Effect of bio-fertilization and mulch treatments on yield attributes and fruit quality of tomato under hill conditions of Uttarakhand.

The effect of bio-fertilization on the nursery of tomato (cv. Manisha) and effect of fertilization in combination with mulching on fruit yield and quality of tomato were studied during 2005 and 2006. Early and maximum seed germination was observed consistently for two years with the treatments, where seeds were inoculated with Azospirillum and Azotobactor in combination with Microphos. Maximum fruit yield with good quality fruits (Vitamin C and Total soluble solids) were produced with the application of recommended dose of NPK. However, they were on par with the treatments having inoculated tomato seedlings with Azospirillum and Azotobactor. Significantly increase in fruit yield and number of fruits per plot was observed when mulching was done with black polyethylene. The control (recommended NPK) and all fertilizer treatments with black polythene mulch showed increase in fruit yield and number of fruits per plot. The maximum fruit yield (151.5q/ha in 2005 and 135q/ha in 2006) was recorded with the treatment having recommended NPK and black polyethylene mulch which was on a par with the treatment having Azospirillum and black polyethylene mulch.