Effect of Drought Applied in Different Periods on Plant Morphological and Physiological Characteristics in Tomato

Abstract

Babacan F1 hybrid tomato seedlings were used in the study conducted to determine the rate of effects of droughts experienced during the tomato production period on plant development, yield and quality in tomatoes. Babacan F1 hybrid tomato seedlings were subjected to control, 1^st period drought treatment and 2^nd period drought. In the first group drought treatment, tomato seedlings planted in the field were exposed to 30 days of drought 10 days after planting. At the end of 30 days, drought was terminated and regular irrigation was started. Similarly, in the second group drought treatment, no irrigation was applied for 30 days after seedling planting, starting 40 days after planting. At the end of 30 days, regular irrigation was started again. Regular irrigation was continued in the control group plants. The study was designed according to the randomized block factorial experimental design with three replications and six plants in each replication. At the end of the study, it was observed that the membrane injury index increased, leaf ratio water content, plant height, root collar diameter, fruit width, fruit length, fruit flesh hardness, fruit weight and yield per plant decreased. It has been observed that in the climatic conditions of Van, during the early tomato production period, the plant withstood 30 days of drought and that data close to control values were obtained when the plants were watered at the end of the 30-day drought.