Summary
This comparative study of eight Dutch and eight Japanese tomato cultivars (including 'Momotaro') grown hydroponically identified sap bleeding rate (SBR)—a measure of root pressure and root activity—as a potential physiological indicator for selecting high-yielding cultivars. Dutch cultivars maintained elevated SBR with increasing root development and accumulated higher fruit calcium, whereas Japanese 'Momotaro' series cultivars showed declining SBR despite root growth. The positive correlation between SBR and fruit fresh weight suggests that SBR could serve as a simplified, practical screening tool for identifying cultivars with superior yield potential under long-term hydroponic cultivation.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted with Dutch and Japanese cultivars in a hydroponic system, so direct applicability to United Kingdom field conditions is limited. However, the SBR methodology and cultivar comparison approach could inform UK protected horticulture (glasshouse) tomato breeding and selection programmes, particularly where soil-less systems are used. The findings may be less relevant for field-grown tomatoes or traditional soil-based systems.
Key measures
Sap bleeding rate (mL·h⁻¹), root dry weight, stem and leaf fresh weight, fruit calcium content, total fresh weight, yield
Outcomes reported
The study measured sap bleeding rate (SBR) as an indicator of root activity, root dry weight, mineral content (particularly calcium) in tomato fruits, and yield across Dutch and Japanese cultivars grown hydroponically. It examined correlations between SBR, root development, and fruit mineral accumulation to assess SBR as a selection criterion for high-yielding cultivars.
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