ISHS Acta Horticulturae 39: Symposium on Basic Problems of Protected Vegetable Production
FRESH WEIGHT AND FLOWERING OF TOMATO PLANTS AS INFLUENCED BY CONTAINER TYPE AND WATERING CONDITIONS |
| Authors: | D. Klapwijk, P.J.A.L. De Lint |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1974.39.23 |
| Abstract:
During propagation of tomatoes, sown November 5, 1971, watering was carried out in different ways: only if necessary (Dry), as much as was possible without spoiling water (Moist), and water saturation of the substrate in a 2 cm layer of water (Wet). Two types of container were used: plastic pots and soil blocks. Contents of both 11- Fresh weight on February 8, 1972 was strongly influenced by watering conditions. The weight of the plants in plastic containers was 66.0 -94.9 – 74.0 gram in soil blocks. Drier conditions caused smaller plants except for saturated soil blocks. The smaller plants had higher dry matter percentages and better trusses which flowered normally. Bigger plants however, showed a quicker flowerbud initiation in the apex. Plants grown under dry conditions had 3.6 flowers open, and 33.3 buds initiated in the growing point. Under wet conditions, 1.8 flowers were open, but 43.8 buds were counted in the growing point. The delay in flowering was caused by abortion of nearly 50% of the first trusses, but flower initiation was accelerated by better growth from 33.3 to 43.8 buds. The loss of fruit due to 50% abortion is 3–4 fruits per plant, but there is a regain of 10 fruits on the higher trusses. | |
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