The effects of plant spacing and number of branches per plant were investigated in the production of tomatoes when different hybrids were grown in a substratum under protected environment. The work was conducted from March to October. High tomato yield under protected environment depends on the proper management. The experiment followed a randomized blocks design, in a factorial arrangement of 4x2x2, with four hybrids (Andréa, Debora Max, Carmen and Diana), two spacings between plants (0.30 and 0.45m) and two conduction systems (1 and 2 branches per plant). The treatments were replicated four times. The following parameters were studied: marketable yield (fruits plant-1), total marketable yield (t ha-1), average weight of marketable fruit (g) and yield of big, medium, and small fruits (t ha-1). According to the results the spacing of 0.30 m between plants and one branch per plant were the best combinations with the hybrid 'Debora Max' showing the highest potential yield.
Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.; yield; conduction; plant density
