PIRES, Regina C. M.; FURLANI, Pedro R.; ROCHA, Artur B.O.; SAKAI, Emílio.; LOURENÇÃO, André L.; TORRE NETO, André.; MELO, Arlete M. T.; BODINE JUNIOR, Décio.
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to evaluate the vegetative development of tomato plants
under different substrate volumes and irrigation frequencies in greenhouse. The experiment was
carried out in Campinas, Brazil, from May to October, 2005. The experimental design was a 3 x 2
factorial, in randomized blocks, with four replicates. It consisted of three substrate volumes (5.0, 7.5
and 10.0 L) and two irrigation frequencies (one and five times a day). The irrigation was applied by
trickle irrigation system. The substrate was coconut fiber.Vegetative development was evaluated three
times during the growth period. The five times a day frequency irrigation provided better development
of plants (plant dry matter weight and leaf area index) in the most of the samplings. The tendency of
greater leaf area index occurred when 10.0 L volume substrate was utilized. The effect of different
substrate volume on plant dry matter weight made different with sampling dates.
