A. Mohammadkhani, M.r. Nouri Emamzadeh, A. Mirjalili,
Volume 17, Issue 66 (winter 2014)
Abstract
Four partial root zone drying (FULL, 1PRD50, 2PRD50, 3PRD50) treatments were investigated on tomato characteristics and water use efficiency using completely randomized design with five replications. In the control treatment (Full irrigation), all water requirement of plant was met in the root area equally during the growing season. Roots in 1PRD50, 2PRD50 and 3PRD50 treatments were divided into two equal parts and each side of root was irrigated one, two and three times, respectively. Results showed that the highest (44.43 g) and lowest (24.57g) tomato mean weights were obtained at full irrigation and 3PRD50, respectively. Maximum of diameter (43.1 ml) and fruit number (46 No) was observed in the control and minimum of these traits (15.6 ml and 20 No, respectively) was observed in 3PRD50 treatment. There was a highly significant difference between fruit number in all treatments. Highest yield and marketable yield was obtained in the control and 1PRD50 treatment, respectively. The highest irrigation water use efficiency was obtained in 1PRD50 (48 percent more than the control) and the lowest value was in 3PRD50 (27 percent lower than the control). Based on results of this study, partial intermittent irrigation (1PRD50) is recommendable for tomato production.
