Improving yield and profitability of four commercial tomato varieties using two rootstocks under field conditions

Mena-Chacón L.M.; Hilari-Hilari M.C.; Peña-Dávila G. · Idesia (2024) · DOI: 10.4067/s0718-34292024000200003

Resumen

The research was conducted to evaluate the effect of two rootstocks on the yield, quality and profitability of four tomato varieties grown under open field conditions. Four commercial varieties of tomato (Galilea: GA, Katya: KT, Matusalen: MA and Bisonte: BI) grafted on two hybrids (Premium and Defender) were evaluated, with a total of 12 treatments arranged in a completely randomized design. Plant height, lycopene content, total soluble solids (TSS), pH and titratable acidity in ripe fruit, commercial yield (kg ha-1) and profitability (net income/cost of production) were evaluated. The grafting process was carried out in nursery and later transplanted to open field. The results showed that the use of both rootstocks increased the vigor and commercial yield of the four varieties, highlighting MA/DF, KT/DF, KT/PR and MA/PR with an average of 4,834 kg m-2. KT/PR, KT/DF, MA/PR and GA/PR showed variations in TSS, pH and/or TA contents compared to the frank varieties (p-value<0.05). With the exception of GA, BI, GA/PR, GA/DF, BI/PR and BI/DF, all other varieties were economically profitable, regardless of whether they were franc or grafted. The increase in vigor, commercial yield and quality of grafted tomato depends on the compatibility of scion and rootstock.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa