Growth Suppression of Tomato Plug Seedlings as Affected by Material Type for Brushing Stimulation

Abstract

This study was conducted to find proper material of brushing stimulation for height suppression of tomato plug seedlings. The tomato seeds were sown in 40-cell plug tray filled with commercial seedling medium and brushing stimulation was started at 18 days after sowing. Acrylic, polypropylene film, and weaving film were used by materials of brushing stimulation and, non-treatment and diniconazole treatment were used as the control. In acrylic treatment, the plant height was the shortest and the stem diameter was the thickest. Leaf growth was the lowest in diniconazole treatment. However, the SPAD value was the greatest in diniconazole treatment. The dwarf rate was the greatest in acrylic treatment. In acrylic treatment, the T/R ratio was the lowest and compactness was the greatest. In conclusion, use of the acrylic as material for brushing stimulation has higher dwarf rate than diniconazole treatment, and has advantages height suppression and seedling quality.