Articles
CALCIUM IN THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON TOMATO HYDROPONIC PRODUCTION
Article number
947_27
Pages
223 – 228
Language
English
Abstract
In hydroponic culture, an important factor influencing yield and tomato fruit quality is, by no doubt, the nutrient solution composition, but mainly, its relative Ca concentration.
The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of Ca concentration in the nutrient solution, on yield and fruit quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Cayman. The study was carried out under greenhouse conditions.
Seedlings were established in hydroponic system with bottom irrigation and irrigated with Steiners solution during seven weeks after transplanting time.
After that, during the next 23 weeks, six Ca concentrations were applied: 2.25, 4.50, 6.75, 9.00, 11.25 and 13.25 me/L. Electric conductivity of the different Ca concentrations was 2.0 dS/m; while their pH was kept between 5.5 and 6.0. Leaf nitrogen concentration was higher in treatments with Ca concentrations equal or higher than 6.75 me/L, but statistically different only to 2.25 me/L Ca concentration.
Leaf concentration of Ca, Mg, K and Na showed statistical differences among all treatments showing a direct relation to Ca concentration.
Regarding to leaf concentration of micronutrients: Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, statistical differences were also found among all treatments; although when Ca concentrations were equal or higher to 6.75 me/L, leaf Fe content showed a considerable decrease.
Regarding to number, weight and fruit quality, no statistical differences were found among treatments, but only on its chemical components.
The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of Ca concentration in the nutrient solution, on yield and fruit quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Cayman. The study was carried out under greenhouse conditions.
Seedlings were established in hydroponic system with bottom irrigation and irrigated with Steiners solution during seven weeks after transplanting time.
After that, during the next 23 weeks, six Ca concentrations were applied: 2.25, 4.50, 6.75, 9.00, 11.25 and 13.25 me/L. Electric conductivity of the different Ca concentrations was 2.0 dS/m; while their pH was kept between 5.5 and 6.0. Leaf nitrogen concentration was higher in treatments with Ca concentrations equal or higher than 6.75 me/L, but statistically different only to 2.25 me/L Ca concentration.
Leaf concentration of Ca, Mg, K and Na showed statistical differences among all treatments showing a direct relation to Ca concentration.
Regarding to leaf concentration of micronutrients: Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, statistical differences were also found among all treatments; although when Ca concentrations were equal or higher to 6.75 me/L, leaf Fe content showed a considerable decrease.
Regarding to number, weight and fruit quality, no statistical differences were found among treatments, but only on its chemical components.
Authors
J.R. Ortiz-Sánchez, A. Lara-Herrera, J.J. Llamas-Llamas, R. Castañeda-Miranda, J.J. Avelar-Mejía , M. Luna-Flores
Keywords
Lycopersicon esculentum, blossom-end rot, cations, antagonism, electric conductivity, soilless culture
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