SOME EFFECTS OF DELAYED PLANTING OF TOMATO CELL TRANSPLANTS ON LATER CROP PERFORMANCE

Tomato cell transplants were raised in trays having cell volumes of 5 and 11 ml.
Transplants were planted into the field at their optimum stage and also after being held for a further 10–14 and 24–28 days.
Total fruit number and total yield were reduced by the 24–28 day holding period.
It was suggested that this was due to the less favourable conditions for fruit growth later in the season.
Delayed planting delayed maturity, the delay being greater the longer the holding period.
Despite differences in plant size at planting there was no difference in fruit yield between the two cell volumes used.
Factors that may contribute to the loss of early differences in growth are discussed.

VI Symposium on the Timing of Field Production of Vegetables

K.J. Fisher, A.P. Julian

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1990.267.30