Evaluation of growth and yield characteristics of hybrid indeterminate tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) varieties under tunnel greenhouse production in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Tunnel greenhouses provide opportunities for year round crop production as they passively control environments by trapping heat and therefore either extend the growing season or ensure an early start to the season. Hybrid indeterminate tomato varieties are a suitable option for Zimbabwe which has recorded low yields of up to 7tha-1 in comparison to world averages of up 37tha-1 due to the use of recycled seed as well as field production conditions that are not conducive. The objective of the study was to assess growth and yield attributes of new hybrid indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties bred by Haaretz as well as characterise the physical traits of the varieties under Zimbabwe conditions. The experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with six treatments replicated three times. Treatments consisted of varieties (3295, 29412, 29202, 3297 and 3298) and Daniella as a control. Data were analysed using GenStat 14th edition and means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% level of significance. Variety 29202 had the highest plant height (521.70cm) and was significantly different from other varieties whilst variety 3298 had the lowest plant height (418.20cm). Leaf area was highest in variety 29202 (204.55cm2) while 3298(141.10 cm2) recorded minimum leaf area. Significant difference for days to flowering were noticed where 29412 was the earliest hybrid to flower in 17.25days while 3298 was last to flower in 24.667 days. Daniella recorded the highest average fruit weight of 218.30 g whereas lowest average fruit weight was observed in 3298 (120.70 g). Highest yield per hectare was recorded for variety 29202 (142.80tonsha-1) while 3298 achieved the lowest yield of (80.23 tonsha1). Highest shelf life was observed in 3297 (33.75 days) followed while variety 29412 had the shortest shelf life (18.67 days). Results of this study show that Haaretz tomato variety 29202 is better than Daniella variety in terms of yield and shelf life. Presence of green shoulder was observed in variety 3295 only and this is an undesirable fruit quality. Therefore, farmers are recommended to use tunnel greenhouses to grow 29202 which produced higher yields of up to 142.80tonsha-1 and also exhibited shelf life of 28 days. Growers that do not cooling facilities in very hot regions are recommended to grow variety 3297 which had a long shelf life of 33.75days however yielding120tha1 though further research is recommended in terms of diseases tolerance and other quality parameters for the two varieties.