Evaluation of the Suitability of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Accessions Grown in a Vertical Container System

Authors

• Darel Kenth S. Antesco, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines; Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya Campus 156-8502, JapanFollow
• Lourdes Edano Ma., Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, 4030
• Renerio Gentallan Jr, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, 4030
• Roselyn F. Paelmo, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, 4030
• Annalissa L. Aquino, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, 4030

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

Growing tomatoes in vertical container systems such as hanging pots presents a promising production system for urban gardening. However, horticultural selections of tomato with traits suited for this system are still limited. The success of different genotypes grown in this system depends on the combination of morphological characters, including plant form, vegetative growth, and root development, as well as yield. This study assessed the morphological characters of 10 tomato accessions to identify those with ideal traits for this system. Results showed that some accessions possess unique traits that enhance their performance in hanging pots. Among the 10 accessions, T2 from Taiwan had the highest accumulated yield of 17.3 kg across multiple harvests, yielding a total of 1,130 pieces of medium-sized fruits. This accession had compact roots with low dried roots (3.03 g), total root length (2,624.12 cm), and a drooping form advantageous for hanging pots, suggesting efficient resource use despite constricted space for root growth. In contrast, T5 from Cagayan, Philippines, attained a lower yield of 11.7 kg despite producing more fruits and vigorous shoots and roots, but was less effective in fruiting. However, fruits from this accession recorded the highest average for total soluble solids (5.95%). Cluster and correlation analyses revealed high dissimilarities among accessions and identified negative associations among morphological characters. While further research is recommended, these results could contribute to the expansion of horticultural selections and the development of this alternative method for growing tomatoes.

Recommended Citation

Antesco, Darel Kenth S.; Edano, Lourdes Ma.; Gentallan, Renerio Jr; Paelmo, Roselyn F.; and Aquino, Annalissa L. (2025) "Evaluation of the Suitability of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Accessions Grown in a Vertical Container System," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 4, Article 6.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss4/6