Performance of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under Drip Irrigation with Peripheral Insect Proof Net

The performance of tomato (Var: Laxmi F1 Hyb.) under the covered periphery by insect proof net was evaluated at Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal during rabi 2013–15. An insect proof net of 40 mesh size was installed upto 3 m height covering entire peripheral boundary of the experimental field to create partially protected condition. Similar cultural practices were adopted in the adjoining open field as well as in the peripheral insect proof net. Low head drip irrigation system was installed in both the treatments for irrigating the crop. Plant biometric parameters such as plant height, number of branches, yield and quality parameters were monitored and evaluated. The study revealed that in the field with insect proof net, crop height increased by 22 per cent and yield increased by 44 per cent. The economic performance of the field with peripheral insect proof net was found to be better with about 35 percent higher net income than the open field condition (i.e. control).