Tomato Area Under Cultivation The major tomato producing states are Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
Botanical Name : Lycopersicon esculentum Family : Solanaceae Plant Discription : It is an annual or short lived perennial pubescent herb and greyish green curled uneven pinnate leaves. The flowers are off white bearing fruits which are red or yellow in colour.
Centre of origin : South America Pollination system : Self pollinated Chromosome no : 2n=24 Nutritional Levels : Moisture (%)
Protein (%)
Fat (%)
Mineral matter (%)
Fibre (%)
Carbohydrate (%)
Calories (K Cal)
94
0.9
0.2
0.5
0.8
3.6
20
Phosphorus (mg/100g)
Potassium (mg/100g)
Calcium (mg/100g)
Magnesium (mg/100g)
Iron (mg/100g)
Sodium (mg/100g)
Copper (mg/100g)
20
146
48
0
0.64
129
0.19
Manganese (mg/100g)
Zinc (mg/100g)
Sulphur (mg/100g)
Chlorine (mg/100g)
Molybdium (mg/100g)
Cromium (mg/100g)
0.26
0.41
11
6
0
0.015
Carotene (mg/100g)
Thiamine (mg/100g)
Riboflavin (mg/100g)
Niacin (mg/100g)
Vitamin C (mg/100g)
Choline (mg/100g)
Folic acid-Free (mg/100g)
351
0.12
0.06
0.4
27
0
14
Minerals
Vitamins
Folic acid- Total (mg/100g) 30
Tomato Diseases Damping Off (Pythium aphanidermatum): This is one of the worst diseases of tomato occurring in the nursery. Damping off of tomato occurs in two stages, i.e. the pre-emergence and the post-emergence phase. In the pre-emergence the phase the seedlings are killed just before they reach the soil surface. The young radical and the plumule are killed and there is complete rotting of the seedlings. The post-emergence phase is characterized by the infection of the young, juvenile tissues of the collar at the ground level. The infected tissues become soft and water soaked. The seedlings topple over or collapse. Control: Seed treatment with fungal culture Trichoderma viride (4 g/kg of seed) or Thiram (3 g/kg of seed) is the only preventive measure to control the pre-emergence damping off. Soil drenching of the affected seedlings with Dithane M45 (3 g/litre of water) helps to reduce the disease incidence.
Early Blight (Alternaria solani): This is a common disease of tomato occurring on the foliage at any stage of the growth. The fungus attacks the foliage causing characteristic leaf spots and blight. Early blight is first observed on the plants as small, black lesions mostly on the older foliage. Spots enlarge, and by the time they are one-fourth inch in diameter or larger, concentric rings in a bull's eye pattern can be seen in the center of the diseased area. Tissue surrounding the spots may turn yellow. If high temperature and humidity occur at this time, much of the foliage is killed. Lesions on the stems are similar to those on leaves, sometimes girdling the plant if they occur near the soil line. Transplants showing infection by the late blight fungus often die when set in the field. The fungus also infects the fruit, generally through the calyx or stem attachment. Lesions attain considerable size, usually involving nearly the entire fruit; concentric rings are also present on the fruit. Control: Removal and destruction of the affected plant parts. Practicing crop rotation helps to minimize the disease incidence. Spraying the crop with Difolatan (0.2%), Dithane M-45 (0.2%) or Bavistin (0.1%) is recommended for effective disease control.
Buck Eye Rot (Phytophthora parasitica): Fruit rot or buckeye rot is a serious disease in all the tomato growing areas. The disease causing the fruits to rot initially affects the fruits near the ground level. The pathogen does not affect the foliage and thus the disease is distinct from late blight. The disease appears as a greyish green or brown water soaked spot that usually occurs where the fruit touches the soil. As the spot enlarges, the surface of lesion assumes a pattern of concentric rings of narrow, dark brown and wide, light brown bands. When young green fruits are infected, they usually become mummified. Control: In order to minimize infection, good drainage conditions should be maintained in the field. Staking plants and removing foliage and fruits upto a height 15-30 cm from ground level helps to control this disease. Spraying with Difolaton (0.3%) 4 times at an interval of 10 days effectively controls the disease.
