EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION, ETHREL AND HARVEST DATE ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF PROCESSING TOMATO

The study examines the effects of the interaction of irrigation schedules (control, 50% ETE, 100% ETE) with Ethrel and harvest dates on a variety suitable for mechanical harvesting. The best irrigation trial was that with 50% ETE replenishment. Ethrel, while increasing the percentage of marketable yield, did not increase yield in t ha^-1. Early -season harvest ensured the highest yields and product quality. The effects of the Ethrel x Harvest date interaction of Ethrel are discussed.