Evaluación del rendimiento y calidad de tomate rinón (Solanum lycopersicum) mediante la aeroponía spray y semihidroponía bajo cubierta en el cantón Colta.

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the yield and quality of riñón tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using aeroponic spray and semi-hydroponics undercover in the Colta canton. The research work consisted of nine treatments and three replications: each experimental unit with an area of 2.79 m2 in the semi-hydroponic systems (sand + pomina and rice husk), and aeroponic spray, with a foliar fertilization application starting at flowering (Control, Bayfolan, and Biotrac). The variables evaluated were water quality before the implementation of the research, number of fruits per bunch, fruit weight, fruit diameter, dry matter, yield, fruit categorization, and the benefit-cost ratio. The data obtained were analyzed under a split-plot block design, where the large plot was the substrates and the aeroponic system, and the small plot was the foliar applications. The results of the variables determine that the semi-hydroponic system with sand + pomina substrate obtained a better yield of 58.5 t/ha. While the treatment that presented the lowest yield was the aeroponic system with 43.0 t/ha when analyzing the variables for fruit quality, where fruits were reached, for both the first and second categories in the semi-hydroponic systems. It was concluded that riñón tomato, when grown in semi-hydroponic systems, achieves better yields than in aeroponics. It is recommended to carry out trials in which irrigation frequencies and times are optimized.