Effect of Sowing Date on Yield and Fruit Characteristics of Greenhouse Tomato Cultivars

To determine the most suitable sowing date on yield and fruit characteristics of greenhouse tomato, this research was carried out in Larestan region of Fars province in Iran in 2010. The experimental factors included three sowing dates (06 September, 20 September and 04 October) and four greenhouse tomato cultivars (Feroun, Chelbas, Ergon and Uksel) were arranged as factorial in randomized complete block design. Results showed that sowing date had significant on days to beginning of harvest, vitamin C content and fruit yield. The highest fruit yield (391875 kg ha-1), vitamin C content (29.98 mg 100 g fwt-1) and economic income (173500000 Toman) belonged to sowing date of 06 September. The highest vitamin C content (32.05 mg 100 g fwt-1) belonged to cv. Uksel. However, the highest fruit yield (420833 kg ha-1) and economic income was obtained from cv. Chelbas. Ergon cultivar had greater fruit yield than cv. Feroun, but its economic income was less mainly due to its lesser market acceptance. In conclusion, cv. Chelbas was identified as a suitable greenhouse tomato for being sown in 06 September in Larestan region in Fars province in Iran.