Evaluación de la relación fenotipo ambiente de seis cultivares de tomate (solanum lycopersicum l.) en el cantón machala

Abstract

Tomato cultivation originated in South American regions, the center of domestication is attributed to Mexico because there is a great variety of native tomatoes. It is a horticultural species known for its high diversity, economic importance and nutritional component. Worldwide, approximately 1.822.256.458 tons are produced annually. The main producing countries are: China, United States, Turkey and India. In Ecuador there are wild varieties adapted to different soil and climatic conditions, however, tomato production is low, but ranks fourth in vegetable production nationwide. In recent years, tomato production in Ecuador has been very low, both in terms of production and harvest. The producing provinces are Guayas, Carchi and Loja, nationally in 2017 the average per hectare was 1631 boxes under greenhouse. For its content of vitamins, minerals and fiber plays an important role in human nutrition. According to studies it has been proven that if we manage the crop organically its antioxidant content will be higher. It adapts to tropical and subtropical climates, however, high temperatures can alter its development and even reduce production. The most commonly used varieties are Cherry, Purple Calabash, San Marzano 2 and Marmande. Genetic improvement has allowed plants to have higher yields, adaptability, resistance to pests and diseases. The crop is grown at an optimum temperature of 23oC, high daylight hours, relative humidity above 75% and soil with excellent drainage. The objective of this research is to evaluate the adaptability of six tomato varieties. The experimental area is located in the Machala canton, province of El Oro. Six tomato cultivars were planted: Cerise, Marmande, Purple Calabash, Ciliegia, Cuor di Bue and San Marzano. To carry out the characterization, 10 plants of each variety were taken into account to obtain an adequate analysis of the data recorded. The following variables were characterized: hypocotyl color, hypocotyl color intensity, hypocotyl pubescence, plant growth type, plant size, vine length, stem pubescence density, stem internode length, foliage density, number of leaves on the first inflorescence, leaf position, leaf type, degree of leaf dissection, anthocyanin coloration of vein, inflorescence type, corolla color, corolla type, flower sterility type, petal length, sepal length, style position, style shape, style pubescence, stamen length, anther dehiscence, predominant fruit shape, external color of unripe fruit, fruit size, etc. The results obtained show that the tomato varieties adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of Machala canton, however, not all of them obtained the expected results, the varieties that presented the highest yield were Cerise and Ciliegia. It is concluded that the Cherry varieties develop a wide adaptation, stand out for their high nutrient content and can become an alternative to generate more income for producers.