Croissance du diametre de la tige de tomate: Effets du rayonnement et de la temperature nocturne

Abstract Recent studies on methods of scheduling irrigation which are based on variations in stem diameter, also allow the analysis in real time of changes in stem diameter from day to day. In this study, we confirm that the increase in stem diameter during the vegetative stage is proportional to the amount of light which the plant receives. Relationships between the increase in diameter of the internode below the first bunch of flowers and the dry weights of different parts of the plant were analysed. Evidence that the formation of the first fruit affects these relationships is presented. The effect of chilling night temperatures on the increase in stem diameter was also studied. It is suggested that this technique could be used in greenhouses to determine the right microclimatological and other plant growth conditions from day to day for crops with a short growing period.