Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is grown worldwide for its edible fruits with antioxidant benefits. A study was conducted in Bathurst Experimental Farm and Masiphathisane Community Project to compare yield and quality of tomato cultivars cultivated with an open bag hydroponic (soilless) system and in-soil system respectively both under a semi-controlled environment. Three tomato cultivars under soilless system, namely Mercury, Merya and Star 9037, and one cultivar, SV4129, in-soil system were used. Marketable and unmarketable yield, total soluble solids (%Brix), as well as the pH of the tomato juice were determined. Results showed that plants in the soilless system developed faster with higher total yield compared with in-soil cultivation. Cultivars Mercury and Merya can be selected and recommended for high yields and high sugar content in %Brix respectively in soilless production. The pH of tomato juice was highest in all cultivars under soilless and the lowest was recorded in-soil production systems. The most promising cultivar with regards to yield and quality under soilless production was Mercury. Results indicate that soilless cultivation can improve yield and quality, with cultivar selection playing an important role when utilising this production system.

Swiss chard is amongst the widely cultivated green leafy vegetables that play a significant role in alleviation of food insecurity and malnutrition in South Africa. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of Bioslurry effluent on growth, biological yield and nutrient content of Swiss chard. Two cultivars of Swiss chard (Fordhook giant and Star 1801) were planted in 10 plots of 4.5 m² using sand incorporated with different rates of Bioslurry (Bio), namely, control (no fertiliser incorporation), 50% Bio, 100% Bio, 200% Bio and the recommended rate of 2:3:4 (30) NPK fertilizer as a growing medium. One seedling was planted per hill at an intra and inter row spacing of 0.25 m x 0.5 m. At 20-day intervals, five randomly selected plants were sampled to measure growth and yield parameters until 60 days after transplanting. The results showed that fertiliser treatment and cultivar significantly (p<0.05) influenced growth and yield parameters of Swiss chard. Fordhook giant showed significantly (p<0.05) higher growth and yields in all sampling intervals in summer compared to Star 1801. Inconsistencies were observed on leaf nutrient elements; however, NPK showed relatively higher nutrient elements for macro-elements.