Fermented bio-extract and wood vinegar enhances growth and yield of tomato

Abstract

Using natural product in crop production is one approach to increase productivity and reduce the useof chemicals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of fermented bio-extract (FB) and woodvinegar (WV) on growth and yield of tomato c.v. Delta. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse condition.The two factors investigated were FB at four concentrations (0, 1:2,000, 1:1,000 and 1:500, FB: water, v/v), and fourconcentrations of WV (0, 1:800, 1:500 and 1:300, WV: water, v/v). The experiment was arranged in factorial in RCBD with fours replications. FB and WV were applied as foliar fertilizer at 10 day-interval for four times aftertransplanting in all treatments except the control treatment. Results showed that foliar application of FB or WV orFB combined with WV did not significantly alter height and flowering date. FB significantly increased SPADchlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), compared to without application. Tomato applied with FB had higher fruit freshweight per plant and total soluble solid (percent brix) than those without application. Effect of concentrations was notrevealed and FB at three concentrations increased fruit fresh weight, ranging from 29.6 to 44.7 % compared to thoseof the control. Tomato applied with FB tended to have a higher fruit dry weight and total dry weight ranging from19.6 to 44.9 % and 11.8 to 30.9 %, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Wood vinegar applied as foliarfertilize significantly increased fruit size but had no significant effect on fruit fresh weight, fruit dry weight and totaldry weight. However, the use of FB, together with WV at the ratios of 1:500 and 1:800 gave the highest fruit freshweight and fruit dry weight.