Effects of split mineral fertilizer applications on the growth and productivity of three tomato varieties (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in rainy season cropping

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three frequencies of mineral fertilizer applications (NPK andUrea) on the growth and productivity of tomato produced in the rainy season. Three varieties of tomato: Padma, Thorgal and Tomy were used for a trial set up at the Kamboinsé Research Station under shelter "insect proof" to evaluate their response to three types of mineral fertilizer applications (NPK andUrea). The experimental design used was a split-plot with 4 replicates. Fertilizer use frequency (F1: splitting in 6 applications with an application frequency of 2 weeks; F2: splitting in 4 applications with an application frequency of 3 weeks; and F3: a single application for NPK and two applications for urea) was the main factor while the variety was the secondary factor. Observations and measures focused, among others, on seedling raising date, flowering date, plant height, height of insertion of the first floral bouquet, fruit setting date, harvest date, number of floral bouquets per plant, number of clustered fruits per plant, number of fruits per plant, total weight of fruit per plant, average weight of a fruit, output, firmness and soluble dry matter content of the fruits. The results achieved highlighted the positive effect of the application every 3 weeks of NPK and urea (F2) on plant height. Results also showed that the application of NPK and urea every other week (F1) increased yields by 51% and soluble dry matter content by 19% compared to conventional application (F3). On the other hand, regarding fruit firmness, the single application of NPK and urea (F3) gave the best results in comparison with split applications (F1 and F2). Results also showed that the Thorgal variety was the best in terms of growth under the F2 application type. The Padma and Tomy varieties gave higher yields and higher soluble dry matter content with F1 fertilizer application. The Tomy variety produced the firmest fruits with the single fertilizer application F3. Thus results achieved indicate that high frequency of fertilizer applications (F1) improves the rain-fed tomato productivity in terms of quantity and quality. This method can be exploited not only to reduce tomato shortages during the rainy season but also to improve diet quality for the Burkinabè population.