Growth And Yield Of Tomato As Influenced By Water Stress At Different Phenological Stages

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigates the effect of water stress at different phenological stages on tomato growth and yield. Tomato is a vital vegetable crop in Nigeria, and water scarcity poses challenges to its productivity. The study was carried out in a screen house, water was applied daily with 100% potential evapotranspiration rate except during the ten days water stress applied at every phenological stage. The parameters assessed include number of leaves, plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), and root and shoot dry weights (g), in addition, the water use efficiency. The results were subjected to Analysis of Variance and the means were compared using Least Significant Difference at 5% level of significance. The results show that there was no significant difference (p≥0.05) in the water use efficiency of the tomato plants subjected to water stress at the phenological stages. Notably, the study highlights that the vegetative stage is particularly sensitive to water stress, leading to reduced shoot dry weight and compromised overall biomass. Similarly, water stress during the flowering stage diminishes root dry weight. However, the fruiting stage exhibits relatively better yields under water stress than other stages. The findings emphasize the importance of effective irrigation management, particularly during the vegetative phase, to promote optimal plant development. Moreover, the research underscores the significance of providing adequate water during reproductive phases to enhance fruit production and overall plant performance.

Characterization Of Soils Derived From Sandstone In Effraya - Etung Local Government Area Of Cross River State, Nigeria

Ene Aki, Elijah Edet — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pedological characterization of soils derived from sandstone in Effraya - Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria was studied with the view to suggesting appropriate management strategies. Three representative profile pits were dug in the summit, middle slope and valley bottom positions and the location of each profile was recorded with the aid of German Etrax 2000 GPS meter. The profile pits were described according to Soil Survey Staff. The soils were well drained in the summit and middle slope to poorly drained at the valley bottom and the soil color varied from very dark grayish brown to dark brown and also from yellowish brown to dark yellowish brown within the different horizons. Mean values of 65%, 23% and 12% were obtained in the surface soils for sand, silt and clay respectively while the textural class ranged from loamy sand to sandy loam in the surface and predominantly sandy clay loam in the subsurface soils. Bulk density and particle density had mean values of 1.2g/cm3 and 2.45g/cm3 with total porosity mean value of 48.5% for surface soils respectively. The strongly acidic soils were low in total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, and exchangeable bases. CEC in the soils was moderately high with low ECEC while base saturation was below 50%. These results show that the soils are low in fertility and thus will require management practices such as liming, mulching, return of crop residues, and also planting of acid tolerant crops may be recommended for improved crop production.

Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Growth And Yield Of Tomato As Influenced By Water Stress At Different Phenological Stages

Characterization Of Soils Derived From Sandstone In Effraya - Etung Local Government Area Of Cross River State, Nigeria