Abstract
Tomatoes, Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill, cv. Florida 47, were grown during the winter-spring (Feb.-June) 1998 in a split-split-plot experimental design to evaluate fruit yield and firmness. Main plots were two microirrigation rates: 0.7 x (LO) and 1.0 x (HI) of the daily pan evaporation; sub-plots were two Ca foliar sprays: CaCI2 (CL) and Ca(NO3)2 (CN) plus a water control (WA); and sub-sub plots were four N-rates: 265, 317,369 and 473 kgha1 (where hectare = 6579 linear bed m). Calcium sprays (at 1.12 kgha1 Ca++) were applied at 33, 55 and 74days after planting (DAP). Plants were taller (P < 0.05) with CL than with CN sprays. Plant heights increased linearly with increasing N-rates. Early and seasonal total yields, fruit size and fruit firmness were similar with irrigation and N-rates and Casprays. In the shoots at the end of the season, N and Mn concentrations increased with increasing N-rates. Residual soil concentrations of NH4-N and NO3-N were similar with the four N-rates.
