ISHS Acta Horticulturae 481: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS IN TWO STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF TOMATO PLANTS |
| Authors: | A. Lara, G.A. Baca, J.L. Tirado, J.D. Etchevers, J. Kohashi-Shibata, A. Martínez |
| Keywords: | hydroponics, Lycopersicon esculentum, osmotic potential, nitrate, potassium |
| Abstract:
Not much attention has been paid to the composition of the nutrient solutions employed at different growth stages of tomato plants, even though it could contribute to increased yields. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the change of the mutual ratio of anions, mutual ratio of cations, and osmotic potential on the Steiner's Universal Nutrient Solution in the growth, development, and production of tomato plants during the vegetative and early reproductive stages. Two experiments were conducted in a closed-circuit hydroponic system, in a greenhouse. The design was a factorial experiment (23) with three replications. The effect of NO3 : anion ratios on the plant height and number of leaves was positive and significant in the first 18 days of the vegetative stage and that of K+: cation ratios on the plant height and number of flower buds was significant during the last nine days of this stage. By the end of the vegetative stage, with a modification of the three factors in the Steiner's Universal Nutrient Solution, there was an increase in: plant height, stem length, number of leaves, and dry weight in the lower portion of the stem. In the reproductive stage there was an increase in: plant height, fresh weight of fruit, root volume, and dry weight of leaves, stem and the whole plant. Therefore, the modification of the Steiner's Solution during the vegetative and reproductive stages promoted growth, development, and yield of tomato plants. | |
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