Assessment of yield and quality of indeterminate hybrids of pink-fruited tomato for winter greenhouses of the Steppe zone of Ukraine

Abstract

The article deals with promising pink-fruited hybrids for cultivation in glass greenhouses of the Steppe zone of Ukraine. The research was conducted with such indeterminate pink-fruited tomato hybrids as: Esmira F1 (control), Fujimaru F1, Tomimaru Mucho F1, Hakimaru F1. The research determined the yield of hybrids, recorded the duration of the main phenological phases during the period of growing tomato plants, determined biometric parameters, obtained the dynamics of fruit formation and their marketability. The pink-fruited tomato was grown using modern technology by the method of low-volume hydroponics. The microclimate in the greenhouse (temperature, humidity, ventilation, carbon dioxide supply) is automated and controlled by a computer. Promising indeterminate hybrids were from the Dutch manufacturer, Monsanto, with similar biological characteristics and quality indicators: Fujimaru F1, Tomimaru Mucho F1, and Hakimaru F1. And also a hybrid from Rijk Zwaan – Esmira F1 (control). The method of cultivation is seedling. Plant density – 25 thousand plants per hectare, with a further increase in density to 31 thousand plants per hectare. The area of the plots was 10 m2, replicated four times. Tomato plants were grown according to the recommended technology for winter greenhouses, namely, seedlings were grown in the seedling department for 32 days. The seedlings were planted in the greenhouse at a permanent place of cultivation and the plants were cared for according to the technology of growing in the greenhouse. Tomato harvesting was carried out during all months of fruiting (March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November) three times a week. Experimental studies were conducted in 2024 at the enterprise LLC TC “Dniprovskyi”, which is located in the Dniprovskyi district, Dnipro region. The aim of the study was to evaluate and select hybrids of pink-fruited tomato in terms of yield for winter greenhouses. The obtained results will provide information for agricultural enterprises and farmers to select the most productive and adapted hybrids of pink tomato for growing in winter greenhouses of the Steppe zone of Ukraine, contributing to increased yields and economic efficiency. As a result of the research, it was found that the Fujimaru hybrid exceeded the control tomato hybrid Esmira by the sum of indicators and is preferable for growing in winter greenhouses for extended crop rotation.