Plant Gene and Trait 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 133-141 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 133 CaseStudy Open Access Split Nitrogen Application Timing Enhances Fruit Set and Yield in Indeterminate Tomatoes Yeping Han , Xuelian Jiang, Xuming Lv Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: yeping.han@jicat.org Plant Gene and Trait, 2025, Vol.16, No.3 doi: 10.5376/pgt.2025.16.0015 Received: 17 May, 2025 Accepted: 18 Jun., 2025 Published: 29 Jun., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Han et al., 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: Han Y.P., Jiang X.L., and Lv X.M., 2025, Split nitrogen application timing enhances fruit set and yield in indeterminate tomatoes, Plant Gene and Trait, 16(3): 133-141 (doi: 10.5376/pgt.2025.16.0015) Abstract Applying nitrogen fertilizer in stages is an effective way to enable unlimited-growth tomatoes to better absorb nutrients and increase yields. This study introduces the research situation in recent years on the impact of when and how many times nitrogen fertilizer is applied on the fruit setting quantity and total yield of tomatoes. It compares the effects of one-time fertilization only at the time of planting and staged fertilization, elaborates on how staged nitrogen application helps unlimited-growth tomatoes use nitrogen fertilizer more efficiently, how to extend the fruiting time, and how to make the fruits more easily obtain nutrients. The relationship between this fertilization method and the climate, the growth rhythm of tomatoes, as well as the coordinated growth between roots and branches and leaves was also discussed. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for improving fertilization methods, increasing yields, and making planting more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Keywords Split nitrogen application; Indeterminate tomatoes; Fruit set; Nitrogen use efficiency; Reproductive duration 1 Introduction Nitrogen is a very important nutrient element during the growth process of tomatoes. It directly affects whether the plants grow fast, whether the leaves are green, whether the fruits can grow large, and also affects the quality of tomatoes (Liang, 2024; Mao et al., 2024). If nitrogen is used appropriately, it can not only make tomatoes grow vigorously, but also increase the yield and make the fruits taste better (Wang et al., 2021; Luo et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2025). Studies have also found that the rational use of nitrogen fertilizer can increase the number of leaves, chlorophyll, fruit size of tomatoes, as well as nutritious components such as lycopene and vitamin C (Wang et al., 2021; Luo et al., 2023). However, using too much or too little nitrogen will lead to a decrease in yield, a deterioration in quality, and a waste of fertilizer. Therefore, when to apply nitrogen fertilizer and how to apply it most appropriately are the key steps in growing good tomatoes (Li et al., 2020; Luo et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2025). Indeterminate tomatoes keep growing, flowering and fruiting. Their growth period is relatively long, and they have higher requirements for nutrients when growing leaves and fruiting. Tomatoes have different nitrogen requirements at different growth stages. During the seedling stage and the early flowering period, it mainly relies on nitrogen in the soil. But when the fruits start to grow, nitrogen supplementation outside is needed (Hernández et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2025). So, if fertilizer is applied only once, it may not meet the demand for the entire season. Reasonable arrangement of when to apply nitrogen fertilizer can help tomatoes bear more fruits and grow better (Wabela, 2018; Ayankojo and Morgan, 2021; Wang et al., 2025). This study discussed the extent to which several applications of nitrogen fertilizer had an impact on the fruit setting rate and yield of indeterminate tomatoes. By comparing several different fertilization schemes, the best time and proportion were identified, and how these practices affected the growth and fruiting of indeterminate tomatoes were analyzed. This study hopes to provide practical experience for growing this type of tomato and also help make better use of nitrogen fertilizer resources.
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