Implantation of a Test and Demonstration Unit (UTD) for the production of Tomato Italy (solanum lycopersicum) in an aquaponic system in consortium with Tambaqui (colossoma macropomum) and comparison with conventional culture

Abstract

The productivity of tomato (solanum lycopersicum) in the North is low. The main limiting factor
for commercial tomato cultivation in the region is the wilted bacterium, caused by the bacterium
R. solonecearum that is present in the Amazonian soils. In view of the great difficulty of
tomato production in the region and also the great demand for organic products of good origin,
the installation of the UTD (Test and Demonstration Unit) is an alternative strategy for the production
of organic tomatoes of the species Solanun lycospersicum in environments Controlled
and free of parasites, added to an intense productivity and consorciados with the production
of protein must fish. This system does not use agrochemicals, does not generate effluents,
optimizes production in small spaces and anywhere and generates two products at the same
time and in the same system: vegetables and fish. The elimination of traditional aquaculture
barriers such as the disposal of crop effluents and the Introduction of species and pathogens
into the environment are relevant points in the comparison of aquaponics with conventional
productive means. In order to evaluate the growth rate of the Italian tomato both in consortium
with tambaquis and in the control system (soil), 15 seedlings (for each system) of Solanun lycopersicum
were used, initially prepared in organic substrate from composting, until obtaining
seedlings with Approximately 3cm. Measurements were taken regarding the size of tomato
seedlings every 7 (seven) days of cultivation, initially through the use of a pachymeter and later
through a 50cm ruler. The data collected were tabulated in Excel spreadsheet and from them
a graph was created for illustration of the growth curve of the plants. From the periodic evaluations
of the growth curve of tomato plants in both systems, it was verified that the plants of the
aquaponia had a faster vegetative growth and early flowering in relation to the plants of the
soil. Of the cultivation of tomatoes in the aquaponics system presents many advantages over
conventional cultivation, for example: vegetative growth of the seedlings faster and the flowering
was precocious; Non-infestation of pests and diseases - specifically R. solonecearum, the
cause of the wilt epidemic; Final product free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers; Low system
deployment and maintenance costs; Adding value to the final product, increasing productivity
and production in small spaces and in any place of two products at the same time and in the
same system: vegetables and fish.