Abstract

LOPEZ-LOPEZ, R. et al. Husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) production based on irrigation volume and plastic mulching. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2009, vol.15, n.1, pp.83-89. ISSN 2007-4034.

Among the main problems that limit production and productivity of husk tomato are the availability and high cost of irrigation water, as well as inefficient use of this resource. Current production systems are not efficient due to, among other reasons, the large volumes of water supplied. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of different irrigation water treatments and plastic mulching on husk tomato crop production in a fertigation system and also to optimize the irrigation water in order to improve crop productivity. The experiment consisted of a complete randomized design with three replicates, with a 5 x 2 factorial treatment design consisting of five levels of irrigation: 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120% of reference evapotranspiration calculated using the Penman-Monteith equation, and two levels of plastic mulching, with and without. The results indicate that there were significant differences between mulching and irrigation levels for fruit yield and water productivity. Using plastic mulching increased fruit yield by 56.6%, and irrigation water efficiency by 57.3%; water use was reduced 60% by calculating the required water volume with the Penman-Monteith equation.

Keywords : crop productivity; production function; irrigation scheduling; irrigation water efficiency; Penman-Monteith equation.