Kaolin particle film product applications before harvest begins may not improve marketable yields of fresh tomatoes.

摘要

Drip-irrigated, stake-and-weave supported tomato plots were established in 2005 and 2006. All plots (except controls) were treated with a kaolin particle film product (Surround WP) mixed at 0.5 lb/gallon of water and applied using a pressurized hand sprayer. Sprays began after transplanting and were repeated as needed to maintain a particle film on the foliage. Sprays were discontinued either at anthesis, at first green tomatoes 5 cm in diam. or at first coloured tomato harvest. Multiple hand harvests were made as tomatoes matured. In 2005, all kaolin treatments reduced marketable tomato number and wt., whereas in 2006 there were no significant effects. Cull tomato wt. and average wt. per marketable tomato were unaffected by treatments during either yr. Results indicate that when applied before harvest begins, Surround may not improve marketable yields of fresh tomatoes.