Abstract:
Cultivation of vegetables is greatly affected in areas with low rainfall and scarcity of irrigation
water. Therefore, efficient utilization of limited water for crop growth and development in these
areas is of great concern. The hydrophilic polymers are of immense use in string water (100-300
times of its own weight) and supplying it to the plant in accordance to the need. They could play
an important role in stress alleviation at appropriate time as needed by the plants. Hence this
study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of hydrophilic polymers severally and in combination
with organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of tomato cv. CO 3. The results
revealed that the application of polymer TerraCottom 4.5g per plant with recommended dose of
manures and fertilizers (FYM 25t+ NPK 15:100:50 kg + Azospirillium 2kg + Phosphobacteria
2kg ha -1) followed by Polyvinylalcohol 15.0g per plant with recommended dose of manures and
fertilizers improved the growth, yield and quality of tomato under water stress conditions.