Mineral Content and Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits as Affected by Different Potassium Fertilization Treatments and Cultivar Specifics

Background: Potassium is one of the essential nutrients for optimal plant growth and development, related to higher yield and improved crop quality. Split potassium fertilization achieved maximum nutrient efficiency and improved the available potassium status in the root zone. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the split potassium application affects the mineral content and the quality parameters of various tomato cultivars. Methods: A pot experiment was undertaken to investigate the impact of single dose and split potassium fertilization treatments on nutrient content and quality traits of tomato fruits. Seven high yielding, early and mid-early tomato cultivars and hybrids were planted on Fluvisol and subjected to separate single dose and split potassium fertilization treatments (1. N200+200Ð300Ê450; 2. N200+200Ð300Ê225+225) as K2SO4, at constant nitrogen (NH4NO3) and phosphorus (Ca(H2PO4)2.H2O) fertilization rates. Result: Results revealed that mineral content in tomato fruits was significantly affected by cultivar, while the potassium fertilization type did not have a statistically proven effect. Positive relationships between potassium content and lycopene and sugars in tomato fruits were present. Highest mineral content was measured in fruits of “Sheena F1” and “Nikolina F1”, which also stand out with high biochemical attributes – lycopene, ascorbic acids, sugars and dry matter content. All tested biochemical parameters defining tomato fruit quality (except for acidity) were significantly affected by split potassium fertilization treatments