Influence of different spacing regimes on growth and productivity of BARI tomato-2

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop whose productivity is strongly influenced by its spacing and plant population. A field experiment was conducted at Rajshahi region during December,2024 to April, 2025 to evaluate the effect of different plant spacing’s (D1=40 × 45 cm, D2=50 × 45 cm, and D3=60 × 45 cm) on the growth and yield of tomato (BARI Tomato -2). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Healthy seedlings of BARI Tomato-2 were transplanted in well-prepared plots according to the assigned spacing treatments. Results revealed that wider spacing (D3) significantly enhanced vegetative and reproductive parameters compared to narrower spacings. Plants at D3 cm attained the greatest height, which was 72% higher than those grown at D1 cm. This spacing produced a higher number of primary (24%) and productive branches (62%) compared to D1. Furthermore, proper spacing provides more fruit weight, more fruits per plant (25% more than D1) and increased biological yield (4.3 tha1) compared to closed spacing. Consequently, D3 spacing achieved the highest yield (38%) per hectare, which was 26% higher than D1. Thus, adopting an appropriate spacing (both inter and intra row) regime, particularly D3 is crucial for maximizing tomato growth and yield.