The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

Beneficial microorganisms, such as mychorrhizae, are known for their benefits to plant growth and development.  Vesicular-arbuscular mychorrhizae (VAM) fungi have been attributed to improved uptake of macro and micronutrients and improved water availability. A preliminary high tunnel experiment was conducted to examine the effect of VAM and poultry compost application on the production of Debarao Plum tomatoes grown under the Delmarva Peninsula environmental conditions. Tomato seeds were germinated in Sunshine Mix #1 in 2-inch cells in a plant growth chamber, and then moved to the greenhouse when their first true leaves formed. Seedlings were transplanted to 4 1/2 inch pots when they were approximately 6 weeks old, and continued to grow in the greenhouse until they were transplanted in the high tunnel. Treatments were applied at the time of transplanting.  The tomatoes were planted in a randomized complete block consisting of four treatments: Control, VAM, poultry compost, and VAM + poultry compost, with four replications of each.  Seedlings were transplanted at the rate of 3 plants per row and 0.90 m between plants. The tomatoes were staked and twine was added as needed during the growing season. One month after transplanting, 750 ml of liquid fertilizer was applied to each tomato plant. Fruits were harvested beginning the first week in July and ending the last week in October. Fruits were harvested at the red stage, divided into Grade 1 and Grade 2, counted, and weighed.  No significant variations were found for harvested yield among treatments.  Future studies will be conducted to assess the effects of various beneficial microorganisms (VAM fungi, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)) on tomato production.