Optimization of spacing and drip irrigation scheduling in indeterminate tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

A study was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2002 and 2003 on drip irrigation to find out optimum spacing and drip irrigation interval and its effect on growth, yield and water use efficiency in indeterminate tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. nom. cons). Results indicated that the maximum plant height and fruit yield (109.48 tonnes/ha) were obtained under closer spacing (60 cm x 30 cm) whereas number of branches, number of fruits/plant, fruit weight (79.78 g), fruit yields/plant (5.45 kg) and water use efficiency (5.21 to 5.12 tonnes/ha-cm) were noticed higher under wider spacing (60 cm x 60 cm). Drip irrigation at alternate day significantly improved the plant height, fruit yield/plant (5.19 kg) and total yield (96.37 tonnes/ha) over the larger intervals. In general, drip irrigation considerably enhanced most of the growth and yield parameters over the surface irrigation. Maximum fruit yield (114.93 tonnes/ha) was recorded when plants were spaced at 60 cm x 40 cm and drip irrigation was scheduled at an alternate day.