DRIP IRRIGATION OF LATE-SEEDED TOMATO PLANTS FOR PROCESSING

Drip irrigation of tomato plants for processing seeded in May, was tested at the Akko Experiment Station, during the years 1976 and 1977. Maximum yield of red fruit was 100 t/ha in 1976 and 85 t/ha in 1977. Highest yields were achieved with drip irrigation, applied during the fruit development stage, starting 15 days after the beginning of flowering and continuing until the formation of about 10% red fruit, while maintaining low water tension in the soil.
During this period, the effect of drip irrigation combined with fertilization did not differ from that of irrigation alone.

Irrigation had a great effect on fruit quality, as expressed by acidity, total soluble solids and viscosity, during a period of fruit development from green mature to 10% red fruit.
Irrigation treatment during that period had an opposite effect on yield and quality.
There was a tendency toward a lower rate of nitrate in the tomato juice.

Symposium on Water Supply and Irrigation

J. Rudich, C. Geizenberg, G. Gera, D. Kalmar, S. Harel

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1979.89.8