The expenditure with seed and drip tape has remarkable influence in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production cost in greenhouse. To reduce the cost, the denominated DFT method was idealized, which combines smaller planting density (D), smaller drip tape length (F) and larger stem number left in plant, especially supported (T) by plastic string attached to a trellis. The present work aimed at comparing the DFT technique with the conventional method (TEST). Two experiments were accomplished with Carmen hybrid. Treatments were laid in completely randomized design with 12 and 6 tomato plants in TEST and DFT respectively, always surrounded by border plants. Expressed as kg m-2, the commercial fruit yield (PFC) in the conventional method was similar (exp.1) and larger (exp.2) than in DFT. Expressed as kg plant-1 and kg R$-1 expended in materials, the PFC was higher in DFT system. The proposed method can be utilized in tomato production in unheated greenhouse.
Lycopersicon esculentum; planting density; drip tape; seed; hybrid; pruning; supporting
