Effect of irrigation regimes on water use efficiency and tomato yield (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown in an arid environment

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the influence of irrigation regimes on yield of two tomato cultivars – TY-DANA and GS12. Experimental treatments were three irrigation intervals (2, 4, and 6 days), and three irrigation quantities (50%, 75%, and 100% of pan evaporation [Ep]). The total yield increased with increasing amount of irrigation water for both cultivars. The total yield increased about 10% and 17% for 100% of Ep treatment compared with 50% Ep treatment for TY-DANA and GS12 cultivars, respectively. The 100% Ep treatment showed the lowest irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) (16.7 and 10.4 kg m⁻³), while 50% Ep showed the maximum IWUE (23.9 and 17 kg m⁻³) for TY-DANA and GS12 cultivars, respectively. The average fruit weight for 100% Ep treatment was usually higher than the other treatments. Generally, yield decreased using 50% Ep, however, the benefits of increasing IWUE and saving around 50% of irrigation water will help to grow crops in more areas and in managing the limited water resources in arid environments.

Keywords:

• tomato
• irrigation interval
• irrigation amount, yield
• water use efficiency