GROWTH-RESPONSES OF LYCOPERSICON-ESCULENTUM TO CEMENT DUST TREATMENT

Seedlings of Lycopersicon esculentum L. were raised in pots in Decembe r, 1989. When they attained 4-6 leaf stage, the seedlings were sprayed with cement dust at three different rates, i.e., 3 (L1), 5 (L2) and 7 (L3) g m-2 d-1 till 90-day-age of the plants. Dusted plants showed a consistent reduction in growth and yield. Photosynthetic pigments and phytomass of dusted plants were also reduced significantly. Flowering and fruiting processes were hampered by cement particles, maximum bein g in L3, followed by L2, and L1 plants. Ascorbic acid content of fruit s was increased in treated plants.