Late Blight (Phtophthora infestans): Late blight occurs when humid conditions coincide with mild temperatures for prolonged periods. If conditions are ideal for disease development, disease development is rapid causing severe economic losses. Lesions produced on the leaves are at first irregular, rather large, greenish-black and water-soaked. These areas enlarge rapidly, becoming brown, and under humid conditions, develop a white moldy growth near the margins of the diseased area on the lower surface of the leaves or on stems. The disease spreads rapidly under humid conditions, destroying quickly large areas of tissue. Lesions produced on the leaves are at first irregular, rather large, greenish-black and water-soaked. These areas enlarge rapidly, becoming brown, and under humid conditions, develop a white moldy growth near the margins of the diseased area on the lower surface of the leaves or on stems. The disease spreads rapidly under humid conditions, destroying quickly large areas of tissue. Fruit lesions occur as large, green to dark brown lesions, mostly on the upper half of the fruit, but they may also occur on other parts. White moldy growth may also appear on fruits under humid conditions. The disease attacks the fruits a well as the leaves of the plant. Symptoms on the fruits usually begin on the shoulders of the fruit because spores land on fruit from above. Control: Control practices include rotating fields so as not to follow potato or tomato; avoiding planting tomatoes near potatoes; using disease-free seeds and transplants. Adopting certain prophylactic measures can also control the disease. Firstly, the seed material should be obtained from a disease free area. Before planting the seeds should be treated with Thiram (2-3 g/kg of seed). The plants must be sprayed with Captafol (2 g/litre of water) or Dithane M 45 (2 g/kg of seed) at 15 days interval, starting from 30 days after transplanting.
Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici): This is one of the worst diseases of tomato occurring mostly in the nurseries. The first symptoms of the disease are clearing of the veinlets and chlorosis of the leaves. The younger leaves may die in succession and the entire may wilt and die in a course of few days. Soon the petiole and the leaves droop and wilt. In young plants, symptom consists of clearing of veinlet and dropping of petioles. In field, yellowing of the lower leaves first and affected leaflets wilt and die. The symptoms continue in subsequent leaves. At later stage, browning of vascular system occurs. Plants become stunted and die. Control: The nursery should be regularly inspected for wilt infected plants. The affected plants should be removed and destroyed. Prior to planting the beds should be drenched with Carbendazim (0.1%) and the seeds should be treated with the Thiram (2.5 kg/ha). Crop rotation with a non-host crop such as cereals helps to reduce the disease inoculum.
Septoria Leaf Spot (Septoria lycopersici): The plant may be attacked at any stage of its growth. The disease is characterized by numerous, small, grey, circular leaf spots having dark border. Control: Removal and destruction of the affected plant parts. Seed treatment with Thiram or Dithane M-45 (2 g/kg seed) is useful in checking seed borne infection. In the field spraying with Dithane Z-78 (0.2%) effectively controls the disease.
Powdery Mildew (Leveillula taurica): The disease occurs severely during dry seasons. A white powdery coating of the fungal growth appears on the leaf surface. Infected leaves may be dwarfed, stiff, and narrow. The fungus progressively attacks new leaves, spreading over leaf stems, twigs, and even the fruit. Terminal growth of the affected shoot is stunted or killed. The fruit yield is reduced and the affected fruit are smaller in size. Control: Spraying with Karathane (0.1%) or Wettable Sulphur (3 g/ litre of water) twice at an interval of 10 days helps to control the disease.
