DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate the growth and yield performance of five commercially cultivating determinate tomato varieties in the Pothwar region to identify potential genotypes for this area.

Methodology

Five determinate tomato varieties (Nadir, Nagina, Naqeeb, Rio grande, and Roma) were evaluated. The study was conducted at the Barani Agricultural Research Institute. Nursery sowing was done in December 2022, and transplantation occurred after 90 days. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Data on phonological parameters (plant height, number of primary branches, days to flowering, days to first fruit picking, number of flowers/clusters, number of fruits/cluster, total clusters/plant, plant vigor) and yield-related parameters (fruit length, width, weight, marketable yield, non-marketable yield, total yield) were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and LSD at a 0.05 probability level. Correlation analysis was conducted to study relationships between variables, and economic analysis was performed to determine the benefit-cost ratio.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Select 5 Tomato Varieties] --> B[Sow Nursery];
    B --> C[Transplant Seedlings];
    C --> D[Apply Fertilizers and Irrigation];
    D --> E[Collect Phonological Data];
    E --> F[Collect Yield-Related Data];
    F --> G[Perform Statistical Analysis - ANOVA, LSD];
    G --> H[Conduct Correlation Analysis];
    H --> I[Perform Economic Analysis];
    I --> J[Draw Conclusions and Recommendations];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that genotypic adaptability is crucial for crop production, influenced by environmental factors. Variations in performance among tomato varieties are attributed to genetic differences. Earliness in maturity, observed in the Roma variety, can lead to early harvest and potentially higher prices. However, late-maturing varieties like Nadir can be high yielders due to effective resource utilization. Plant height and number of branches indirectly affect yield by increasing clusters and fruits per plant. Fruit weight and length are significant yield-contributing parameters, with higher fruit weight positively correlating with total yield. Marketable yield is a key economic trait, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The economic analysis indicated that Nadir and Rio-grande offered the highest benefit-cost ratios due to their high marketable yield and fruit quality suitable for transportation.

Key Findings

The Nadir variety exhibited the best performance, showing maximum plant vigor, highest number of primary branches, flowers/cluster, fruit weight, fruit length and width, and significant marketable yield (25.57 t/ha) with the lowest non-marketable yield (0.68 t/ha). It also provided the maximum gross return and benefit-cost ratio (1.48). Roma and Rio-grande showed effective vegetative and reproductive growth, while Nagina and Naqeeb were the least performing varieties, yielding more non-marketable than marketable fruit and producing smaller fruits. Total yield was strongly correlated with fruit weight, plant vigor, and the number of fruits/clusters.

Conclusion

The selection of specific varieties through performance evaluation is critical for successful tomato production in a given region. The Nadir variety is recommended for cultivation in the Pothwar region due to its high yielding capacity, production of quality and firm fruits suitable for long-distance transportation, and its potential to generate income for farmers through high marketable yield.

Fact Check

1. Marketable Yield of Nadir: The study reports a significant marketable yield of 25.57 t/ha for the Nadir variety.
2. Benefit Cost Ratio of Nadir: The Nadir variety achieved a benefit-cost ratio of 1.48.
3. Experimental Period: The study was carried out during March-June 2023.

Mind Map