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Greenhouse tomato limited cluster production systems: crop management practices affect yieldLimited-cluster production systems may be a useful strategy to increase crop production and profitability for the greenhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill). In this study, using an ebb-and-flood hydroponics system, we modified plant architecture and spacing and determined the effects on fruit yield and harvest index at two light levels. Single-cluster plants pruned to allow two leaves above the cluster had 25% higher fruit yields than did plants pruned directly above the cluster; this was due to an increase in fruit weight, not fruit number. Both fruit yield and harvest index were greater for all single-cluster plants at the higher light level because of increases in both fruit weight and fruit number. Fruit yield for two-cluster plants was 30% to 40% higher than for single-cluster plants, and there was little difference in the dates or length of the harvest period. Fruit yield for three-cluster plants was not significantly different from that of two-cluster plants; moreover, the harvest period was delayed by 5 days. Plant density (5.5, 7.4, 9.2 plants/m2) affected fruit yield/plant, but not fruit yield/unit area. Given the higher costs for materials and labor associated with higher plant densities, a two-cluster crop at 5.5 plants/m2 with two leaves above the cluster was the best of the production system strategies tested.
Document ID
20040088447
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Logendra, L. S.
(Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520, United States)
Gianfagna, T. J.
Specca, D. R.
Janes, H. W.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: HortScience : a publication of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Volume: 36
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0018-5345
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems

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