Bacterial Wilt (Pseudomonas solanacearum): This is one of the most serious diseases of tomato crop. Relatively high soil moisture and soil temperature favour disease development. Characteristic symptoms of bacterial wilt are the rapid and complete wilting of normal grown up plants. Lower leaves may drop before wilting. Pathogen is mostly confined to vascular region; in advantage cases, it may invade the cortex and pith and cause yellowbrown discolouration of tissues. Infected plant parts when cut and immersed in clear water, a white streak of bacterial ooze is seen coming out from cut ends. Control: Crop rotations, viz., cowpea-maize-cabbage, okra-cowpea-maize, maize- cowpea-maize and finger millet-egg plant are reported effective in reducing bacterial wilt of tomato. Control: Seedling treatment with Streptocycline (1 g/40 litres of water) for 30 min protects the seedlings in the initial stages of growth.
Bacterial Leaf Spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria): Moist weather and splattering rains are conducive to disease development. Most outbreaks of the disease can be traced back to heavy rainstorms that occur in the area. Infected leaves show small, brown, water soaked, circular spots surrounded with yellowish halo. On older plants the leaflet infection is mostly on older leaves and may cause serious defoliation. The most striking symptoms are on the green fruit. Small, water-soaked spots first appear which later become raised and enlarge until they are one-eighth to one-fourth inch in diameter. Centers of these lesions become irregular, light brown and slightly sunken with a rough, scabby surface. Ripe fruits are not susceptible to the disease. Surface of the seed becomes contaminated with the bacteria, remaining on the seed surface for some time. The organism survives in alternatehosts, on volunteer tomato plants and on infected plant debris. Control: Bacterial spot is difficult to control once it appears inthe field. Disease-free seed and seedlings should always be used and the crop should be rotated with non-host crops so as to avoid last years crop residue. Seed treatment with mercuric chloride (1:1000) is also recommended for control of disease. Spraying with a combination of copper and organic fungicides in a regular preventative spray program at 5 to 10 day intervals or Spraying with Agrimycin-100 (100 ppm) thrice at 10 days intervals effectively controls the disease.
Bacterial Canker (Clavibacter michiganensis pv. michiganensis): Temporary and later on permanent wilting of leaflets of affected plants is observed the disease in the field. Light streaks appear at the juncture of petiole and stem extending down the internode and up the petiole. At a later stage canker like opening may appear in stem, petiole and midrib. When the stem of diseased plants is cut longitudinally, a creamy white, yellow or brown line follows the phloem. The disease appears on the green fruit as water soaked spots with a white halo. Halo is the distinguishing
character of bacterial leaf spot of tomato. Control: Hot water treatment of seeds at 50째C for 25 minutes is effective. Seed treatment with mercuric chloride (1:1000) is also recommended for control of disease. Crop rotation with non-host crop helps in reducing the disease incidence. Soaking of seed in solution of Streptocycline (1g/40 litres of water) for 30 min protects the seedlings in the initial stages of growth.
Tomato Mosaic Virus (TMV) The disease is characterized by light and day green mottling on the leaves often accompanied by wilting of young leaves in sunny days when plants first become infected. The leaflets of affected leaves are usually distorted, puckered and smaller than normal. Sometimes the leaflets become indented resulting in "fern leaf" symptoms. The affected plant appears stunted, pale green and spindly. The virus is spread by contact with clothes, hand of working labour, touching of infected plants with healthy ones, plant debris and implements. Control: Seeds from disease free healthy plants should be selected for sowing. Soaking of the seeds in a solution of Trisodium Phosphate (90 g/litre of water) a day before sowing helps to reduce the disease incidence. The seeds should be thoroughly rinsed and dried in shade. In the nursery all the infected plants should be removed carefully and destroyed. Seedlings with infected with the viral disease should not be used for transplanting. Crop rotation with crops other than tobacco, potato, chilli, capsicum, brinjal, etc. should be undertaken.
Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (TLCV): This disease is transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). It is one of the most devastating diseases of tomato. Leaf curl disease is characterized by severe stunting of the plants with downward rolling and crinkling of the leaves. The newly emerging leaves exhibit slight yellow colouration and later they also show curling symptoms. Older leaves become leathery and brittle. The nodes and internodes are significantly reduced in size. The infected plants look pale and produce more lateral branches giving a bushy appearance. The infected plants remain stunted. Control: The affected plants should be removed and destroyed. Alternate or collateral hosts harboring the virus causing this disease is removed at the time of weeding or earthing up operations to minimize the spread of the disease. Checking the white fly population can reduce the disease incidence. Soil application of granular insecticide like Furadan (1 kg a.i./ha) at the time of sowing seeds in the nursery bed checks whitefly population. Another dose of Furadan (1.5 kg a.i./ha) is given one week after transplanting. 2-3 foliar sprays with Dimethoate (0.05%) or Monocrotophos (0.05%) at 10 days intervals controls the white fly population. The disease spread can be minimized by cultural practices like use of border or barrier cropping. Barrier crops like maize, jowar, bajra are good to protect the crop from TLCV infection. Five or six rows of these crops all around the main tomato plot should be sown at least 50-60 days before transplanting of tomato. These crops check incoming viruliferous whiteflies from entering into tomato crop. TLCV incidence can be reduced drastically by the use of polythene mulching in the soil just before transplanting of tomato. Polythene sheets of white, blue, grey and black colours are effective. Combined application of polythene mulching and Furadan application in the soil is recommended.
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV): The spotted wilt virus is transmitted through thrips (Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella schultzi and F. occidentalis). This disease is similar to streak in that it causes streaking of the leaves, stems and fruits. Numerous small, dark, circular spots appear on younger leaves. Leaves may have a bronzed appearance and later turn dark brown and wither. Fruits show numerous spots about one-half inch in diameter withconcentric, circular markings. On ripe fruit, these markings are alternate bands of red and yellow. Control: The affected plants should be removed and destroyed. Alternate or collateral hosts harboring the virus causing this disease is removed at the time of weeding or earthing up operations to minimize the spread of the disease. Checking the population of thrips can reduce the disease incidence. 2-3 foliar sprays with Dimethoate (0.05%) or Monocrotophos (0.05%) at 10 days intervals controls the thrips population.
Tomato Bunch Top Virus (TBTV): The infected plants show extensive abnormal growth with apical proliferation. The new leaves arising from the axillary buds give closely crowded bunchy appearance. The leaflet margins curl towards the tips and the surface show puckered conditions. Necrosis of leaves and stems are also characteristic symptoms. The diseased plants bear very few flowers and 1-2 very small fruit. Control: The affected plants should be removed and destroyed. Alternate or collateral hosts harboring the virus causing this disease is removed at the time of weeding or earthing up operations to minimize the spread of the disease.
Tomato Big Bud (TBB): The disease infects all the plant parts. The big bud of tomato is transmitted by leaf hopper (Orosius argenatatus). The first indication of infection appears at the tips of the actively growing shoots. The youngest fruit truss, instead of becoming recurved as in normal plants, assumes an upright position. The buds on the truss also point in a vertical direction, the calyx segments remain united almost to the tips, and the whole calyx enlarges to a form like a bladder with a toothed opening at the top. On pruned plants in the field, the growing points fail to develop normally. After a short time, the axillary buds grow out, forming shoots affected in the same way as the main shoot. Simultaneously, there is a gradual thickening of the stems of the affected parts due to the formation of an abnormal tissue, In cases where the growth of the terminal buds completely ceases, the thickening of the stems may become very marked. The disease appears initially on young developing. The affected leaves become yellow-green and roll along their margins. The size of the leaves reduces as the disease advances. Fruit that is well developed but still green at the time of infection becomes hard and tough and colours extremely slowly or not at all. Control: Removal and destruction of the affected plant parts is the only control measure.
Anthracnose (Colletotrichum phomoides): At first, infected fruit show small, slightly sunken, water soaked spots. These spots enlarge, become darker in color, depressed and have concentric rings. Masses of the pink fruiting fungus can be seen on the surface of the lesions in moist weather. Under warm and humid conditions, the fungus penetrates the fruit, completely destroying it. The fungus persists on infected plant refuse in the soil. Fruit may be infected when green and small, but do not show any marked lesions until they begin to ripen. Fruit becomes more susceptible as they approach maturity. Control: Control of this disease involves the use of well-drained soil, crop rotation and a preventative fungicide program is recommended.
