Research Article

Effect of zinc and boron foliar application on tomato growth and yield under protected structure

Dhurba Banjade¹, Dipak Khanal² and Aman Shrestha¹

¹Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Gauradaha Campus, Nepal.

²Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, USA.

*Corresponding author e-mail: dhurbabanjade21@gmail.com

(Received: 25/06/2023; Revised: 02/09/2023; Accepted: 30/09/2023; Published: 20/12/2023)

ABSTRACT

In modern agricultural practices, enhancing crop growth and yield has become a pivotal focus for ensuring food security and economic sustainability. One promising approach involves the utilization of foliar application techniques, which allow for the targeted delivery of essential nutrients directly to plant tissues. Tomato is the one of most important promising vegetables worldwide which is rich in minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, sugars and dietary fibers. An experiment was conducted in 2023 at Kernel Agro Farm in Buddhabhumi municipality, Kapilvastu, Nepal. The aim of the study was to optimize the concentration of zinc and boron foliar application on tomato growth and yield-related attributes. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with five treatments and four replications was set up to explore the “Effect of zinc and boron foliar application on tomato growth and yield under protected structures.” Treatments included control (no foliar spray), zinc 0.5%, zinc 1%, boron 0.25%, and boron 0.5%. A variety of observations were made, including plant height (cm), flower and fruit numbers, yield (ton/ha), and quality indicators (Total Soluble Solid, Titratable Acidity, and pH).  The results revealed a noticeable difference between the treatments in terms of contributing features. Zinc 1% showed significantly superior outcomes for plant height (177 cm), flower and fruit production (63.1), number of fruit(61.3), and yield(40.57 tons/ha). Similar outcomes were also seen for boron at 0.25 percent as compared to zinc1% for yield and yield-attributing features. Boron 0.25% showed significant outcomes for plant height (176cm), flower and fruit production(53.8), number of fruit per plant(50.7), and yield(31.32 tons/ha). The results for quality parameters were not significant. Therefore, tomato development and production can be improved by applying a foliar spray with 1% zinc and 0.25% boron. Taken together, these results offer valuable insights for tomato growers and agricultural practitioners seeking to optimize crop production in protected structures. Further research could delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms driving these effects and explore potential variations in application rates or timings for even greater outcomes.

Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum, effect, yield, quality, foliage application, micronutrients