Effect of Potassium Sources on the Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Tomato Cultivars

The research was conducted to investigate the effect of various combinations of potassium from organic and inorganic sources on the growth, yield and fruit quality of two tomato cultivars i.e., Falcon and Rio Grande for two years. The response of tomato cultivars was assessed to six combinations viz. 0-0 (control), 100-0, 75-25, 50-50, 25-75 and 0-100% of poultry manure (PM) and Sulphate of Potash (SOP). All the factors (K-sources, cultivars and years) alone and in combination significantly affected the growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato. The highest number of leaves plant^-1 (75.25) and yield (49.25 t ha^-1) were gained by Falcon in 50-50 treatment during, 2010. However, the plant height (134 cm) and fruit size (147.1 cm^3) were higher at 25-75 and 75-25 treatment, respectively. Whereas, the less number of leaves plant^-1 (15), plant height (28.25 cm), fruit size (92.3 cm^3) and tomato yield (7.5 t ha^-1) were recorded for Rio Grande in control during, 2009. The fruit weight (69.25 g) and TSS (4.55 oBrix) were higher in Rio Grande cultivar in treatment 75-25 and 50-50, respectively. It is concluded that a combination of PM and SOP at 50-50 and 75-25 ratio may be used as an optimum fertilization dose for obtaining higher yield and improved fruit quality of tomato crop.