Tomato Disorders Blossom-end rot Blossom end rot is a physiological disorder of tomato that can appear on fruits at any time in their development, but most commonly appears when fruits are one-third to one-half grown. The initial symptoms are water-soaked spots on the blossom end of the fruit. These spots later enlarge and become black. Secondary infection by other decay causing organisms usually follows. The cause of this disorder is considered to be calcium deficiency in the developing fruit. Extreme fluctuations in moisture, root pruning and excessive nitrogen fertilization can also result in blossom end rot. Control: Avoid excessive application of Nitrogen particularly in ammonium form. Application of lime or calcium based fertilizers (eg. Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) as basal dose is commonly used to control this physiological disorder. Foliar spray of Calcium chloride (3 g/litre of water) also controls this disorder.
Catface Catface is a condition involving malformation and scarring of fruits, particularly at blossom ends. Affected fruits are puckered with swollen protuberances and can have cavities extending deep into the flesh. Generally, any disturbance to flowers can lead to abnormally shaped fruits. Extreme heat, drought, low temperature, and contact with hormone-type herbicide sprays may cause flower injury. Control: Other than keeping herbicides away from flowers, the only control for catface is planting less susceptible tomato varieties.
Puffiness As the name implies, fruit suffering from puffiness appear somewhat bloated and angular. When cut, cavities may be present that lack the normal "gel" and the fruit as a whole isn't as dense. Puffiness results from incomplete pollination, fertilization, or seed development often as a result of cool temperatures that negatively impact fertilization. Similar to growth cracking, high nitrogen and low potassium can also lead to puffiness. Some tomato cultivars are more susceptible to this disorder than others.
Sunscald Tomato fruits nearing maturity when exposed to the sun are prone to scald. The tissue has blistered water-soaked appearance. Rapid desiccation leads to sunken area which usually has white or grey colour in green fruit or yellowish in red fruits. Any factor causing a loss of leaves, such as disease, will expose fruits to sunlight and increase chances for sunscald.
Control: Maintaining a continuous disease control program will lessen chances of foliage loss. Covering exposed fruits with straw, if plants are not staked reduce the incidence of sunscald.
Cracking Cracks results from extremely rapid fruit growth brought on by periods of abundant rain and high temperatures, especially when these conditions take place following periods of stress. Cracks of varying depth radiate from the stem end of the fruit, blemishing the fruit and providing an entrance for decay-causing organisms. It is common during rainy season when temperature is high, especially when rain follows long dry spell. Radial cracking is more likely to develop in full ripe fruit than in mature green. Fruits exposed to sun develop more concentric cracking than those, which are covered with foliage.
Tomato Harvesting Depending on the variety, fruits become ready for first picking in about 60-70 days after transplanting. The stage of harvesting depends upon the purpose to which the fruits are to be used. The different stages of harvesting are as follows1. Dark green colour- Dark green colour is changed and a reddish pink shade is observed on fruit. Fruits to be shipped are harvested at this stage. Such fruits are then sprayed with ethylene 48 hours prior to shipping. Immature green tomatoes will ripen poorly and be of low quality. A simple way to determine maturity is to slice the tomato with a sharp knife. If seeds are cut, the fruit is too immature for harvest and will not ripen properly.
2.
Breaker stage- Dim pink colour observed on Âź part of the fruit. Fruits are harvested at this stage to ensure the best quality. Such fruit are less prone to damage during shipment often fetch a higher price than less mature tomatoes.
3. 4.
Pink stage- Pink colour observed on ž part of the fruit. Reddish pink- Fruits are stiff and nearly whole fruit turns reddish pink. Fruits for local sale are harvested at this stage. Fully riped- Fruits are fully riped and soft having dark red colour. Such fruits are used for processing.
