Fruit Yield and Maturity Characteristics of Processing Tomatoes in Response to Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation with black plastic mulch and fertigation was assessed for its effect on the growth, yield and maturity characteristics of the processing tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) cv. ‘Cleo’. NPK was applied three times per week through fertigation. Seven successional destructive harvests spaced at weekly intervals were used to identify the time of optimum yield. Drip irrigation improved plant growth during the first eight weeks and increased yield. There was no effect on the timing of maximum yield. Leaf nutrient • levels fell during fruit swelling. Improved water and nutrient availability provided by fertigation were considered important factors in this yield improvement. The optimum fruit yield peaked rather than plateaued, which is contrary to the traditionally held view of processing tomato crop maturation.