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EFFECT OF CROP SPACINGS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FOUR TOMATO (Lycopersicon lycopersicum Karst) VARIETIES UNDER RAINFED AND IRRIGATED CONDITIONS.
Abstract:
Four field trials were carried out. two during rainy seasons of 1995 and 1996 and two others during dry seasons of 1995/96 and 1996/97. at the Institute for Agricultural Research Farm. Samaru. Zaria (11 ll’N: 07° 38’E and 686m above sea level). The objective was to study the effect of inter- and intra-row spacing levels on four varieties of tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum Karst). The treatment consisted of factorial combinations of three inter and three intra-row spacing levels (45, 60 and 75cm; and 30. 45 and 60cm. respectively) and four tomato varieties (TI 106. TI 182. TI 468 and TI 539 representing Roma VF, Early Mech. 3900 and 5-80- 285. respectively). A split plot design was used in which the factorial combinations of inter and intra-row spacings were allocated to the main plots while the tomato varieties were allocated in the subplots, with the treatments replicated four times. The results showed that the tomato plants were generally taller, had higher total dry matter (TDM), attained earlier days to 50% flowering and days to first harvest as well as heavier fruits when grown in the wet seasons than in the dry seasons. However, the number of leaves per plant, leaf area index (L A I). yield/plant and total fruit yield per hectare were higher during the dry seasons than in the wet season. Relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and percent soluble solids were not affected significantly by the seasonal changes. Number of flowers/plant was similar in three trials with the exception of 1996/97 dry season where the flower number was higher. Fruit firmness was also similar in all trials with the exception of 1995/96 dry season were the fruits were softer. In all four seasons of the trial, variety TI 468 had the tallest plants, higher TDM, RGR, percent soluble solids and average weight/fruit compared with the other three tomato varieties. TI 106 and TI 539 had the highest number of leaves/plant, LAI, number of flowers/ plant, fruit firmness and yield/plant followed by TI 182, while TI 468 recorded the least value in most of these parameters. The NAR was highest in TI 106. followed by TI 182. TI 468 and TI 539 in that order. Days to 50% flowering and days to first harvest were significant only during the dry season with TI 106 attaining flowering and maturity similarly and much earlier than TI 539, TI 468 and TI 182 which were at par with each other. Total fruit yield per hectare was highest in TI 539 followed by TI 106 which, in turn was higher than TI 182 and TI 468 which recorded the least yield in all the trials. Decreasing both inter and intra-row spacings from 75 to 45cm and 60 to 30cm, respectively, increased plant height (in 1995/96 only). LAI, NAR, percent soluble solids and total fruit yield per hectare. However, increasing both inter- and intra-row spacings from 45 – 75cm and 30 – 60cm, respectively, increased number of leaves/plant (wet seasons), days to 50% flowering (dry seasons), days to first harvest (dry seasons) fruit firmness (dry seasons) and yield/plant.
EFFECT OF CROP SPACINGS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FOUR TOMATO (Lycopersicon lycopersicum Karst) VARIETIES UNDER RAINFED AND IRRIGATED CONDITIONS.
