Abstract
The Effect of concentration of nutrient solution and aeration on growth and dry matter partitioning in hydroponieally grown young tomato plants (Lycopersicon escurentum M., cv. Ogatazuikou) was investigated.
The plant growth increased with increasing concentration of nutrient solution, except under the highest nutrient concentration. These plants grown with 8 times strength of the standard solution showed temporary wilting and lower dry matter production. As the concentration of nutrient solution increased, the dry matter partitioning in the stem was increased but that in the root was significantly reduced. The total nitrogen content in each organ was the lowest at 1/4 time strength. The total nitrogen content in the leaves was highly correlated to the crop growth rate (CGR, γ=0.97*) and leaf area index (LAI, γ=0.99**) .
The growth of tomato seedlings was accelerated by aeration except for night aeration. This suggests that the aeration during the day time is more effective to the dry matter production than that during the night. The day time aeration and continuous aeration decreased dry matter accumulation in the stem but increased that in the root. The total nitrogen content in the tissue was not influenced by aeration treatments.
In conclusion, low concentration of nutrient solution which resulted in lower shoot: root ratio is thought to be suitable for controlling the vegetative growth in hydroponically grown young tomato plants.
