Daily variations in tomato stem diameter as a criterion for irrigation management

Abstract

The process of daily variation in tomato stem diameter is examined in order to justify the use of this parameter to control drip irrigation. Changes in the size of individual plant parts depend on the provision of water, light, heat and nutrients to the production process. Therefore, such plant parameters as leaf temperature, xylem flow rate, fruit and stem diameter can be indicators of availability of necessary resources. The research was carried out in Novosibirsk region in June - September 2020. The value of the range of daily variations in stem diameter, which has a close relationship to relative soil moisture, was used as an indicator of plant water stress. The source of the information is the results of measurements of soil moisture and stem diameter growth of tomato. Experiments to assess the effect of water deficit on stem parameters were carried out on a plant set out in the open ground separately from the rest. Artificial water stress conditions were created by watering once a week. Data were collected using a PM-11z phytomonitor, soil moisture and stem diameter growth sensors. The results of measurements were processed in Microsoft Office Excel program. It was found that the range of daily fluctuations of stem diameter growth depends on moisture availability. When soil moisture is below 30%, the plant experiences water stress and the range of stem diameter fluctuations increases. The maximum growth in stem diameter was observed at 7-10 a.m. and the minimum at 13-15 p.m. local time. The difference between the maximum and minimum of the daily stem diameter increase characterizes the range of the daily stem diameter difference, which correlates closely with soil moisture. The correlation coefficient between them is 0.72. The limit for the daily stem diameter difference is 0.025 mm at 30% soil moisture. If the actual value of this parameter exceeds the limit value, the irrigation system can be activated. The implementation of this approach makes it possible to automate the irrigation process and to take into account the indicator that signals water stress of the plant.