EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SHADING LEVELS ON TOMATO PLANTS. 2. YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY

The effect of shading on fruit yield and quality of two tomato cultivars was investigated during the late summer season.
The results are summarized as follows:

1. Shading of plants significantly increased the number of fruits per plant and total yield.
   The maximum fruit yield was obtained by plants grown under 35% shading.

2. Shading of plants significantly improved the physical characteristics of tomato fruits.
   The highest weight, length diameter and volume of fruits were obtained from plants grown under 35% shading.

3. All shading densities used led to a significant increase in the percentage of titratable acidity, whereas, an opposite trend was recorded for total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content of fruits.

4. Shading also led to a significant reduction in the percentage of sun-scald fruits.
   The highest percentage of puffy and blotchy ripening fruits were detected by plants grown under full sunlight and heavy shading (63%).

Symposium on Soil and Soilless Media under Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates

A.M. El-Gizawy, M.M.F. Abdallah, H.M. Gomaa, S.S. Mohamed

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1993.323.32