INFLUENCE OF K:N RATIO AND EC ON TOMATO PLANT RAISING

In this study, three tomato cultivar transplants were treated with nutrient solution of various K:N ratios and electrical conductivity (EC) three weeks after emergence until first flower bloom (transplanting stage). These transplants were planted onto rockwool slabs in a double polyethylene covered, gutter vented greenhouse and treated with a standard tomato fertility program (Papadopoulos, 1991). Data are presented on plant growth and development, prior and after transplanting, and on fruit yield and quality from the first three trusses.
It is concluded that the EC and K:N ratio are tools that can be used to control plant growth without detrimental carryover effects into the production season.
However, for good quality transplants, it is important to maintain the EC between 3000-6000 µS/cm and the K:N ratio between 2:1-4:1.

International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics

S. Khosla, A.P. Papadopoulos

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2001.548.15