Growth and yield of tomato as influenced by potassium and gibberellic acid

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1 Bull. Inst. Trop. Agr., Kyushu Univ. 39: 83-94, Growth and yield of tomato as influenced by potassium and gibberellic acid Md. Hasanuzzaman Akand 1), H. E. M. Khairul Mazed 2), Sumon kumar Bhagat 2), Jannatul Ferdous Moonmoon 3) and M. Moniruzzaman 4) Abstract An experiment was conducted at the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from October 2013 to March 2014 to study the effect of potassium and GA 3 on the growth and yield of tomato. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and consisted of two factors. Factor A is consisting K 0 = Control (No fertilizer), K 1 = 120 kg, K 2 = 150 kg and K 3 = 180 kg K 2 O/ha respectively and Factor B is consisting G 0 = Control (No GA 3 ), G 1 = 40 ppm and G 2 = 60 ppm GA 3 respectively. In case of potassium, K 1 produced the highest yield (59.45t/ha) and K 0 produced the lowest yield (51.33 t/ha). In case of GA 3, G 1 produced the highest yield (58.66 t/ha) and G 0 produced the lowest yield (46.55 t/ha). Combined effect of K 1 G 1 produced the highest yield (70.77 t/ha) and K 0 G 0 produced the lowest yield (43.89 t/ha). The highest (4.75) benefit cost ratio was recorded from the combination of K 1 G 1. Therefore, 120 kg K 2 0/ha with 40 ppm GA 3 was found suitable for growth and yield of tomato. Keywords: Tomato, Potassium, GA 3, Growth and Yield. Introduction Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a solanaceous self pollinated vegetable crop. It is one of the important, popular and nutritious vegetables grown in Bangladesh in both winter and summer season around all parts of the country (Haque et al., 1999). Tomato is a rich source of lycopene and vitamins. Lycopene may help counteract the harmful effects of substances called free radicals, which are thought to contribute to age-related processes and a number of types of cancer. Potassium is especially important in a multi nutrient fertilizer application (Brady, 1995). Potassium application increases flower number, peduncle length, fruit set and number of fruit (Besford and Maw, 1975). Potassium has marked effect on the quality of tomato fruits particularly on color (Wall, 1940 and Ozbun et al., (1967) and also has an important role on balancing physiological activities. The Gibberellic acid is one of the most important growth stimulating substances used in agriculture. It may promote cell elongation, cell division and thus helps in growth and development of tomato plant. Application of gibberellic acid to flow- 1) Professor, Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh; 2) MS, in Horticulture, Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh; 3) MS Student, Department of Agronomy, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh; 4) Scientific Officer, Plant Pathology Section, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh. *Corresponding author: mzaman.hrcbari@yahoo.com

