Using liquid organic boron foliar sprays for increasing tomato growth and yield in a hydroponic system

Boron foliar sprays have been shown to increase marketable yield and fruit quality of tomato. Furthermore, the demand for organic produce is increasing due to consumer requirements for a healthy and safe product to eat. This greenhouse trial aimed to determine the effects of application methods and doses of liquid organic boron fertilizer. This fertilizer is made from green manure (Leucaena leucocephala leaves: Pennisetum purureum leaves: Musa acuminate stem: Allium cepa group Aggregatum bulb 2:2:1:0.1/v:v:v:v).The effects liquid organic boron fertilizer on growth and yield of tomatoes grown hydroponically were studied. The study used a split-plot experimental design. The main plot was the application method of foliar and basal sprays. The subplot was the concentration of liquid boron organic fertilizer (4.10%B) was applied at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 mL L^‑1. The results showed no interactions between the method and the concentration of liquid organic boron fertilizer (LOBF) on growth and yield of tomato plants. However, the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer significantly affected tomato growth and the yield. An application rate of 25 mL L^‑1 of liquid organic boron fertilizer increased the number of flower clusters by 22%. It also increased fruit yield plant^‑1 by 18% and increased the number of tomato fruit plant^‑1 by 14% compared to the control treatment (no liquid organic boron fertilizer). Results showed that foliar spray more efficient than basal spray.