Temperature and fertilizer effects on tomato productivity

Abstract

Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Ain Shams 1, F<inf>1</inf> hybrid) were grown in a greenhouse during the spring and summer seasons of 1993 and 1994. The current study was carried out at the Nubaria research station under the protected cultivation project. The research investigated the possibility of increasing fruit set in tomato and producing fruits with improved quality during periods of unfavorable environmental conditions by foliar application of phosphatic and potassic fertilizers. Phosphatic treatments significantly increased fruit yield, especially during the summer season. The data indicated that good fruit quality could be obtained with potassic applications in both seasons. The best fruit quality and yield was obtained with three applications of either phosphatic or potassic fertilizers during the growing season. Similar results were obtained with the foliar applications in both seasons.