The effects of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid plant growth regulator on the fruit set, yield and economic benefit of growing tomatoes in high temperatures.

Abstract

The effects of different concentrations of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) plant growth regulator hormone on fruit set, yield and economic benefit of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) growing in high temperatures in Botswana (Southern Africa) were examined. In a field experiment laid under complete randomized block design, tomatoes flowers were treated with four different concentrations of 00 ppm (control), 15ppm, 45ppm and 75ppm of 4-CPA growth regulator. Data collected involved number of fruit set, weight of small tomato, weight of cracked tomatoes, weight of cat face tomatoes, weight of rotten tomatoes, weight of pest damaged tomatoes and marketable tomatoes. A two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using the SPSS software ver.19 to analyze the data. The application of 4-CPA hormone indicated a positive and significant effect on the fruit set and yields of tomato. A positive relationship between the hormone concentration and the fruit set as well as total yield of tomato was also established (higher the concentration, higher the fruit set and tomato yield). The 75 ppm concentration of 4-CPA resulted not only the highest increase in fruit set but also increased the tomato yield and hence economic benefit in tomato production increased. It was concluded that use of 4-CPA hormone increased the fruit set, yield and economic benefit of summer tomato production. Suggested future research can be conducted to observe the effect of higher concentration of the 4-CPA hormone on fruit set, yield and fruit quality of tomatoes.