Soil Moisture and Cultivar Influence Cracking, Blossom-end Rot, Zippers, and Yield of Staked Fresh-market Tomatoes

Authors:
  • WSWade J. Sperry
    Wade J. Sperry
  • JDJeanine M. Davis
    Jeanine M. Davis
  • DSDouglas C. Sanders
    Douglas C. Sanders
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Abstract
Two crack-resistant and two crack-susceptible fresh-market tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars were evaluated at varied soil moisture levels for physiological fruit defects and yield. Cultural practices recommended for staked-tomato production in North Carolina with raised beds, black polyethylene mulch, and drip irrigation were used. Soil moisture levels of less than −15.0, −30 to −40, and greater than −70 kPa were maintained and monitored using daily tensiometer readings. Soil moisture level had no effect on fruit cracking, blossom-end rot, zippers, or yield. However, there-were large differences among cultivars for fruit defects and total and marketable yields.