Evaluation of Six Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) Hybrids Under Cooled Plastic Tunnel Conditions in the Sudan
Abstract
The experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of the three years; 2012, 2013 and 2014 (April to August) consecutively at Shambat Research Station, under cool plastic tunnel (dome shape). The objective was to evaluate the performance of six tomato hybrids for growth, yield and quality under cooled plastic tunnel conditions. The six tomato hybrids were namely: (SAKER, BARAKA, NIELLY, T.GLORY, DRW6799 and ATHYLA). Randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times was used. Data collection comprised plant growth, yield and fruit quality. The individual and combined ANOVA were performed. statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference among the six hybrids for all of studied characters.The results indicated that the hybrids “T. Glory, ATHYlLA and BARAKA” gave the best yield and fruit quality showing vigorous plant growth with huge canopy, the fruits were round to round-oblate in shape, large size, with attractive red colour, good firmness and long shelf life. The hybrids: T. Glory, ATHYLA and BARAKA could be recommended to be cultivated commercially under cool plastic tunnels conditions in the Sudan.