Response of Tomato to Defoliation
Year: 1983
Type: article
Abstract: Defoliation of transplants of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) at planting delayed plant development (including fruit maturity), but leaf areas of defoliated and nondefoliated plants were equal at fruit maturity. Defoliation at first bloom, full bloom, or 2.5-cm fruit diameter resulted in progressively less leaf area at harvest as the degree of defoliation increased. Defoliation of 80% at the above 3 stages of flower/fruit development resulted in reduced yield. Defoliation of 25% or 50% prior to or at full bloom had no apparent influence on yield. However, 25% or 50% defoliation when fruits were near 2.5-cm diameter resulted in yield reduction. Defoliation had no apparent influence on fruit size at harvest. Soluble solids in the fruit were reduced progressively with each successive increase in defoliation, while titratable acidity and pH were not affected. Defoliation increased photosynthesis in remaining leaves 4 and 14 days after treatment but had no effect on transpiration.
Authors: J.O. Wolk, D.W. Kretchman, D.G. Ortega
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W4289843678