The growth of root system directly affects the absorption and utilization of soil water and nitrogen, and understanding the responses of root characteristics to water and nitrogen regimes is thus crucial for optimizing water and nitrogen management. The root characteristics of each soil layer, i.e., root length, root surface area, and root volume, as well as fruit yield and water use efficiency of greenhouse tomato under drip fertigation in response to different irrigation levels and nitrogen rates were explored in northwest China. There were four irrigation levels, i.e., 50% ETC (W1), 75% ETC (W2), 100% ETC (W3), and 125% ETC (W4), where ETC is the crop evapotranspiration, and four nitrogen rates, i.e., 0 kg ha−1 (N1), 150 kg ha−1 (N2), 250 kg ha−1 (N3), and 350 kg ha−1 (N4). The results showed that reasonable irrigation and nitrogen regimes (W3N3) significantly increased fruit yield by 31.64% and root length, root surface area, and root volume by 45.03%, 61.24%, and 148.21% compare to W3N1, respectively. The promoting effect of increasing irrigation level on root characteristics increased with soil depth and had the greatest increases in root volume by 27.07%, 123.43%, and 211.47% for the 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm soil layers, respectively. In addition, reducing irrigation level significantly increased the percentages of roots in the top soil by 29.71%, 26.77%, and 18.53% for root length, root surface area, and root volume, respectively. The reasonable nitrogen rate (N3) significantly increased fruit yield by 41.11%, water use efficiency by 34.42%, and root length, root surface area, and root volume by 40.42%, 41.44%, and 112.76%, respectively. The over-application of nitrogen (N4) reduced root characteristics of all soil layers, fruit yield, and water use efficiency. The promoting effect of increasing nitrogen rate on root length of each soil layer decreased with soil depth, by 71.01%, 48.96%, and 15.71% for 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm soil layers, respectively. Irrigation level was the main factor dominating the root growth of each soil layer. The correlation analysis showed that fruit yield had significantly positive correlations with root characteristics in all soil layers, while water use efficiency had significantly positive correlations with the percentages of root length and root surface area in the 0–10 cm soil layer. In conclusion, rational water and nitrogen regimes achieved better fruit yield by promoting root growth of greenhouse tomato, and the water use efficiency of greenhouse tomato was improved by increasing the root percentage in the topsoil layer to alleviate the adverse effects under water stress conditions. This study reveals how irrigation volume and nitrogen application can enhance tomato yield and water use efficiency by regulating root characteristics and vertical root distribution, providing support for understanding the response of root systems to changes in soil water and nitrogen conditions.

Impact of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganism (PGPM) Consortium on Biochemical Properties and Yields of Tomato Under Drought Stress.

Drought is the most important abiotic stress that restricts the genetically predetermined yield potential of the crops. In the present study, four tomato varieties: Kashi Vishesh, Kashi Aman, Kashi Abhiman, and Kashi Amrit, were used to study the effect of PGPMs (plant growth-promoting microorganisms). PGPM strains, Bacillus megaterium BHUPSB14, Pseudomonas fluorescens BHUPSB06, Pseudomonas aeruginosa BHUPSB01, Pseudomonas putida BHUPSB0, Paenibacillus polymixa BHUPSB17, and Trichoderma horzianum, were used as the consortium. The control group was irrigated up to 80% of field capacity, while 7-, 14-, and 21-day water-deficit-exposed (DWD) plants' pot soil moisture was maintained to 40, 25, and 15% of the field capacity, both with and without the PGPM inoculation condition. The physiological parameters, such as electrolyte leakage, relative water content, photosynthetic efficiency, and chlorophyll color index, were significantly improved by PGPM application under progressive drought stress, compared to the control. PGPM application enhanced the proline accumulation and reduced the formation of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation under drought stress. The plant growth attributes were significantly increased by PGPM application. The Kashi Amrit variety showed the highest fruit yield among the four varieties under all the treatments. The PGPM consortium application also improved the soil physico-biological properties and nutrient availability in the soil. The PGPM consortium used in this study can potentially mitigate drought stress on tomato in drought-prone regions and act as a biofertilizer. The present study will open a new avenue of drought stress management in tomato.

