Response of Tasti-Lee Tomato to Nitrogen Fertilization Programs and In-row Distances

1. Response of �Tasti-Lee� Tomato to Nitrogen Fertilization Programs and In-row Distances

2. Description �Fla. 8153� is a round tomato hybrid released for the premium tomato market. High lycopene content. Attractive, deep red color due to the crimson gene. Reliable yields.

3. Description Determinate vine with good fruit cover. Early to midseason maturity with a moderate level of heat-tolerance. Performs well on the eastern seaboard allowing year-round production.

4. Description Finally, flavor!!! The most preferred in 6 sensory panels. Resistant to Fusarium wilt races 1, 2 and 3, Verticillium wilt and gray leafspot. Intermediate tolerance to bacterial soft rot and fruit cracking.

5. In-row Spacing and Fertilization N fertilization and in-row distances can affect fruit quality and partitioning per category. It might be cultivar dependent. Current IFAS N recommendation: 1.5 lb N/acre/day (weeks 1 and 2), 2.0 lb N/acre/day (weeks 3 and 4), and 2.5 lb N/acre/day (weeks 5 to 11). About 189 lb N/acre through drip.

6. Objective Determine the effect of in-row distances and N fertilization programs on the marketable yields of Fla. 8153 tomato.

7. Materials and Methods Two field trials at the Gulf Coast REC (2006 & 2007). Spodosols with pH 7.2 and 1.4% OM.

10. Materials and Methods In-row distances: 18 and 24 inches. Split-plot design with 4 replications (N in main plots). Variables: Plant height (5 WAT), Marketable yield per category (10 & 12 WAT). ANOVA and LSD.

11. Results Non-significant: In-row distance x N program interact. Season x treatment. Plant height effect. Significant: In-row distance. N program.

17. Summary Total marketable yields of �Fla. 8153� increased by 13% with an in-row distance of 18 inches in comparison with 24 inches. The proportion of XL and L fruit increased with 18 inches. Using 1.5, 2.5 & 3.0 lb N/acre/day (203 lb/acre/season) increased the proportion of early and total L fruit.