EFFECT OF CROP SPACINGS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FOUR TOMATO (Lycopersicon lycopersicum Karst) VARIETIES UNDER RAINFED AND IRRIGATED CONDITIONS.
EFFECT OF CROP SPACINGS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FOUR TOMATO (Lycopersicon lycopersicum Karst) VARIETIES UNDER RAINFED AND IRRIGATED CONDITIONS.
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Date
1996-03
Authors
RUFA'I, IBRAHIM
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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.
Description
A Thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School Ahmadu Bello
University. Zaria in Partial fulfilment of the requirement for
the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY
ZARIA, NIGERIA.
JUNE, 1999
Keywords
CROP SPACINGS,, TOMATO,, (Lycopersicon lycopersicum Karst),, VARIETIES,, RAINFED,, IRRIGATED CONDITIONS