The cultivation of cherry tomato in closed substrate systems (which promote reuse of the drained solution) is fundamental in order to reduce water and fertilizer waste and environmental pollution. However, the literature background is scarce. This work aimed to establish the influence of different plant densities (2.9; 3.9; 4.7; 5.9 and 7.8 plants m-2) on growth, yield and fruit quality of two cherry tomato genotypes ('Cereja Vermelho' and 'Flavor Top') grown in rice husk closed growing system. Dry matter production and partitioning of stems, leaves and fruits; number of fruits, average weight and yield; fruit soluble solids content and phytochemicals content (carotenoids, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity) were evaluated. 'Cereja Vermelho' presented higher assimilates allocation into the fruits, higher growth and fruit yield. 'Flavor Top' presented higher soluble solids content, phenolics compounds and antioxidant capacity. The increasing of plant density decreased individual plant growth, had no effect on dry matter partitioning and increased fruit yield per square meter. The plant densities of 5.9 and 7.8 plants m-2 are the most proper for 'Cereja Vermelho' and 'Flavor Top', respectively.
Solanum lycopersicon; protected cultivation; recirculating solution; plant growth; yield; phytochemicals