2 84 Md. Hasanuzzaman Akand et al. ers help to control the fruit drop in tomato (Feofanova, 1960). In accordance with recent agricultural policy to increase yield vertically and to get early yield and better quality fruit, an attempt was made to study the effects of different levels of potassium and different concentration of gibberellic acid on plant growth and yield of tomato. Materials and Methods The experiment was conducted at Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka during the period from October 2013 to March The location of the experimental site was at N latitude and E longitudes with an elevation of 8.45 meter from sea level. Soil of the study site was silty clay loam in texture belonging to series. The area represents the Agro-Ecological Zone of Madhupur tract (AEZ No. 28) with ph and ECE The tomato variety used in the experiments was BARI-14. This is a high yielding indeterminate type and their seeds were collected from Olericulture division of Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). Tomato seedlings were raised in two seedbeds of 2 m x 1m size. Ten gram of seeds was shown on each seedbed on October After sowing, seeds were covered with light soil. Emergence of seedlings were taken place within 5 to 6 days after sowing. The experiment consisted of two factors as follows. Factor A is consisting of Four levels of potassium K 0 =Control, K 1 =120 kg K 2 O/ha (200 kg MP/ha), K 2 =150 kg K 2 O/ha (250 kg MP/ha), K 3 =180 kg K 2 O/ha (300 kg MP/ha). Factor B is consisting of three levels of GA 3 (Gibberellic acid), G 0 =Control, G 1 =40 ppm GA 3 and G 2 =60 ppm GA 3. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) including three replications. An area of 25.2 m x 10 m was divided into three equal blocks. Each block was consists of 12 plots where 12 treatments were allotted randomly. There were 36 unit plots in the experiment. The size of each plot was 1.8 m x 2 m. The distance between two blocks and two plots were kept 1 m and 0.5 m respectively. According to the method of Rashid (1999), the entire amount of cow dung and TSP were applied as the basal dose during land preparation. Potassium was applied as per treatment and Urea and TSP was applied at the rate of 400 kg/ha and 300 kg/ha, respectively. Urea and MoP were used as top dressing in equal splits at 20, 30 and 40 days after transplanting. Healthy and uniform 30 days old seedlings were uprooted separately from the seed bed and were transplanted in the experimental plots in December, 2013 maintaining a spacing of 50 cm x 60 cm between the plants and rows, respectively. This allowed an accommodation of 12 plants in each plot. Application of GA 3 was done at 15 days interval that was at 20, 35, and 50 days after transplantation. After transplanting the seedlings, various kinds of intercultural operations like gap filling, weeding staking, irrigation and pesticide application were accomplished for better growth and development of the plants. Fruits were harvested at 4 to 5 days intervals during early ripe stage when they attained slightly red color. Harvesting was started from 1st March, 2014 and was continued up to end of March Five plants were selected randomly from each plot for data collection in such a way that the border effect could be avoided for the highest precision. The data was collected at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 DAT (Day After Transplanting). The recorded data on various parameters were statistically analyzed using MSTAT-C statistical package programme. The mean for all the treatments was calculated and analysis of variance

3 Growth and yield of tomato by potassium and gibberellic 85 for all the characters were performed by F- Difference and treatment means were also determined by Duncan`s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) (5%) according to Gomez and Gomez, (1984). Results and Discussion 1. Effect of potassium on different yield contributing characters of tomato 1.1 Plant height: At 60 DAT, the longest (75.5 cm) plant height was recorded from K 1 which was statistically similar (74.0 cm) to K2 and (73.1 cm.) from K 3, while the shortest (70.3 cm) plant height was found from K 0 (Fig. 1). Potassium increased plant height up to maximum doses with an increasing trend. Murphy (1964) found that application of potassium increased plant height up to 65%. Fig. 1. Effect of potassium on plant height of tomato 1.2 leaves per plant: At 60 DAT, the maximum (35.7) leaves per plant was recorded from K 2 which was statistically similar (34.3) to K 3 and (34.4) to K 2 while the minimum (31.0) leaves per plant was obtained from K 0 (Fig. 2). Harneet et al., (2004) had recorded the effect of nitrogen and potassium application on the growth, yield and quality of tomato. 1.3 flowers per plant: At 50 DAT, the maximum (8.1) flowers per plant was recorded from K 2 which was statistically similar to K 3 and K 1 and minimum (6.4) flowers per plant was obtained from K 0 (Fig. 3) 1.4 Branch per plant: At 60 DAT, the maximum (3.9) branch per plant was recorded from K 2 which was closely followed (3.6) by K 3 and K 1, while treatment K 0 showed the minimum (3.4) branch per plant (Fig. 4). 1.5 Flower clusters per plant: The maximum (11.2) number of flower clusters per plant was recorded

4 86 Md. Hasanuzzaman Akand et al. Fig. 2. Effect of potassium on number of leaves per plant Fig. 3. Effect of potassium on number of flower per plant Fig. 4. Effect of potassium on number of branch per plant

