Comparison of tomato fruit quality under wick and drip substrate hydroponic systems

In the present study, the effect of wick and drip substrate hydroponic systems and composition of nutrient solutions on leaf assimilates and fruit quality of tomato crop raised in summer and winter seasons was compared. There was higher accumulation of total starch, total soluble proteins and free amino acids in leaves of winter crop. Leaf assimilates were more in crop supplied with nutrient solution containing higher doses of N and K irrespective of hydroponic systems used. Overall fruit quality in terms of ascorbic acid, total soluble sugars and firmness was more in crop supplied with nutrient solution containing higher levels of potassium. Winter crop raised under wick system gave higher yield and quality of the fruit.