Effect of Different Rates of Vermiwash on Rate of Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

The use of liquid bio fertilizers obtained by the action of earthworms on organic materials to improve the quality of crops and increase production while maintaining a healthy environment is significant to crop production. In order to evaluate the effect of different rates of vermiwash on the growth and yield of tomatoes, an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Innovation System Brokerage Association (AGINSBA) site in Bbamba Kiteezi using a split plot design with MT56 tomato variety as Experimental units, two sources of vermiwash (cattle manure and piggery manure) were used as treatments at different rates of 20%, 40%, 60% and 0% (control) of vermiwash and replicated thrice. Data collected included growth and yield parameters; plant height, stem girth, number of branches, leaf area index, number of flower clusters, number of fruits per plant and weight of fruits per plant. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the effect of the different rates of vermiwash on tomato growth and yield. The results revealed that the different rates of vermiwash significantly enhanced growth parameters and yield parameters compared to the control. 60% rate of vermiwash had superior effect on both the growth and yield parameters as compared to 20% and 40% rate of vermiwash while the control had the least effect. The foliar spray of vermiwash can be economically and environmentally suitable for the soils and human health.