Comparative Performance of Tomato Cultivars in Soilless vs. In-Soil Production Systems

A study was conducted to compare yield and quality parameters of tomato cultivars cultivated in-soil under a shadenet structure with an open bag hydroponic (soilless) system in a plastic tunnel. Four tomato cultivars, namely, 'FA593', 'Malory', 'Miramar' and 'FiveOFive' were included using a randomized complete block design with four replicates for both trials. Total, marketable and unmarketable yield, plant height, total soluble solids (%Brix) as well as the pH of the tomato juice were determined. Results showed that plants in the soilless system developed faster with higher total yield compared with in-soil cultivation. The average marketable yield using soilless cultivation was 92.1%, while in-soil cultivation was only 77.0%. There was no significant difference in %Brix between cultivars under in-soil cultivation, while under soilless conditions 'Malory' and 'FiveOFive' had a higher %Brix than 'FA 593' and 'Miramar'. The pH of tomato juice was highest in 'Miramar' and 'FA593' under both production systems. The most promising cultivars with regard to yield and quality were 'Miramar', followed by 'FA593' when grown in the soilless system, while there were no significant differences between any of the tested cultivars under in-soil cultivation. Results indicate that soilless cultivation can improve yield and quality, with cultivar selection playing an important role when utilizing this production system.