Effect of regulated deficit irrigation on processing tomatoes HM 1892 yield, quality and water use efficiency, in San Juan, Argentina

Abstract

Tomatoes require a high water potential for optimal vegetative and productive development. The province of San Juan is located in the Center-West of Argentina, where precipitation is scarce, with an average of 95 mm annually and the tomato production is only possible through irrigation. Competition for water from other sectors, and scarcity of water will force to increase the efficiency of water use. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is a water management strategy that allows for the saving of water. It adapts an irrigation plan to specific water requirements in each phenological stage, according to species and variety, without affecting yields and quality of the product. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of regulated deficit irrigation on processing tomatoes HM 1892, on yield, quality and water use efficiency.