RESPONSE OF PARTHENOCARPIC TOMATO TO LOW TEMPERATURE AND AUXIN SPRAYS

The quantitative and qualitative response of the parthenocarpic tomato Quasar an F1 hybrid was compared with that of a widely cropped hybrid. The response was considered also in relation to greenhouse temperature and to auxin sprays to flowers both of which can affect the expression of parthenocarpy.

The parthenocarpic cultivar, especially in lower thermal conditions and without auxin sprays, assured a higher marketable production mainly as a consequence of a heavier fruit weight.

In all growing conditions fruit characteristics of the two cultivars were similar as regards composition but quite different as regards some morphological aspects.