Effect of transplanting seedlings in compost on yield, fruit quality and incidence of wilt diseases in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

摘要

Yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in Ghana are reduced by wilt diseases in the field. A study was conducted to determine the effect of transplanting seedlings from compost on yield, quality and wilt disease incidence. Transplanting seedlings from compost at 50 percent flower bud initiation reduced the incidence of wilt diseases. Plants transplanted together with compost were more vigorous and had an extended harvest period. Mean number of fruits/plant, mean fruit weight andyield in tonnes/ha were significantly increased when seedlings were transplanted together with compost at 50 percent flower bud initiation, and the treatment slightly increased total soluble solids content but did not affect shelf-life and pH. Fusariumoxysporum and Sclerotium rolfsii were identified as the predominant organisms associated with wilt disease in the field by a pathogenicity test in the greenhouse.