EFFECT OF POTASSIUM FERTILIZER RATE ON GROWTH, FRUIT YIELD AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF TOMATO VARIETIES (Lycopersicon Lycopersicum) IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE, Nigeria

This study evaluated the effects of varying potassium (K) fertilizer rates on the growth, fruit yield, and nutritional quality of three tomato varieties in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.The experiment was conducted at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), using a 3 5 factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.The tomato varieties tested were Ogbomoso Local, UC82B, and Ilorin Local, while the potassium fertilizer (Muriate of Potash -MOP) was applied at five different rates.Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, fruit count, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, and nutritional composition.Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed, and significant differences among means were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level.Results revealed that potassium fertilization significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of the tomato varieties.Among the tested varieties, Ilorin Local showed superior performance in both growth and yield attributes, particularly at the potassium fertilizer rate of 75 kg KO/ha.This rate also positively influenced the nutritional quality of the tomato fruits.The study concludes that appropriate potassium fertilization enhances tomato productivity and recommends 75 kg KO/ha for optimal performance of Ilorin Local variety in the study area.