Stem Cuttings of Different Maturity Classes of Tomato: A Viable Option for Seedlings

Abstract

Although the tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are propagated widely using seeds, propagation through stem cuttings could be a viable option to address the problems of seed propagation including genetic variations, poor quality, and high cost. This study was conducted during 2018 Yala season, to identify the suitability of stem cuttings as a promising propagule for tomato. Herbaceous, semi-mature and mature stem cuttings of tomato from variety Thilina (open-pollinated), and three F1 hybrids Padma, Ceres, and Big beef were evaluated for growth and yield in a Completely Randomized Design with three replicates. The study was carried out in a poly-house conditions at the HayleysAgro Farms (Pvt). Ltd, Divithotawela. Effect of variety, maturity class, and variety and maturity class interaction were not significant (p>0.05) for root length, and root and shoot dry weights of plants originated from cuttings. Days to first flower cluster and tomato yield were not significantly different among three types of cuttings. Hence, all three maturity classes of stem cuttings of tested varieties can be used for vegetative propagation of tomatoes. Flowering was hastened by five days in plants raised by cuttings (24 ±0.41 days) than in the plants raised by seeds (29 ± 0.67 days) in variety Thilina. Moreover, the yield of 2.2 ± 0.22 kg/plant in plants raised by cuttings was comparable to the yield of 2.17 ± 0.08 kg/plant in plants raised by seeds. In conclusion, stem cuttings can be considered as a good option for propagation of tomatoes without affecting to the fruit yield.