Articles
THE EFFECT OF REDUCED NITRATE INPUT ON TOMATO YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY
Article number
401_38
Pages
319 – 326
Language
Abstract
Work done at Efford during the 1991–1992 cropping season evaluated the materials calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and potassium chloride as partial substitutes for potassium nitrate in the nutrition of a long season tomato crop (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) cv Calypso.
The effects of these materials on yield, fruit quality and shelf-life characteristics were quantified.
To the end of the season (2 October 1992) there were no significant effects of the treatments on yield; overall fruit quality was similarly unaffected.
The incidence of Gold Spot, however, was generally higher where chloride salts had been used as partial substitutes for potassium nitrate.
The effects of these materials on yield, fruit quality and shelf-life characteristics were quantified.
To the end of the season (2 October 1992) there were no significant effects of the treatments on yield; overall fruit quality was similarly unaffected.
The incidence of Gold Spot, however, was generally higher where chloride salts had been used as partial substitutes for potassium nitrate.
Further work during the 1992–1993 cropping season focused on the use of potassium chloride as a partial substitute for potassium nitrate.
Four nitrate nitrogen levels of 60, 120, 180 and 242 mg NO3-N/litre in the applied feed were achieved using this technique.
As in the earlier study, treatments commenced just prior to first fruit pick.
At lower nitrate levels the rate of expansion of young leaves was reduced and greater levels of Gold Spot were again recorded.
Authors
D.J. Hand, M. Fussell
Keywords
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