Abstract:
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is worldwide known as “No. 1 processing vegetable” because of its demand not only in processing sector but also as a vegetable and protective food. It contains different essential nutrients and vitamins such as A, C and E; about 20 mg of vitamin C per 100grams of edible product also contain lycopene; a red pigment serving as a natural anti-oxidant, calcium, water and niacin which are important in metabolism. In Uganda, tomatoes are intensively grown and contributes to farmers’ income and food, however, its yield has remained low and this is mainly attributed to biotic and abiotic factors, especially low soil fertility constrains. A number of fertilizers exist on the market however, they are expensive and not easily available to farmers.
It is against this that a study was conducted in two different agro ecological zones that is Serere, NaSARRI and Bulegeni satellite station of BugiZARDI, Bulambuli district to test the efficacy of the new foliar fertilizer (GIBB FORCE) with a different active ingredient and mode of action. The study aimed to determine the effect of the new foliar fertilizer in improving the growth and yield of tomatoes (Commando F1 variety). Experiments were set in a randomized complete block design with 6 treatments at rates of 1⁄4 tablet, 1⁄2 tablet, 3⁄4 tablet, and 1 tablet of the Gibb FORCE dissolved in 4 litres of water; in a 20 litters napsuck sprayer, DAP (applied at planting) used as positive control; and untreated plots used as negative control. The test chemical was applied thrice i.e. at vegetative stage, flowering stage and fruit development stage. The results showed that Gibb force rates of 1, 1⁄2, and 3⁄4 tablets were better and improved performance in the mean plant height (21.28cm) and yield (127.2) except for the days to 50% flowering. There was no statistical difference in both the growth and yield parameters across locations as the response was similar. From the observations of the research, rates of 1, 1⁄2, and 3⁄4 the Gibb-force foliar tablet fertilizer can be recommended for application to supply nutrients for the tomatoes depending on the soil fertility. However, to avoid wastage and expense, the Gibb force rate of 1⁄2 tablet can be recommended.
