Rooting of Tomato Cuttings in Nutrient Solution or Substrate: An Alternative for High-Density Production Systems

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the quality of tomato seedlings produced from cuttings rooted in a nutrient solution and in solid substrates (peat moss, red volcanic rock, and a mixture of both substrates), and to determine their subsequent effects on plant growth and yield.

Design/methodology/approach: Cuttings were collected from 80-day-old mother plants. After treatments were established, rooting was conducted inside a controlled structure maintained at 15-20 °C and 70% relative humidity (RH). Irrigation was applied automatically every hour for two minutes using a nutrient solution at 50% strength. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Growth variables were recorded 20 days after rooting initiation and at the onset of harvest. Subsequently, yield and its components were assessed.

Results: All seedlings met quality standards at transplanting; however, seedlings derived from cuttings rooted in nutrient solution exhibited significantly greater stem diameter (7.3 mm), leaf area (354.5 cm²), and dry weight (3.1 g). Nonetheless, at the adult plant stage, no differences in growth or yield were detected among treatments.

Limitations on study/implications: An economic feasibility analysis is required for each substrate evaluated.

Findings/conclusions: For seedling production, rooting in nutrient solution or in a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of peat moss and red volcanic rock constitutes a more viable option in terms of cost-effectiveness and accessibility.