Abstract

MORENO RESENDEZ, Alejandro et al. Tomato Genotypes in Vermicompost:Sand Mixtures in Greenhouse. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2008, vol.26, n.2, pp.103-109. ISSN 2395-8030.

In order to determine the yield response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), André and Adela genotypes of indeterminate growth, and to establish the optimum concentration of the mixture vermicompost:sand to satisfy crop nutritional needs, a greenhouse experiment was carried out. Seeds were sown in polystyrene trays with 200 cavities, padded with peat moss and the tomato seedlings were transplanted 40 days after sowing in 20 L black plastic bags. The ratios of vermicompost:sand were 12.5:87.5, 25:75, 37.5:62.5, and 50:50. Two genotypes and four vermicompost:sand mixtures were evaluated and, as controls, both genotypes in pots with sand and Hoagland's nutrient solution, resulting in a total of 10 treatments, each with four replications. The highest yield was observed in the Adela genotype with 17.37 kg m^-2 in sand and nutrient solution and in the André genotype with 17.05 kg m^-2 in the ratio of 12.5:87.5 vermicompost:sand (P < 0.05). Larger fruits were obtained with André genotype in vermicompost:sand with ratios of 12.5:87.5 and 50:50, respectively (P < 0.05). The highest concentration of soluble solids was observed in the mixture vermicompost:sand 12.5:87.5; 6.22 and 5.96 °Brix for André and Adela genotypes, respectively (P < 0.05). The results suggest that vermicompost has physical and chemical characteristics that favor the growth of tomato comparable to that achieved with 50% Hoagland's nutrient solution.

Keywords : Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.; substrate; organic agriculture; Eisenia fetida; nutrition; organic residues.

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