Seedling establishment and subsequent growth of fluid drilled tomatoes as influenced by carrier gel and incorporation of a seaweed extract

A series of experiments (controlled environment and field) were conducted with pregerminated tomato seeds (cv. Early red) incorporating a seaweed extract (Cytex) at 0, 1, 2 and 3% (vol/vol) into four carrier gels. The carrier gels were: magnesium silicate (Laponite), starch acrylate polymer (Liquagel), potassium copolymer (Viterra Agrigel), and a starch (Water lock B100). Percent and rate of emergence were significantly affected by the choice of gel with Liquagel producing better results than Agrigel, Water lock and Laponite. The incorporation of Cytex decreased percent emergence for all gels. In the field trial, treatment with Laponite gel with Cytex inclusion resulted in lower plant stand and lower total and marketable fruit yield. Plants sown in Liquagel, Agrigel and Water lock were less affected by Cytex addition than those sown in Laponite, probably due to additive leaching or gel permeation in the Laponite. Key words:Lycopersicom esculentum, seed germination, osmotic potential, fruit yield