Evaluation of morphological and physicochemical characteristics of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) produced on soilless substrates in Daloa (Haut Sassandra Region, Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

The present study was carried out to set up soilless culture substrates and to evaluate the impact of these substrates on the morphological and physicochemical characteristics of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum). Four types of agricultural by-products (cocoa, sawdust, cashew and rice husk) from which seven substrates were constructed. The sawdust and rice husk were carbonised beforehand. A tomato crop was grown on these different substrates for three months. The tomato fruits of each substrate were analysed morphologically and physicochemically. The main results of the physico-chemical properties show that the shape coefficient and density gave good results with a round shape and a density lower than 1. The physico-chemical parameters showed that water content, dry matter and ash content showed no difference between the substrates. Tomatoes from RJC621 plants had high pH and brix (4.6 and 3.77) compared to the control (4.47 and 2). Fruits from plants receiving RJC710 composition had a high reducing sugar content (8.03%). As for titratable acidity, the RJC711 substrate showed the highest value (7.5g/l).