LOW-TEMPERATURE GROWTH RESPONSES OF THE TOMATO

Abstract

The effects of low temperatures on several growth phases of the tomato were studied. The tests, each conducted over a 2-week period, included seed germination at 8.5 °C, rate of seedling growth at a night temperature of 10 °C, root and top growth of plants in soil at 15 °C, and fruit set at a night temperature of 4.5 °C.Varietal response to growth rate at low temperatures differed in all phases studied, and varieties that performed well in some phases did not always perform well in others. Of the varieties studied, six grew well under most of the low-temperature conditions. These were: Earlinorth, Bonita, Azerbidzivisky, P.I. 205040, P.I. 280597, and Cold Set.