5 Growth and yield of tomato by potassium and gibberellic 87 from K 1 which was closely followed (11.0) by K 2, while treatment K 0 showed the minimum (8.1) number of flower cluster per plant (Table 1). Clarke (1944) found little effect of potassium application on flower production, although the proportion of flowers that matured into marketable fruit which supported to the present investigation. 1.6 Fresh weight of leaves: Fresh weight of leaves varied significantly due to the application of different levels of potassium. The maximum (157.7 g) of fresh leaves was recorded from K 3 which was statistically identical (155.3 g and g) to K 2 and K 1 while the minimum (147.3 g) fresh leaves were recorded from K 0 (Table 1). 1.7 Dry matter content of leaves: Dry matter content of leaves varied significantly due to the application of different levels of potassium. The maximum (10.88 %) dry matter content of leaves was recorded from K 3 which was statistically identical (10.85 % and %) to K 2 and K 1, while the minimum (8.99 %) dry matter content of leaves was recorded from K 0 (Table 1). 1.8 fruits per plant: the maximum (12.18) number of fruits per plant was recorded from K 1 which was statistically similar (12.11) to K 2, while the minimum (10.29) number of fruits per plant was obtained from K 0 (Table 1). Chandra et al., (2003) found that the number of fruits per plant increased with the increase in the rate of NPK. 1.9 Average fruit weight: Weight of individual fruit differed significantly due to the application of various potassium concentrations. The maximum (139.2 g) weight of individual fruit was recorded from K 1 which was statistically higher to (106.6 g) to K 3 while the minimum (101.7 g) weight of individual fruit was recorded from K 0 (Table 1) Dry matter content of fruits: Dry matter content of fruits differed significantly due to the application of various potassium concentrations. The maximum (12.08 %) dry matter content of fruits was recorded from K 3 which was statistically identical (11.95 % and %) to K 2 and K 1, while the minimum (9.85 %) dry matter content of fruits was found from K 0 (Table 1) Yield of fruits per plot: Yield per plot was differed significantly due to the application of various concentrations of potassium. The maximum (21.40 kg) fruits per plot were recorded from K 1, while the minimum (18.18 kg) fruits per plot were found from K 0 (Table 1). Mehta and Saini (1986) conducted that two years fertilizer trails and the plants received basal FYM (20 t/ha) and N at , P 2 O 5 at or K 2 O at kg/ha, were shown significant yield increases were obtained with the highest K rates Yield: Different level of potassium showed significant variation for yield per hectare of tomato. The highest (59.45 t/ha) yield was recorded from K 1 which was statistically higher (52.19 t/ha) to K 3, while the lowest (51.33 t/ha) yield was found from K 0 (Table 1). Pansare et al., (1994) reported that the maximum yield tomato was obtained when straight fertilizers were added in the 100 kg K 2 O/ha.

6 88 Md. Hasanuzzaman Akand et al. Table 1. Effect of different level of potassium on yield characteristics of tomato* Treatment (s) flower cluster/ plant Fresh weight of leaves (gm) Dry matter of leaves (%) fruit/plant Average Dry mater fruit weight of fruits (g) (%) Yield/Plot (kg) Yield t/ha K c c 8.99 c b b 9.85 c b b K a b b a a ab a a K a a a a b a b b K b b 10.9 a a b a b b LSD CV (%) * In a column means having similar letter (s) are statistically identical and those having dissimilar letter (s) differ significantly as per 0.05 level of probability. 2. Effect of GA 3 on different yield contributing characters of tomato 2.1 Plant height: At 60 DAT, the longest (86.3 cm) plant was recorded from G 1 which was closely followed (84.3 cm) by G 2 and the shortest (53.4 cm) plant was obtained from G 0 (Fig. 5). Mehrotra et al., (1970) recorded the significant increase in the plant height (95 cm) with GA 3 spray at flower initiation stage in tomato. Spray of GA 3 significantly increased the plant height with increasing concentration. Fig. 5. Effect of GA 3 on plant height of tomato 2.2 leaves per plant: At 60 DAT, the maximum (38.9) leaves per plant was recorded from G 1 which was closely followed (37.6) by G 2 and the minimum (30.7) leaves per plant was obtained from G 0 (Fig. 6). Wu et al., (1983) found that application of GA at 100 ppm increased plant height and leaf area. Rappapart (1960) also recorded increase of plant height when GA 3 sprayed at flower initiation stage in tomato. 2.3 flowers per plant: Significant variation was found in respect of flower number per plant at 20 and 60 days after transplantation due to the different concentration of GA 3. The maximum number (19.07) flowers per plant was recorded from G 1, while the minimum (11.87) flowers per plant was recorded from G 0 at 60 DAT (Fig. 7).

