The effects of PRD on flowering and fruit set in tomato

Abstract

Partial root drying (PRD) is a new irrigation strategy which applies alternating regimes of irrigation to half the root system while the other half dries out. In PRD treated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L., v. Astona) plants 60% of water of fully irrigated plants (FI) plants was applied to one half of the root system while the other half dried down. The irrigationwas shifted when soil water content of the dry side decreased for 15%. Although flowering occurred earlier in PRD comparing to FI, PRD treatment did not stimulate the development of more flowers on each inflorescence. However, the numbers and diameter of fruits were similar in PRD and FI treatments pointed out a stimulative effect of PRD on fruit set and development.