Environmental factors affecting tomato growth for industrial processing in the Brazilian Savannah of Goiás State

This study investigates the meteorological variables exerting the most significant influence on the growth and productivity of four tomato hybrids cultivated for industrial processing in the Brazilian Savannah of Goiás State. Data on morphological and meteorological variables were collected in five locations (Hidrolândia, Itaberaí, Palmeiras de Goiás, Piracanjuba, and Silvânia) during the year 2020. Morphological characteristics assessed included plant height, number of branches, and leaf area index (LAI). Meteorological variables considered were average air temperature, global solar irradiance, thermal sum, and soil water availability. Pearson correlations, canonical correlations, and multivariate Stepwise regression were employed to analyze the relationships between morphological and meteorological variables. The study revealed that soil water availability significantly impacts tomato crop development, indicating the need for improved irrigation management. Adequate irrigation management contributed to an 86.1% increase in plant height and a 79.7% boost in leaf area index, while average air temperature influenced a 34% increase in the number of branches. In conclusion, proper irrigation management is crucial for enhancing tomato crop growth and development and optimizing water use.