Abstract
Two field studies were conducted to determine the most appropriate N fertilization program and in-row distances for ‘Fla. 8153’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Six treatments resulted from the combination of three N fertilization programs and two in-row distances. Total N rates (204, 239, and 274 lb/acre/season) were the result of the combination of 50 lb/acre of N during prebedding plus each of the following drip-applied N rates: a) 1.5, 1.5, and 2.0 lb/acre/day during weeks 1 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 12, respectively (154 lb/acre/season); b) 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 lb/acre/day during weeks 1 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 12, respectively (189 lb/acre/season); and c) 1.5, 2.5, and 3.0 lb/acre/day during weeks 1 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 12, respectively (224 lb/acre/season). In-row distances and N fertilization programs had significant effects on early and total marketable yields of ‘Fla. 8153’ tomato, but the interaction between in-row distances and N fertilization programs was not significant. The results indicated that application of 50 lb/acre of N preplant plus 224 lb/acre through the drip lines (274 lb/acre/season of N) could improve early and total yields of ‘Fla. 8153’ in comparison with the other two tested programs (204 and 239 lb/acre/season of N). Therefore, it appears that the recommended rate of 200 lb/acre/season might not be enough to maximize ‘Fla. 8153’ yields. At the same time, this cultivar produced its largest yields per area when planted at 18 inches between plants in comparison with 24 inches, regardless of N fertilization rates.
