Assessment of interactive effects of sowing window and genotype, especially over intensity of disease outbreak and its consequences on vital yield and quality parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract In order to identify the most efficient combination of two components, viz., sowing windows and genotypes of tomato, the current study was conducted in the Northern Tripura as an autumn-winter crop. The complete trial's findings demonstrated the negative impacts of high and frequent occurrences of tomato diseases, including tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYCLV), bacterial wilt, early and late blight, on yield and quality characteristics. When transplanting was mostly done as late as 7th December during both the years, the maximum intensities of TYCLV, bacterial wilt, early and late blight of 18.69%, 10.61%, 5.55% and 6.45%, respectively, were detected with Local cultivar. On the other hand, the lowest average yield loss (1.81%) was recorded for these genotypes - Arka Abhed, Arka Rakshak, and Arka Samrat - with sowing windows as October 7th and 21st, which had higher yield potential (66.25 t ha⁻ ¹). They also had significantly better lycopene (56.43 mg 100g⁻ ¹) and carotenoids (104.00 mg 100g⁻ ¹) contents. From this, it can be inferred that growing of tomatoes in these regions during the autumn-winter months would be most fruitful, if done between the second to last week of October, using varieties such as Arka Abhed, Arka Rakshak, and Arka Samrat. If further types are to be included, genotypes like Kashi Aman and Arka Apeksha might be added and this period of transplanting duration could be prolonged up to first week of November.