Effect of partial-extreme root restriction and nutrient solution concentration on the performance of hydroponically grown tomato

Tomato is a valuable agricultural commodity widely used across Africa with the potential to contribute to food and nutritional security. However, its yield, quality, and profitability are hindered by several challenges. The study evaluated the impact of partial-extreme root restriction and no root restriction on the performance of Jaguar tomato cultivar in two different nutrient solution concentrations: standard (2.4 dS m-1) and half concentration (1.2 dS m-1). The cultivation spanned three months using a recirculating hydroponic system arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on physio-morphological responses, yield, fruit quality, and water uptake. Plant growth, leaf gas exchange, yield, fruit quality, total water uptake, and root growth were significantly influenced by the nutrient solution concentration with root restriction. Particularly, plant growth, photosynthesis, total water use (52-62%), and yield were significantly reduced but fruit quality was improved by 25% compared to previous findings in Ghana. Conversely, the standard nutrient solution concentration without root restriction recorded the highest yield of 32.4 kg m-2 y-1. These findings can serve as a manipulative hydroponic tool to increase tomato productivity and resource-use efficiency, especially in regions with limited water availability.