Production physiology of polyhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill)

Abstract

Investigation on physiological attributes of yield in tomato was carried out at Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during October 2005 to February 2006 under two different growing conditions (polyhouse and open field). The experiment was laid out in Randomised Complete Block Design with four replications. Indeterminate LE 643 and semideterminate Anagha were the varieties used for the study.

The study revealed that crop raised in polyhouse showed more plant height (upto 30 DAT) and internodal length. Number of branches was higher in open field. Relative Growth Rate and Net Assimilation Rate were higher in open field compared to polyhouse at initial stages but at later stages, reverse situation was noticed. Crop growth Rate and LAI were maximum in polyhouse condition. Number of inflorescences and fruits per plant, number of harvests per plant, single fruit weight and fruit yield per plant were observed higher in polyhouse.

Maximum temperature and RH at morning had positive significant correlation with vegetative characters and number of inflorescences irrespective of growing condition. Maximum temperature and light intensity had significant correlation with days to flower. Rainfall showed negative correlation with plant characters. Canonical correlation revealed that crop characters were more related to the weather parameters under polyhouse condition. Significant partial correlation was noticed between crop yield and maximum and minimum temperature in polyhouse. Relative humidity at morning and light intensity had variety specific correlation with yield.

Pests and diseases incidence was comparatively higher in polyhouse condition due to higher temperature but cracking percentage was higher in open field. The fruit appearance and quality were comparatively better in polyhouse condition.