Improving the growth, yield, and quality of Heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Kashi tomato) using plant support and graded organic and inorganic fertilizers

Abstract

Adilabad district is endowed with rich agro-biodiversity, and several heirloom cultivars of vegetables, such as Kashi tomato, are still cultivation to a limited extent. Compared to modern hybrids, realizing the full potential of the Kashi heirloom tomato cultivar requires a thorough understanding of its specific needs, particularly regarding plant support and nutrient management, as it is more susceptible to fruit rot and physiological disorders such as cat face, blossom end rot, sun scald, and radial cracking. A field experiment was conducted using different plant support systems, graded levels of organic manures along with recommended doses of fertilisers to improve fruit yield and quality. The study demonstrated that keeping heirloom tomato plants off the ground through staking or trellising enhances fruit yield and quality. The trellis plant support system, with the application of 25% Nitrogen (N) through Farm Yard Manure (FYM) + 75% of the Recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDF), resulted in a significantly higher fruit yield of 7.15 kg per plant and reduced the non-marketable fruit yield to 0.25 kg per plant furthermore, fruit quality improved with the application of 50% N through FYM + 50% RDF, showing enhanced fruit size and total soluble solids.