7 Growth and yield of tomato by potassium and gibberellic Branch per plant: At 60 DAT, it was found that the maximum (4.1) branch per plant was recorded from G 1 while the minimum (3.7) branch per plant was obtained from G 0 (Fig. 8). Fig. 6. Effect of GA 3 on number of leaves per plant Fig. 7. Effect of GA 3 on number of flower per plant Fig. 8. Effect of GA 3 on number of branch per plant

8 90 Md. Hasanuzzaman Akand et al. 2.5 Flower clusters per plant: The maximum (10.6) number of flower cluster per plant was recorded from G 1, while the minimum (7.5) number of flower clusters per plant was obtained from G 0 (Table 2). Singh, (1995) reported that the foliar spray of GA 3 (50 ppm) at 50 percent flowering increased the fruit set and seed yield of tomato. 2.6 Fresh weight of leaves: Fresh weight of leaves varied significantly due to the application of different concentration of GA 3. The maximum (277.3 g) of fresh leaves was recorded from G 2 which was statistically similar (265.9 g) to G 1, while the minimum (152.3 g) fresh leaves were recorded from G 0 (Table 2). 2.7 Dry matter content of leaves: Dry matter content of leaves varied significantly due to the application of various concentrations of GA 3. The maximum (11.68 %) dry matter content of leaves was recorded from G 2 which was statistically similar (10.98 %) to G 1, while the minimum (9.21%) dry matter content on leaves was found from G 0 (Table 2) 2.8 fruits per plant: fruits per plant varied significantly due to different concentration of GA 3 (Table 2). The maximum (12.4) number of fruits per plant was recorded from G 1 which was statistically similar (11.97) to G 2, while the minimum (10.39) number of fruits per plant was found from G 0. Satti and Oebekar (1986) reported an increase in fruit set of tomato due to application of GA 3 at 25 ppm at various stages of inflorescence development. 2.9 Average fruit weight: The maximum (122.3 g) weight of individual fruit was recorded from G 1 which was statically similar (122.1 g) to G 2, while the minimum (91.93 g) weight of individual fruit was found from G 0 (Table 2). Kanwar et al., (1976) reported significantly increased fruit length (4.15 cm) with spray of GA 3 (10 ppm) at pre-bloom stage in tomato Dry matter content of fruits: Dry matter content of fruits varied significantly due to the application of different concentration of GA 3. The maximum (12.88 %) dry matter content of fruits was recorded from G 2 which was statistically similar (12.56 %) to G 1, while the minimum (10.75 %) dry matter content of fruits was obtained from G 0 (Table 2) Yield of fruits per plot: Significant differences were recorded on yield of fruit per plot due to application of different levels of GA 3 in tomato. The maximum (21.12kg) yield per plot was recorded from G 1 which was similar (19.77 kg) to G 2, while the minimum (16.76 kg) yield per plot was obtained from G 0 (Table 2) Yield: Yield per hectare showed significant differences due to the application of GA 3 to tomato plant. The highest (58.66 t/ha) yield was recorded from G 1, which was statistically identical (54.92 t/ha) to G 2 while the lowest (46.55 t/ha) yield was recorded from G 0. Sumati (1987) reported significant increase in number of fruit per plant in tomato cv. Money maker with spraying of 10 ppm GA 3 against untreated plants (Table 2).

