Effect of mulching types and varieties on growth, yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Raya Azebo, southern zone of Tigray

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most significant vegetable crops in the Solanaceae family and one of the most widely consumed fruit vegetables in the world valued for nutritional benefits and economic impacts. However, the cultivation of tomatoes faces various agronomic challenges including low soil fertility, water stress, soil erosion and weed competition, which can adversely affect plant growth and over all yield. The experiment was conducted under irrigation condition from March–July 2024 at Mekelle University, agricultural research and innovation centre Mekoni site, Southern Tigray to evaluate the best mulching types and to screen tomato varieties based on their growth, yield performance and resistance to diseases. It was done in a randomized complete block design with three tomato varieties (Roma VF, Gelilama and Melka shola), three mulching types (white plastic, black plastic, grass) and with as no mulch. Data on plant height, number of primary branches per plant, weed density, soil moisture, disease incidence and severity, fruit diameter, fruit number per plant, total yield per plant, average fruit weight, total yield, marketable yield, unmarketable yield, total soluble solid (TSS) and fruit texture were collected and analysed using GENSTAT, 15th edition. The Duncan’s multiple range test was used to compare between treatment means using a significance level of α = 0.05. The findings showed that strong interactions between mulching types and tomato varieties, while both black and white plastic mulches improved yield and quality parameters. Black plastic mulch appeared the most effective in weed suppression, moisture retention,. In regards to the varieties, Gelilama appeared the most resilient and productive under various mulch conditions, while it may be more prone to disease, its potential for higher economic return due to greater yield fruit quality could make it a viable option for grower, whereas Melka Shola demonstrates high fruit numbers. Based on the current study, white plastic mulch with Gelilama variety is an effective strategy for enhancing tomato yield. However further research on the interaction of drip irrigation with mulching and both breeding and management practices can be conducted to explore its efficiency on tomato production and disease management practices.