Effect of varying nitrogen levels on plant sap characteristics and growth performance of tomato (Lycopercisum esculentum var. baccarat)

A.B. Wira, Z. Abd Jamil and S.A.H. Armizatul

Abstract

Three plant parts (leaf petiole, leaf lamina and side shoot) were analysed at different ages to determine the concentration of nitrate and potassium produced in sap of tomato plants subjected to five different levels of nitrogen (100, 130, 160, 190 and 220 ppm). The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications and each replication consists of 10 plants which were fertilised three times a day (1,000 ml/plant/day) through drip irrigation. The sap nutrient concentration of leaf petiole, lamina and side shoot at different ages was determined using a Cardy meter. High nitrogen levels supplied to the plant resulted in higher nitrate and potassium concentration in petiole. Meanwhile, nitrate in leaf lamina and side shoot sap showed no clear trend on the effect of nitrogen treatment. Nitrogen at 190 ppm applied to tomato plants produced 6.3 kg fruits per plant which was significantly higher compared to the other treatments. This treatment also resulted in 89.9 g per plant of leaf dry matter. Leaf petioles at 4 weeks after emergence was the best plant part to be analysed for determination of plant performance.

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