9 Growth and yield of tomato by potassium and gibberellic 91 Table 2. Effect of different concentration level of GA 3 on yield characteristics of tomato* Treatment (s) flower cluster/ plant Fresh weight of leaves (g) Dry matter of leaves (%) fruit/plant Average Dry mater fruit weight of fruits (g) (%) Yield/Plot (kg) Yield(t/ha) G b b 9.21 b b b b c c G a a a a a a a a G a a a a a a b b LSD CV (%) * In a column means having similar letter (s) are statistically identical and those having dissimilar letter (s) differ significantly as per 0.05 level of probability. 3. Combine effect of potassium and GA 3 on different yield contributing characters of tomato 3.1 Plant height: Combined effect of potassium and Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) showed statistically significance on plant height at 60 DAT, while at 20, 30, 40 and 50 DAT plant showed no significant differences. The longest (89.9 cm) plant was recorded from K 1 G 1, while the shortest (52.3 cm) was observed in K 0 G 0 at 60 DAT (Table 3). 3.2 leaves per plant: Combined effect of potassium and Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) showed statistically differences on number of leaves per plant at 40, 50 and 60 DAT, while before applying GA 3 at 20 and 30 DAT, plant heights showed no variations. The maximum (40.5) leaves per plant was recorded from K 3 G 2 while the minimum (28.9) was observed in K 0 G 0 at 60 DAT (Table 3). 3.3 flowers per plant: There was no significant variation on number of flowers per plant for the combined effect of potassium and various concentration of GA 3. At 60 DAT, the maximum (23.9) number of flowers per plant was recorded from K 1 G 1 and minimum (10.5) number of flowers per plant was recorded from K 0 G 0 (Table 3). 3.4 Branch per plant: Combined effect of potassium and GA 3 showed statistically significance on number of branch per plant at 50 DAT. From the Table 4, it was recorded that the maximum (5.8) number of branch per plant was recorded from K 1 G 1 and the minimum (3.4) number of branch per plant was recorded from the treatment combination of K 0 G 0 (Table 3). 3.5 Flower clusters per plant: Combined effect of potassium and GA 3 showed statistically no significance on number of flower clusters per plant. From the Table 3, the maximum (12.23) number of flower cluster per plant was recorded from K 1 G 1 and the minimum (6.3) number of flower cluster per plant was recorded from K 0 G 0 (Table 3). 3.6 fruits per plant: Combined effect of various potassium and different concentrations of GA 3 concentrations showed no significant differences on number of fruits per plant. The maximum (12.73) number of fruits per plant was recorded from K 1 G 1 and the minimum (9.33) number of fruits per plant was obtained from the treatment combination of K 0 G 0 (Table 3).

10 92 Md. Hasanuzzaman Akand et al. Table 3. Combined effect of potassium fertilizer and GA 3 on yield characteristics of tomato* Treatments Height (cm) Leaves/ Plant Flower/ Plant Branch/ Plant Cluster/ Plant fruit/ plant K 0 G e 28.9 e 10.5 f 3.4 c 6.3 e 9.33 e K 0 G cd 39.6 a 13.1 c-f 4.1 a-c 9.0 cd cd K 0 G ab 39.1 a 17.7 a-c 4.5 ab 8.9 cd cd K 1 G e 29.4 e 11.3 f 3.8 bc 7.1 de bc K 1 G a 39.5 a 23.9 a 5.8 a 12.23a a K 1 G b-d 38.3 ab 20.4 ab 5.6 a ab ab K 2 G e 32.5 c-e 11.9 ef 3.7 bc 7.5 de cd K 2 G a-c 37.3 ab 17.2 b-e 4.5 ab 10.0 bc a K 2 G d 33.6 b-e 18.1 a-d 4.6 ab 10.3 bc a K 3 G e 31.9 de 13.7def 4.9 ab 8.9 cd de K 3 G a-c 38.7 a-c 20.1 ab 3.9 a-c 10.0 bc a K 3 G ab 40.5 a 19.9 b 4.5 ab a-c ab LSD CV% * In a column means having similar letter (s) are statistically identical and those having dissimilar letter (s) differ significantly as per 0.05 level of probability 3.7 Fresh weight of leaves: Combined effect of potassium and GA 3 showed statistically significance on fresh weight of leaves. The maximum (263.5 g) of fresh leaves was recorded from the treatment combination of K 3 G 2 and the minimum (149.9 g) of fresh leaves was obtained from K 0 G 0 (Table 4). 3.8 Dry matter content of leaves: Combined effect of potassium and GA 3 showed statistically significance on dry matter content of leaves. The maximum (11.98 %) dry matter content of leaves was recorded from the treatment combination of K 3 G 2 and the minimum (8.76 %) dry matter content of leaves was obtained from K 0 G 0 (Table 4). 3.9 Average fruit weight: Combined effect of potassium and GA 3 showed statistically significance for weight of individual fruit. The maximum (159.5 g) weight of individual fruit was recorded from K 1 G 1 and the treatment combination of K 0 G 0 performed the minimum (83.70 g) weight of individual fruit (Table 4) Dry matter content of fruits: Combined effect of potassium and GA 3 showed statistically differences on dry matter content of fruits. The maximum (12.84 %) dry matter content of fruits was recorded from K 3 G 2 and the minimum (8.92 %) dry matter content of fruits was found from K 0 G 0 (Table 4) Yield of fruits per plot: Significant difference on yield per plot was recorded due to the combined effect of potassium and GA 3. The maximum (25.48 kg) yield per plot was recorded from K 1 G 1, which was statically similar (21.20 kg) to K 1 G 2 and the minimum (15.80 kg) yield per plot was obtained from the treatment combination of K 0 G 0 (Table 4) Yield: Potassium and gibberellic acid showed significant combined effect on yield per hectare (Appendix VIII). The highest (70.77 t/ha) yield was obtained from K 1 G 1 which was statically higher

11 Growth and yield of tomato by potassium and gibberellic 93 (58.89 t/ha) to K 1 G 2 and the lowest (43.89 t/ha) was recorded from K 0 G 0 (Table 4). Table 4. Combined effect of potassium fertilizer and GA 3 on yield characteristics of tomato* Treatments fresh leaves (g) Dry matter of leaves (%) Dry mater of fruits (%) Average fruit weight (g) Yield/Plot (kg) Yield (t/ha) K 0 G e 8.76 e 8.92 f ef ef ef K 0 G cd 8.92 de 9.36 e cd bc bc K 0 G bcd 8.96 de c-f cd bc bc K 1 G bc 8.88 e 9.32 e cd de de K 1 G ab 9.13 c-e b-d a a a K 1 G abc 9.32 cd a-c a b b K 2 G d 9.12 c-e 9.46 ef ef ef ef K 2 G abc b-e a-d bc cd cd K 2 G abc a-d a-d de cd cd K 3 G ab b-e a-c ef ef ef K 3 G ab ab a de bc bc K 3 G a a a b c c CV% LSD * In a column means having similar letter (s) are statistically identical and those having dissimilar letter (s) differ significantly as per 0.05 level of probability Conclusion Based on the result of the present study, it was found that application of 120 kg/ha potassium gave the highest fruits per plant and also the highest individual fruit weight. Therefore, maximum yield of potassium application were obtained good result in this experiment. On the other hand, application of GA 3 at 40 ppm gave highest flowers number per plant and also number of fruits per plant. References Besford, R. T. and Mann, G. A. (1975) Effect of potassium, nutrition on tomato plant growth and fruit development. Plant and Soil. 42: Brady, N. C The Nature and Properties of Soils. Pentice, Hall of India Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. p Chandra, P. Singh, A. K. Behera, T. K. and Srivastava, R. (2003) Influence of graded levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) hybrids grown in a polyhosue. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 73(9): Clarke, E. J. (1944) Studies on tomato nutrition. I. The effect of varying concentrations of potassium on the growth and yield of tomato plants. J. Dept. Agric., 41: Feofanova, N.D. (1960) The effect of giberellin on fruit development in tomatoes. Bot. j., 45: Gomez, K. A. and Gomez, A. A Statistical Procedures for Agricultural Research (2nd Edn.). John Willey and Sons, Singapore. pp Haque, M. S. Islam M. T. and Rahman, M. (1999) Studies on the presentation of semi-concentrated tomato juice. Bangladesh J. Agril. Sci., 26(1): Harneet, K. Thakur, J. C. and Chawla, N. (2004) Effect of nitrogen and potassium on growth, yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cv. Punjab Upma. Haryana J. Hort. Sci., 32(3/4): Kanwar, J.S., Saimvhi, M. S., Saimbhi, M. S. and Nandapuri, K.S. (1976) Increasing fruit set and yield in tomatoes. The

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