ISHS Acta Horticulturae 487: VI International Symposium on Processing Tomato & Workshop on Irrigation & Fertigation of Processing Tomato
INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND STRATEGY ON THE AGRONOMIC AND QUALITY PARAMETERS OF THE PROCESSING TOMATO IN EXTREMADURA |
| Authors: | M.H. Prieto, J. López, R. Ballesteros, S.I.A. Junta de Extremadura |
| Keywords: | Lycopersicon esculentum, yield, quality |
| Abstract:
The effect of different irrigation systems on the yield and fruit parameters of processing tomatoes was studied during two seasons. Drip, furrow and sprinkler irrigation were compared, as well as the effects of traditional irrigation which maintains a high soil moisture level vs. Irrigation strategy which, based on estimated crop water needs, induced a certain water deficit during the fruit development and ripening stages. Under the experimental conditions of the trials, furrow irrigation had the lowest yields when a high soil moisture level was maintained. The difference was statistically significant only in 1997. The use of irrigation strategies producing a moderate water deficit allowed very significant water saving, and also an improvement of the Brix value. This improvement in soluble solids was more clearly observed using drip irrigation. The water deficit induced in these trials produced some red fruit yield loss. Due to major climatic differences between the two seasons, further trials are needed to confirm the trends observed. | |
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