Bending of the tomato stem base and its relation with fruit yield

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different training systems on the bending of the tomato stem base and the effect of the bending of the stem base on tomato yield. In 2004/05 the bending of the stem base was evaluated in two cultivars (Carmen and Débora Max), four staking methods (crossed fence, vertical staking with bamboo, vertical staking with polypropylene cord and Mexican) and two training methods (one and two stems per plant). In 2005/06 the yield of fruits was evaluated in five bending degrees of the stem base (0, 22, 45, 68 and 90o). The staking methods with bamboos (crossed fence and vertical staking with bamboo) have shown lesser bending of the stem base in relation to the staking methods with polypropylene cord (vertical staking with polypropylene cord and Mexican). The yield of tomatoes was reduced with the increase of the stem base bending degree.