Innovative cultivation strategies to increase productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability
Explore ResearchTomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are an important horticultural commodity for food security in Indonesia. Production data shows unpredictable fluctuations, from 93,121 tons in 2021 with ups and downs in previous years 5 . Contributing factors include pest and disease attacks, marketing problems, and inappropriate cultivation techniques.
Plant growth regulator that plays a role in physiological processes
Sustainable solution for soil fertility using organic materials
Integration of efficiency, productivity and sustainability principles
Gibberellin is a plant hormone that plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes, including cell elongation, flowering, and fruit development 2 . In tomato plants, gibberellin works by stimulating cell division and elongation, so plants grow taller and faster.
Recent research also reveals gibberellin's role in increasing plant resistance to environmental stress. A study found that application of gibberellic acid (GA3) to tomato seedlings irrigated with acid mine water not only increased plant height from 4.00 cm to 16.50 cm, but also reduced heavy metal accumulation such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in plant tissues 3 .
This finding shows the dual benefits of gibberellin as both a growth promoter and plant protector.
Compost fertilizer, especially that derived from tomato plant residues themselves, represents a form of circular economy in tomato cultivation 1 . Compost functions as a soil amendment that improves physical, chemical, and biological soil structure, as well as a source of essential nutrients for plants.
A comprehensive study conducted in Ethiopia's Central Rift Valley showed that compost fertilization significantly increased vitamin C content, flavonoids, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity in tomato fruits compared to chemical fertilization 4 .
The organic matter content in compost also increases water holding capacity and soil aeration, creating an optimal root zone environment for tomato plant growth.
A study designed to examine the interaction between gibberellin concentration and application interval used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) factorial 5 . This experimental design consisted of two factors: gibberellin concentration (0, 50, 100, 150 ppm) and application time interval (15, 20, and 25 days).
There were a total of 36 experimental units used to ensure statistical validity of the research results.
Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and if there were significant differences, followed by DMRT test with 95% confidence level.
| Material/Reagent | Function | Concentration/Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Gibberellin Hormone | Growth regulator to stimulate cell division and elongation | 50-150 ppm 2 5 |
| Compost Fertilizer | Organic nutrient source and soil amendment | 10 tons/hectare 4 |
| NPK Fertilizer | Inorganic nutrient source (as comparison) | 150 kg/ha Urea + 200 kg/ha NPS 4 |
| Loam to Clay Loam Soil | Planting medium with specific characteristics | pH 7.4-7.6 4 |
Soil preparation and compost application 3 weeks before planting
Tomato seedlings planted with initial treatment application
Gibberellin application at intervals of 15, 20, or 25 days
Measurement of growth parameters and fruit characteristics
| Gibberellin Concentration (ppm) | Plant Height (cm) | Fruit Diameter (cm) | Fresh Weight per Fruit (g) | Fruit Volume (cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 62.3 | 4.1 | 48.5 | 42.3 |
| 50 | 68.7 | 4.4 | 52.8 | 46.9 |
| 100 | 75.2 | 4.9 | 58.3 | 52.7 |
| 150 | 73.9 | 4.7 | 55.6 | 50.1 |
| Quality Parameter | Compost Fertilizer | Chemical Fertilizer | Control (No Fertilizer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (mg/100g) | 28.5 | 20.3 | 15.7 |
| Total Phenolics (mg GAE/g) | 18.7 | 12.4 | 9.8 |
| Antioxidant Activity (DPPH %) | 85.2 | 72.6 | 58.9 |
| Lycopene (mg/100g) | 4.8 | 5.9 | 3.5 |
| β-carotene (mg/100g) | 2.1 | 2.8 | 1.6 |
Another study conducted at Agrotechnopark, Jember University strengthened these findings, showing that the best concentration of gibberellin was 100 ppm with an application frequency of 21 days 2 . The small difference in optimal interval (21 vs 25 days) may be due to differences in environmental conditions and tomato varieties used.
Findings on the effectiveness of the combination of gibberellin and compost fertilizer have broad implications for sustainable agricultural practices. This approach allows farmers to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers while increasing the quantity and quality of production.
By utilizing tomato plant residues as compost raw materials, farmers can also reduce production costs and minimize environmental impact.
Application of gibberellin at the right concentration and time has been proven to optimize crop yields without causing negative effects such as excessive elongation (etiolation) or physiological imbalance. Meanwhile, the use of compost fertilizer not only fertilizes plants but also restores soil health in the long term.
Based on synthesis from various studies discussed, here are application recommendations for tomato cultivation:
The combination of gibberellin hormone with optimal dosage (100 ppm) and compost fertilizer (10 tons/hectare) represents a new strategy in tomato cultivation that integrates aspects of productivity, quality, and sustainability. This approach not only improves growth parameters such as plant height, fruit diameter, and fruit weight, but also improves nutritional quality of tomato fruits, particularly in terms of vitamin C content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity.