Approach to Minimize Loss of Water Using Containerized Seedlings and Drip Irrigation in Tomato Production

Abstract

Traditionally produced or mud-bed seedlings are often of poor quality and do not perform well after transplanting. The present study aimed to identify a suitable containerized tomato seedling production system. The experiment consisted of three types of growing containers, namely plastic cell trays, large plastic cups, and small plastic cups, arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven replications. Plant growth and other characteristics of BARI Tomato-19 were significantly superior in seedlings raised in plastic cell trays compared with the other containers. To conserve water, the adoption of a modern and efficient irrigation method is essential, and drip irrigation may serve as a viable option. Therefore, the study also aimed to evaluate the profitability and feasibility of drip irrigation compared with the traditionally used furrow irrigation system. The field experiment consisted of three factors: two irrigation management practices (drip irrigation and furrow irrigation), three tomato varieties (BARI Tomato-16, BARI Tomato-19, and Mintoo Super), and two growing seasons. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replications to evaluate growth, yield, quality, and water productivity of tomato. The results showed that growth, physiological traits, yield, and water productivity were significantly influenced by irrigation method and tomato cultivar. Drip irrigation reduced total water input by 58% and increased water productivity by 62% compared with furrow irrigation. Among the tested cultivars, Mintoo Super (HYV) performed significantly better than the others in terms of physiological and phenological traits, quality parameters (pH, shelf life, total soluble solids, hue angle, and firmness), and overall growth and yield. The highest fruit yield (9.35 t ha⁻¹) and superior fruit quality were obtained from Mintoo Super. Regression analysis indicated that total fruit yield decreased by 3.96 units with each additional day required for first flowering. Under drip irrigation, cultivation of Mintoo Super (HYV) increased net economic return by Tk. 157,542 ha⁻¹. The findings suggest that a plastic cell tray with coco-dust growing medium is a suitable option for tomato seedling production. Furthermore, drip irrigation combined with the Mintoo Super (HYV) cultivar can be an effective approach for reducing water use, maximizing tomato yield, improving water productivity, and ensuring economic profitability.