Effects of Starfish and Lacquer Tree By-product Fertilizer on Growth of Tomato Plants

Abstract

This study was conducted for investigate the effect of Starfish and Lacquer Tree by-product Fertilizer on Growth of Tomato Plants. When starfish and lacquer fertilizers were applied to tomatoes, the results of the root survival rate after transplanting tomatoes showed 93% root survival rate both in the control group and 10% starfish treatment, whereas 100% survival rate from 10% lacquer treatment, and 5% starfish with 5% lacquer mix. After transplanting, plant height was 173.0cm in10% lacquer treatment, and 191.13cm in 5% starfish with 5% lacquer mix were significantly higher than those of 144.5cm in 10% starfish single treatment. Chlorophyll content was significantly higher at 1.90 mg/g in the 5% mixed treatment group of starfish and lacquer compared to those of 1.47 mg/g in control. Among dry matter, 10% of starfish and 10% of lacquer treatments showed 13.69 g, which was 1.73 times higher compared to 7.92 g in control. Calcium content was significantly higher at 14.68 mg/L in the 5% mixture of starfish and lacquer compared to 11.41 mg/L in control. The higher the calcium content and hardness during storage, the lower the blossom-end rot incidence. The hardness of the fruit was the best in the mixed treatment of 5% starfish and 5% lacquer, and the shelf life was maintained over 60% even on December 8th. The highest tomato weight and marketable yield showed in the mixed fertilizer of 5% starfish and 5% lacquer. Therefore, the mixed 5% starfish with 5% lacquer tree by-product fertilizer can be used to promote the production and to improve the quality of tomato fruits preferred in markets