Optimization of an aerated fertilizer irrigation application scheme for tomato photosynthesis, yield and quality in Xi'an, China

Soil aeration is known to alleviate root zone hypoxia, improve root growth environment, and enhance crop yield and water and fertilizer use efficiency. However, the specific effects of coupled soil aeration and fertilization on photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, yield, and quality of tomato remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, greenhouse experiments were conducted for 2 years on tomato in Xi'an, China. In preliminary experiments, it was observed that the combination of venturi and two dispersers treatments could enhance air transfer distance within the drip irrigation system over a range of 0–25 m. Subsequently, in the planting experiments, 3 levels of aeration (A) were established: A1 (no aeration), A2 (7.50 % air-to-water ratio), and A3 (15.00 % air-to-water ratio), along with 3 fertilizer (F) levels: F1 (no additional fertilizer), F2 (N- P2O5-K2O fertilizer application rate of 120-60-78 kg ha−1), and F3 (N- P2O5-K2O fertilizer application rate of 240-120-150 kg ha−1). The study revealed that aeration significantly increased the photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and dry matter content of tomatoes, resulting in a substantial improvement in both yield and quality. Additionally, aeration was found to enhance fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) and water use efficiency (WUE). In 2021, fertilizer increased the Chl. b content and improved photosynthesis, ultimately enhancing the yield, vitamin C, and total soluble sugars in tomatoes. Under the A3F1 treatment, FUE was the highest, while WUE was the highest under the A3F3 treatment. The A1F1 treatment resulted in the lowest tomato yield, with 37.22 t/ha in 2021 and 39.85 t/ha in 2022. The A3F3 treatment consistently produced the highest yield, achieving 50.53 t/ha in 2021 and 51.11 t/ha in 2022. The A1F3 treatment exhibited the highest return on investment. These findings are of paramount importance for optimizing tomato cultivation practices, improving fertilizer efficiency, and promoting sustainable agricultural production.

Brinjal (Solanum melongena) rootstocks improve photosynthetic rate, fruit yield and quality parameters in grafted tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

The experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to study the improvement in yield and quality parameters in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar using brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) rootstock. Three improved cultivars of tomatoes i.e. Kashi Aman, Kashi Adarsh and Kashi Chayan were grafted over three brinjal rootstocks, IC-111056, IC- 354557, and Surya. Experimental findings revealed that brinjal rootstocks significantly affected photosynthetic traits, root architectures, fruit yields and quality traits of tomatoes. Maximum photosynthetic rate (23.8 µmol/m2/s) and stomatal conductance (492.74 mmol/m2/s) were recorded in Kashi Chayan grafted over Surya rootstock, whereas chlorophyll fluorescence yields (Fv/Fm) was significantly higher in Kashi Aman self-rooted plants (0.452–0.457). Grafting tomato onto brinjal rootstocks significantly enhanced most of the yield traits, such as fruit number, weight, size and yields. Surya + Kashi Chayan graft combination registered an enhancement in number of fruits and yields by 8.65% and 8.4%, respectively over self-rooted Kashi Chayan. Significantly higher root volumes were noticed in two graft combinations i.e. IC-354557 + Kashi Aman (28.53 cm2) and Surya + Kashi Chayan (27.98 cm2), while 63% and 44.5% higher root length density (RLD) were registered in graft combinations IC-354557 + Kashi Chayan and Surya + Kashi Chayan, respectively over self-rooted Kashi Chayan. Fruit quality such as lycopene and ascorbic acid contents were significantly affected in different rootstocks and scions, whereas fruit acidity was unaffected. From the present study it may be conclude that use of brinjal rootstock Surya significantly improved most of the physiological, yield, root architecture and fruit quality in Kashi Chayan tomato cultivars.

Enhanced growth and yield in semi-indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): A heterosis study under protected condition

A diallel design was employed to assess the magnitude of heterosis, aiming to improve growth and yield of semi- indeterminate tomato by identifying the desirable cross- combinations. Five semi-indeterminate tomato genotypes (VRT13, EC15127, EC362941, EC521061 and EC521069) were crossed in diallel mating fashion during rainy (kharif) season of 2020. Crosses and the parents were examined for heterosis studies under naturally ventilated polyhouse during winter (rabi) season of 2020–21. The results revealed the presence of heterotic vigour in the growth and yield characteristics of the hybrids with significant differences among the traits studied. Hybrids from crosses EC15127 × EC362941 and VRT13 × EC362941 resulted negative heterosis over mid and better parent, respectively for days to first flowering indicating their earliness for flowering. VRT13 × EC15127 and EC15127 × EC362941 noticed heterosis over better and mid parent, respectively for fruit yield. Based on overall performance, the cross combinations EC15127 × EC362941, VRT13 × EC521061, VRT13 × EC15127, VRT13 × EC362941 and EC521069 × EC362941 were performed best over their parents for growth and yield parameters. Hence, these hybrids can be exploited directly or can be used further for development of improved commercial lines

