Yield characteristics of cherry tomato cultivated with and without shading screen at different irrigation levels

ABSTRACT The use of shading screen in vegetable crops sensitive to the radiation excess, associated with the effective water use via irrigation, allows for yield gains. This study aimed to evaluate the yield characteristics of cherry tomato cultivated with and without shading screen and different irrigation levels. A randomized block design was used, in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement, with four irrigation levels (140 %, 160 %, 180 % and 200 % of the reference evapotranspiration - ETo) and two cherry tomato hybrids (Wanda and Dolcetto). The irrigation level corresponding to 200 % of the ETo provided the highest values for number of flowers and clusters formed, number of fruits per plant and fruit diameter. The Wanda hybrid was more fruitful, with a higher emission of clusters, while Dolcetto was more floriferous. The use of shade screen for cultivating cherry tomato provides an increase in the yield characteristics, if compared to the cultivation in open areas.