Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Growth, Yield, and Taste Components Under Water Stress in Sri Lanka's Dry Zone

Abstract

Abstract—This study aimed to investigate the effects of water stress on the growth, yield, and taste components of the "Padma" tomato variety, offering valuable insights for farmers contending with limited water resources in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Employing three treatments— drought stress, control, and excess water stress—the research reveals that drought stress significantly diminishes plant wet weight (169.9±29.7 g) and dry weight (66.7±11 g), impacting parameters like branches, plant height, and leaf count. In the realm of yield and fruit dimensions, excess water stress proves advantageous, yielding larger fruit diameters (3.7±0.25 cm) and higher yield per plant (742±196), while drought stress results in lower values. These findings not only enhance our understanding of water stress effects on tomato cultivation but also offer practical guidance for farmers in water-scarce regions, aiding them in optimizing crop management strategies for sustainable and efficient production