Produção de tomate italiano (saladete) sob diferentes densidades de plantio e sistemas de poda visando ao consumo in natura

Abstract

This work was intended to verify, under field conditions, the effect of three interplant spacings andthree pruning systems on tomato fruit production of the Italian type (saladete) ofdeterminate growth, aiming at in natura growth. The experiment consisted ofa 2 x 3 x 3 fàctorial withthe treatments arranged in the randomized block treatments with three replicates. The treatments were made up ofthe combination oftwo tomato hybrids (Heinz 9780 and Kátia), three interplant spacings (20, 35 and 50 cm) and three numbers oftrusses per plant(2, 4 and 8 trusses), at the interrow spacing of80 cm. The experimentwas conducted in black mulching -coveredbeds, 75 micron thick, drip fertirrigation with N, K and Ca being utilized. Total, commercial and non-commercial production, numberoffruits per plant, average weightoffruits and classification of commercial fruits (graúdo large, average, small and miúdo minute) were evaluated. The highest total (230.67t/ha) and commercial (174.50 t/ha) production ofthe Hybrid Heinz 9780 and total (199.89t/ha) and commercial (131.91t/ha) ofthe Hybrid Kátia, were observed at the 20 cm interplant spacing in the absence of pruning. There were differences among the hybrids only in commercial production with superiority ofthe Hybrid Heinz 9780. There was no difference between these as to non-commercial production, the main declassification cause being the tomato plant moth, in the Hybrid Kátia with greater incidence at the interplant spacing of20 cm and on pruned plants. The hybrids investigated proved adequate for tomato production intended to in natura consumption, since their presenting fruits with the size demanded for this market, the Hybrid Heinz 9780 standing out, with the highest accumulated production of fruits both graúdos large and average. The practice of tip pruning was efficient to increase fruit size, contributing to the increase in the production of graúdos large fruits which are more valued by the fresh fruit market. The highest plant density enabled the obtaining a greater total and commercial production, compensating this way the reduction of the number o fbunches on pruned plants.