Publication Date

5-1990

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Ray Johnson, Linda Brown, James Worthington

Degree Program

Department of Agriculture

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Research was undertaken in the summer of 1989 to determine the effect of phosphorus placement on the yield and quality of field grown tomatoes Lycopersicon esculentum. A subsequent study was undertaken in the winter of 1989 to determine the effect of phosphorus rate and placement on the early growth and phosphorus uptake of young tomatoes in the greenhouse.

The purpose of this study was to attempt to find the most efficient placement and rate of supplemental phosphorus when growing tomatoes. It has been shown that placing phosphorus in a concentrated zone in contact with plant roots results in more growth and fruit yield. The current trial involved the application of phosphorus at different rates and use of different methods of application. The methods of application included broadcasting phosphorus, placing phosphorus in a concentrated band, and combinations of the two.

It is of great interest to the tomato producer to know the most efficient rate and placement of fertilizer phosphorus. Availability of phosphorus is necessary for the proper development of the tomato and a good supply is needed for adequate yield and quality. If improved application methods are developed, perhaps higher yields and improved fruit quality can be realized. This could possibly result in higher production for the producer and more satisfaction for consumers.

The results of the field study were not statistically significant. One reason for the lack of any yield response was the greatly reduced yields caused by hail damage and fungal disease.

Surprisingly, the greenhouse study showed that significant growth increase resulted from phosphorus broadcast treatments. One explanation may be the small volume of soil used in this study. The plant roots were distributed throughout the entire soil volume in contrast to the situation with widely spaced field grown tomatoes. Thus, the broadcast treatments achieved more root-fertilizer contact in the greenhouse pot cultures.

Disciplines

Agriculture | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Life Sciences | Plant Sciences

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