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Journal of Plant Sciences

Year: 2007 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 153-161
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Authors

A. Muhammad

A. Singh

Keywords

Research Article

Intra-Row Spacing and Pruning Effects on Fresh Tomato Yield in Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

A. Muhammad and A. Singh
Two field trials were conducted during 2004/05 and 2005/06 dry season under irrigation at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Fadama Teaching and Research Farm, Sokoto in order to evaluate the effects of intra-row spacing and pruning on Roma VFN cultivar of tomato. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of two training (Staked and unstaked), three intra-row spacings (20, 40 and 60 cm) and three pruning levels (three-stem, two-stem and unpruned) laid out in a split-plot design replicated three times. Training was allocated to the main plots while spacing and pruning were allocated to the sub plots. This paper presents the results on spacing and pruning effects. Results showed that mean fruit length and diameter was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 60 cm spaced plants than 20 and 40 cm and two to three stem pruned plants recorded higher fruit length and diameter. Highest total fresh fruit yield was obtained at closer (20-40 cm) intra-row spacing. Pruning reduced number of marketable fruits per plant and increased the weight of marketable fruits per plant. Mean fruit weight was higher for 40 and 60 cm inter-row spacing and three-stem pruning while total fresh fruit yield was higher in 20-40 cm intra-row spacing and three stem pruning. Therefore it can be concluded from this study that pruning of tomato could be practiced to increase the yield and quality of tomato. An intra-row spacing of 20-40 cm was appropriate for maximum fresh tomato yield and quality. Three-stem pruning coupled with closer intra-row spacing (20-40 cm) may be recommended for higher production of tomato variety (Roma VFN) in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria.
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