EFFECTIVENESS OF GROWTH STIMULANTS IN THE CULTIVATION OF ROSE-FRUITED TOMATOES FOR WINTER GREENHOUSES IN THE STEPPE ZONE OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Pink-fleshed tomatoes were grown using modern technology and a low-volume hydroponics method. The microclimate in the greenhouse (temperature, humidity, ventilation, carbon dioxide supply) is automated and controlled by a computer (Priva Integro). Tomato plants were grown using the recommended technology for winter greenhouses, namely, seedlings were grown in a seedling department for 32 days. The seedlings were planted in the greenhouse in their permanent growing place and cared for in accordance with greenhouse growing technology. Tomatoes were harvested three times a week throughout the fruiting period (from March to November). The seedlings were grown using the seedling method. Plant density was 25.000 plants per hectare, with a subsequent increase in density to 31.000 plants per hectare. The area of the plots was 10 m2, with four repetitions. The experimental studies were conducted in 2024 at the Dniprovsky Trading Company LLC, located in the Dniprovsky district, Dnipropetrovsk region. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of growth stimulants and their absence on pink-fruited tomato plants. The article discusses the use of growth stimulants for pink-fruited hybrids grown in glass greenhouses in the steppe zone of Ukraine. The research was conducted with the following stimulants: without stimulants (control), with the application of Radifarm 5 l per hectare once a month, with the application of Kendal 5 l per hectare once a month, and with the application of Megafol 5 l per hectare once a month. The studies determined the yield and marketability of the hybrid, recorded the rooting time after planting, the total length of the main stem of the plant, the number of leaves on the plant, and the average weight of the fruits for the entire vegetation period. Promising growth stimulants were from the Italian manufacturer Valagro: Radifarm, Kendal, and Megafol. The results obtained will provide information for greenhouse growers on the selection of productive growth stimulants for growing pink-fruited tomato hybrids in winter greenhouses in the steppe zone of Ukraine, contributing to an increase in yield and product quality. The research showed that the Radifarm growth stimulator outperformed the control group without stimulants, yielding 41.3 kg/m2, while the control group without stimulants yielded 39.0 kg/m2. Therefore, the use of Radifarm is preferable for growing in winter greenhouses for extended crop rotation.