ABSTRACT

Yield has been the major factor determining the level of production and consumption of tomatoes in Nigeria. The present report is on the relationship between the fruit yield and yield attributs of tomato (Lycopersicon -esculentum mill) in acid soils as found naturally in Umudike. Ten tomato cultivars (DT 95/140,A) DT 95/433 ,DT 95 / 257, DT 95/38, DT 95/237, DT DT 95/43, Local B, DT 95/146 and DT 95/133's) obtained from NIHORT Ibadan were studied in a Randomized complete block fid experiment, replicated three times. Data were collected on .. plant height, branch number, Dry matter yield, flower number, fruit circumference, fruit number and total fruit weight (yield). The results showed that Local B had the highest yield (2.8 tonnes/ha) while DT 95/237 had the least yield (0.8 tonnes/ha). Correlation and Regression studies showed that fruit number and fruit circumference were positively and significantly associated with fruit yield and their contributions to yield were also very significant.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Certification .... .... i

Abbreviation Used .. . jj

Acknwoedgement .... .... iii

Abstract: ...• •... iv

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction: .... .... 1 - 4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Centre of Origin and Distribution 5

2.2 Tomato Cultivars 6

2.3 Environmental Conditions for

Tomo CultivtØon 7

2.4 Diseases and Pests 11

2.5 Yield and Yield Attributes of Tomato 13

2.6 Uses and Quality of Tomato: 17

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods .... •... 19

3.1 Experimental Design and Layout: .... 19

3.2 Nursery Practices .... .... 20

3.3 Data Collection and Records .... 21

TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT'D)

CHAPTER FOUR

PAGE

4.0 Rsu1ts: .... 22

4.1 General Observation 22

4.2 Yield Attributes 22

4.3 Correlation and Ragression Studies Among

Yield and Yield Attributes: .... 25

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Discussion 32

Appendix

References