The effect of different irrigation levels on yield and quality of table tomatoes grown in conditions with and without mulch

The study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of different irrigation levels and mulch application on yield and quality characteristics of table tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum, Zahide F1 variety) in Bilecik conditions between 2017 and 2018. In the study, which was established in 3 replications according to the split plot design the main plots were mulch (M) and no-mulch (NM) and the sub-plots were irrigation water amounts (100% (I100), 75% (I75), 50% (I50) and 25% (I25) of the cumulative evaporation occurring in the Class A pan). As a result of the research, the seasonal evapotranspiration of tomato plants was found as 482 mm in mulch and 570 mm in no mulch in 2017 and in 2018, it was 486 mm for mulch and 593 mm for no mulch. Among the applications, the highest yields were obtained from mulch application in both years and the yield decreased as the irrigation water level decreased. In 2017, the highest yield was obtained from I100×M as 72,56 t/ha, and in 2018, the highest yield was obtained from I100×M as 75,5 t/ha. As a result of the quality analyzes, as the water deficit increased, total soluble solids (Brix), total sugar, lycopene, titration acidity values increased. As the irrigation level decreases, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit length, pH and fruit puncture resistance values decreased. It was concluded that the effect of mulch application on quality characteristics except fruit puncture resistance, pH and color L value was statistically significant. As a result of the study, mulch application that gives the highest yield result at all irrigation levels and irrigation water that occuring 100% of pan evaporation are suggested. In conditions where water is limited, irrigation water that occuring 75% and 50% of pan evaporation with mulch application are suggested.