The low-volume technology of Fitopyramida type and the potential of tomato hybrids of various commodity groups

The quality of the tomato harvest is determined by the physiological and biochemical characteristics of the fruit, which depend on the conditions that ensure the growth and development of plants. To ensure these conditions, manufacturers need to look for modern environmentally friendly and efficient production methods. The Fitopyramida hydroponic system ensures the rational use of the space with the largest number of plants per unit area due to multi-tiered installations. Fitopyramida technology is an alternative solution for obtaining environmentally friendly organic products, while reducing the consumption of water, fertilizers and pesticides. The research was carried out in 2020–2021 at the All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Growing – branch of Federal Scientific Centre of Vegetable Growing (Vereya village, Moscow region). The plants were grown in a polycarbonate greenhouse of Fitopyramida LLC, the cultivation area is 326.4 m², the total area is 460 m². The test involved 11 tomato hybrids with different levels of precocity and different product groups. Tomato plants were formed into one stem, twisting and removal of stepsons were carried out weekly, and the lower leaves were regularly removed during the formation of the first brush. They were formed into 3–4 brushes. Bumblebees were used for better fruit tying in the greenhouse. The experiment was carried out four times, the total number of experimental units reached 44. Germination (%) on the 10th day from sowing, total productivity, g/bush, average weight of one fruit (g) were determined. Among the indeterminate large-fruited F₁ hybrids, the Rumyanyi shar was the best hybrid suitable for the Fitopyramida technology (its productivity reached 1936.27 g/plant, and the fruit weight was 140.10 g). F₁ Kapitan stood out from the group of determinant early-maturing hybrids, whose productivity reached 1751.58 g/plant, and the fruit weight was 86.84 g. The F₁ Afrodita hybrid was the least suitable for hydroponics from the point of view of production. Hydroponic production makes it possible to improve the quality and productivity of agricultural crops, as well as solve environmental problems, which will increase the competitiveness of this type of production, ensure resource savings and increase its profitability.

Key words: Solanum lycopersicum L., vertical farming, hydroponics, fruit weight, total yield, greenhouse, Fitopyramida.