EFEKTIVITAS PEMBERIAN MONOSODIUM GLUTAMAT (MSG) TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TOMAT

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to know the effects of concentrations and duration of MSG applications on the growth and the tomato productions. The research had been conducted in Garahan village, Silo, Jember from 15 May until 4 September 2007. The experiment was arranged by a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The treatment consisted of two factors. The first factor was concentration of MSG: control (M0), 1% (M1), 2% (M2), 3% (M3), 4% (M4); and the second factor was duration of MSG applications: once four days (H1), once eight days (H2), and once twelve days (H3). The result showed that the interactions both concentration and duration of MSG applications did not have any effects on all parameters such as plant high, number of leaves, leaf area, plant dry weight, flowering period, number of flowers, percentage of flowers grow to be fruit, harvest time, number of fruits per plant, weight fruit, fruit weight per plant, fruit diameter, and storage capability of fruits. On the other hand, duration of MSG applications (once four days) could improve the number of flowers and quicken harvest time and tended to increase chlorophyll content in the optimum duration of application (once 8 days); however, it could reduce percentage of flowers grow to be fruits if the applications while the flowering period. In addition, the concentration of MSG had tendency to reduce the chlorophyll content linearly.