Tomato growth analysis across three cropping systems

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to analyze the growth of the Upiã tomato cultivar in the Vertical, Crossed Fence and Viçosa cultivation systems, in order to obtain explanations for the productive gains achieved in the Viçosa system. The experiment was conducted in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from August 21st to December 5th, 2012, in the scheme of subdivided plots, being the plots represented by the cultivation systems: Vertical, using tape, 1.0×0.5 m spacing; Crossed Fence, staked with bamboo, 1.0x0.5 m spacing; and Viçosa, using tape, 2.0x0.2 m spacing. The subplots were composed by the sampling times of the plants: 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after transplanting. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications. Each plot was composed by three lines of 10 plants, making a total of 30 plants per plot, being evaluated the four central plants of each plot. We evaluated the dry matter of leaves (MSF), stem (MSC), inflorescences (MSI), fruits (MSFr) and total (MST). Using the foliar area index, measured by digital scanners and the previously obtained dry masses, we determined the physiological growth indices: foliar area index (IAF), specific foliar area (AFE), relative growth rate (TCR), and net assimilation rate (TAL). The Viçosa system altered the growth pattern of the tomato, quantified by the growth analysis, in comparison to Crossed and Vertical Fences. The prolongation of the second growth phase for the dry matter of fruits could possibly explain the productive gains obtained in the Viçosa system. Additional studies are required in order to clarify the relationship between the duration of the second phase of fruit dry matter growth, the physiological indexes AFE, IAF and TAL with the size and fruit yield of the tomato.