Changes of micronutrients content of cherry tomato under different N and K levels in nutrient film technique (NFT) [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Two field experiments were carried out in the two successive seasons of autumn of 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 under unheated single span plastic house (9 x 60 x 3.2 m) at Protected Cultivation Site, Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. Cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculantum), cv. Bell Fl hybrid was used in this study. The experiments aimed to investigate the effect of different N and K levels on the nutritional status of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) and their changes during the different growth stages of cherry tomato plants. Three levels of N (200, 300 and 400 ppm) and K (250, 350 and 450 ppm) were used in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) performed in complete randomized blocks. The cherry tomato leaves were analyzed for N, K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu contents under different levels of N and K in three growth stages (vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages). The obtained results indicated that increasing N concentrations in the nutrient solution up to 400 ppm led to increase N ('Yo) and Fe (ppm) contents in cherry tomato leaves while it decreased Zn, Mn and Cu contents (ppm) in cherry tomato leaves in each (different) growth stage. The highest contents of Fe, Mn and Cu were recorded in the vegetative growth stage while N and Zn reached their highest contents at flowering growth stage ofcherry tomato plants. On the other hand, increasing K level in the nutrient solution had decreased Fe, Mn and Cu contents (ppm) of cherry tomato plant. K ('Yo) and Zn (ppm) contents of cherry tomato were increased with 480 CHANGES OF MICRONUTRIENTS CONTENT OF CHERRY increasing K level in the nutrient solution. At the vegetative growth, Fe, Mn and Zn contents (ppm) gave the highest values while fruiting growth stage had the highest content (ppm) ofCu. Key words: Nitrogen levels, Potassium levels, NFT, Nutrient Solution, micronutrients content, growth stages, Cherry Tomato.

Summary in Arabic.

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