Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 356-368 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 356 Meta Analysis Open Access Meta-Analysis of Yield-Enhancing Cultivation Techniques for Cherry Tomatoes Tongkuai Yan 1,MinDong2, 1 Zhejiang Rural Development Group Shangyu Co., Ltd., Shangyu, 212300, Zhejiang, China 2 Jiaxing Realzen Ecological Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd, Jiaxing, 314200, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 13357168001@189.cn Bioscience Methods, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0035 Received: 15 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 26 Nov., 2024 Published: 19 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yan and Dong, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yan T.K., and Dong M., 2024, Meta-analysis of yield-enhancing cultivation techniques for cherry tomatoes, Bioscience Methods, 15(6): 356-368 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0035) Abstract This study reviews various yield-enhancing cultivation techniques for cherry tomatoes, including regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), pruning, biostimulants, organic fertilizers, and modern greenhouse technologies. These techniques have shown significant effects in optimizing water and fertilizer management, as well as improving crop yield and quality. For example, a multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation indicates that precise irrigation and nutrient management can significantly enhance tomato growth and yield. Additionally, using drip irrigation systems combined with bio-organic fertilizers, intercropping with leguminous green manures, and utilizing shading nets have proven effective in improving water use efficiency and fruit quality. Optimizing greenhouse environments also significantly boosts yield and fruit quality. Despite the notable yield benefits of these techniques, their promotion faces challenges such as insufficient public awareness, management complexity, and high implementation costs. This study suggests further research directions, including exploring the synergistic effects of combining optimal irrigation with organic fertilizers, developing resilient varieties capable of withstanding various environmental stressors, and utilizing sensors and automation in precision agriculture to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs. Keywords Cherry tomatoes; Yield enhancement techniques; Irrigation management; Biostimulants; Precision agriculture 1 Introduction Cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicumvar. cerasiforme) have seen a significant rise in market demand due to their unique flavor, nutritional benefits, and versatility in culinary applications. They are particularly valued in the South African retail market, where fruit size and quality play crucial roles in consumer preference (Maboko and Plooy, 2008). The economic value of cherry tomatoes is further underscored by their profitability compared to other staple crops, making them a lucrative option for farmers (Guo et al., 2021). This profitability is driven by their high market price and the increasing consumer demand for fresh, high-quality produce. Enhancing the yield of cherry tomatoes is critical to meet the growing market demand and to ensure economic sustainability for producers. Various cultivation techniques have been explored to optimize yield and quality, including regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), pruning, and the use of biostimulants. For instance, RDI has been shown to significantly reduce water usage while improving the content of soluble sugars, carotenoids, and total phenols in cherry tomatoes, although the yield response can vary by season and cultivar (Coyago-Cruz et al., 2019). Pruning techniques have also been investigated, revealing that pruning to two or three stems can increase yield and produce fruit sizes more acceptable to the market (Maboko and Plooy, 2008; Wu and Zhang, 2024). Additionally, the use of sustainable agronomic strategies, such as the application of seaweed extracts, has demonstrated potential in enhancing both yield and nutritional quality (Chanthini et al., 2019). These techniques not only aim to increase yield but also to improve the environmental sustainability of cherry tomato production by reducing the reliance on fertilizers and pesticides (Guo et al., 2021). The purpose of this review is to synthesize current research on various yield-enhancing cultivation techniques for cherry tomatoes. By conducting a meta-analysis of studies on RDI, pruning, biostimulants, and other agronomic strategies, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the most effective methods for increasing yield and improving fruit quality. This synthesis will help identify best practices and guide future research and agricultural practices to ensure sustainable and profitable cherry tomato production.
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