Techniques for increasing tomato yield in Astrakhan region

Relevance. The use of mineral fertilizers in the cultivation of tomato in the first place should ensure the best conditions for the nutrition of plants during the entire growing season in accordance with their need.The research methodology was based on generally accepted methods for vegetable growing. The main goal of this study was to improve the zonal technology for cultivating tomato in open ground using leaf dressing with KCL and KNO3 preparations, aimed at increasing the level of yield during irrigation in the north of the Astrakhan region. Field experiments were carried out at the experimental irrigated land use area of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Caspian Agrarian Federal Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences" in the period from 2021 to 2023. The scientific novelty of the study was the theoretical and practical justification for the use of leaf dressing with KCL and KNO3 in the cultivation of vegetables, aimed at the formation of highly productive commercial products.Results. During the research work, a comparative analysis of various standards of use of drugs was carried out, highlighting the most promising option. Three-year studies found that the use of potassium fertilizer KCl with a concentration of 0.5%), 30... 40 days. after planting (flowering), 50 days. after planting and 60 days. after planting gave a significant increase in yield relative to the control option. Conclusions. Based on the results of the analysis, an average of five charges, the KCl treatment variant Background + 3 (concentration 0.5%) was identified, which had the highest yield of 130.56 t/ha. This option was significantly different from both control and other options under study. The increase relative to the control was + 4.08 t/ha or + 3.2%.

Slightly Saline Water Improved Physiology, Growth, and Yield of Tomato Plants in Yellow Sand Substrate

Efficient utilization of saline water and yellow sand resources can enhance water and soil resource management while boosting crop yields in Xinjiang. This study conducted a two-season field experiment in Alar City, Xinjiang, from March to July 2023 and August 2023 to January 2024. The objective was to examine the effects of different irrigation water salinities (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 g·L−1) on the physiology, growth, and yield of sand-cultured tomatoes grown in yellow sand slag. Groundwater irrigation with salinity levels of 0.8–1 g·L−1 was used as the control (CK). The results showed that the salinity of the substrate gradually increased with the salinity of irrigation water in each treatment. The salt accumulation increased by 59.5%, 82.5%, and 99.5% at the end of the experiment for T3 (4 g·L−1), T4 (5 g·L−1), and T5 (6 g·L−1), respectively, compared to CK. As the salinity of irrigation water increased, plant height, stem thickness, chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and total yield of tomato showed an increasing and then decreasing trend, in which the total tomato yield of the T2 (3 g·L−1) treatment was significantly increased by 35.2% compared with that of CK between the two seasons. In contrast, as the salinity of irrigation water increased, the inter-cellular CO2 concentration of tomato leaves showed a decreasing and then increasing trend, with the T2 treatment having the lowest inter-cellular CO2 concentration. Pathway analysis revealed that appropriate salinity levels increased tomato yield by regulating inter-cellular CO2 concentration. Based on these findings, a 3 g·L−1 salinity level is recommended for irrigating sand-cultured tomatoes to maximize yellow sand resource use, address freshwater shortages, and optimize water and soil management in the Xinjiang region.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cv. MAHY 701 under Agroclimatic Conditions of Bhubaneswar

Exogenous application of plant growth regulators play a vital role on effectively enhancing plant growth along with crop output. In order to determine the effect of plant growth regulators and the ideal concentration of GA₃ and NAA for improved tomato growth and yield (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. MAHY-701 under Bhubaneswar condition, a field experiment was conducted in Rabi 2022 at Agricultural Research Station, Binjhagiri, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha "O" Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha using plant growth regulators, namely GA₃ and NAA. The experimental design was randomized block design, which consisted of three replications and seven treatments. When compared to the control treatment, all growth, yield, and quality parameters were shown to be significantly better at various concentrations of GA₃ (30, 60, and 90 ppm) and NAA (25, 50, and 75 ppm). The findings of the investigation reinforce the claim that, as compared to the control, tomato growth and yield were considerably affected by both GA₃ and NAA. The results categorically demonstrated that the treatment where the plant was sprayed with GA₃ @ 90 ppm had the highest total soluble solids (4.33°Brix), acidity (0.42%), and shelf life (18.73), as well as the highest number of fruits per plant (42.90), fruit length (6.40cm), fruit diameter (6.80cm), weight of fruit (118.80g), yield per plot (31.70kg), yield per ha. (423.50qt), and other quality attributes. In conclusion, farmers may be suggested to apply GA₃ at 90 ppm and NAA at 50 ppm when raising tomatoes in Bhubaneswar Agroclimatic environments for MAHY-701.