Germination Response of Traditional tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Species to Organic Treatments in Polyhouse Conditions in Nagaland

Abstract

This study investigates the germination percentages and optimal organic treatments for three traditional tomato species in Nagaland, India: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. Syn. Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), Cherry tomatoes (Solanum pimpinellifolium), and Tree tomato or Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.). Conducted from 2022 to 2023 in polyhouses at K-Station, Tseminyu, and Pfutseromi, Phek, the research reveals that and cherry tomato seeds exhibited superior germination rates compared to tree tomato seeds. The selection of treatments significantly influenced germination percentages, with combinations such as garden wastes + FYM and coco peat + vermicompost + perlite showing promise. Variability in germination percentages across nursery stations underscores the influence of local environmental factors. This research offers valuable insights into optimizing tomato cultivation practices in Nagaland, highlighting the importance of treatment selection for enhancing germination rates in traditional tomato varieties. The study also underscores the agricultural challenges faced in Nagaland, such as limited knowledge of suitable cultivars and cultivation practices, and underscores the importance of understanding local agro-climatic conditions to address food security concerns.