5.
Fruits are normally harvested early in the morning or evening. The fruits are harvested by twisting motion of hand to separate fruits from the stem. Harvested fruits should be kept only in basket or crates and keep it in shade. Since all the fruits do not mature at the same time, they are harvested at an interval of 4 days. Generally there will be 7-11 harvests in a crop life span.
Yield The yield per hectare varies greatly according to variety and season. On an average, the yield varies from 20-25 t/ha. Hybrid varieties may yield upto 50-60 t/ha.
Tomato Intercultural Operations Weed Control The field should be kept weed-free, especially in the initial stage of plant growth, as weeds compete with the crop and reduce the yield drastically. Frequent shallow cultivation should be done at regular interval so as to keep the field free from weeds and to facilitate soil aeration and proper root development. Deep cultivation is injurious because of the damage of roots and exposure of moist soil to the surface. Two-three hoeing and the earthing up are required to keep the crop free of weeds. Preemergence application of Basalin (1kg a.i./ha) or Pendimethalin (1kg a.i./ha), coupled with one hand weeding 45 days after transplanting is effective for control of weeds. Plastic mulching (black or transparent) can be used to control the weeds. Weeds can be controlled successfully by mulching plus use of herbicides such as Pendimethalin (0.75 kg a.i./ha) or Oxyfluorfen (0.12 kg a.i./ha).
Crop Rotation Tomato should not be grown successively on the same field and a break of at least one year is required between planting of tomatoes or other Solanacesous crops (eg. Chillies, Brinjals, Capsicum, Potato, Tobacco, etc.), cucurbits and many other vegetables. The crops, which can be grown after tomatoes, are as followsCereals (eg. Rice, Corn Sorghum, Wheat, Millets, etc.) or Cruciferons crops (eg. Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi etc) or Radish, Watermelon, Onion, Garlic, Groundnut, Cotton, Safflower, Sunflower, Sesame, Sugar beet and Marigold.
Intercropping Tomato is well fitted in different cropping systems of cereals, grains, pulses and oilseeds. Cropping systems rice-tomato, rice-maize, okra-potato-tomato, tomato-onion are popular in various parts of India. Spinach or radish can also be grown as inter-crop in tomato successfully.
Staking Due to the tall habit and heaving bearing nature of the hybrids staking is essential. Staking facilitates intercultural operations and helps in maintaining the quality of the fruits. It is done 2-3 weeks after transplanting. Staking can be done either by wooden stakes or laying overhead wires to which individual plant is tied. In case of indeterminate types, tow or three wires are stretched parallel to each other along the row and plants are tied to these wires.
Tomato Irrigation Tomato is very sensitive to water application. Heavy irrigation provided after a long spell of drought causes cracking of the fruits. Hence it should be avoided. Light irrigation should be given 3-4 days after transplanting. Irrigation intervals should be according to soil type and rainfall, irrigation should be given 7-8 days interval during kharif, during rabi 10-12 days and 5-6 days during summer. Flowering and fruit development are the critical stages of tomato therefore; water stress should not be given during this period.
Tomato Manuring & Fertilization The fertilizer dose depends upon the fertility of soil and amount of organic manure applied to the crop. For a good yield, 15-20 tonnes of well-decomposed FYM is incorporated into the soil. Generally, application of 120 kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O per hectare is recommended for getting optimum yield. Half dose of N and full dose of P and K is given at the time of planting. The balance half of N is given as top dressing 30 days after transplanting. For hybrid varieties, the recommended dose per hectare is 180 kg N, 100 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O. 60 kg N and half of P & K are given at the time of transplanting. Remaining quantities of P & K and 60 kg N is top dressed 30 after transplanting. A third dose of 60 kg N is applied 50 days after transplanting.
Growth Regulators Effect of growth regulators in tomato crop is as followsPlant-growth regulators Gibberellic acid (GA)
Ethephon
PCPA
Concentration (mg/litre)
Method of application
Attributes affected
10-20
Foliar spray
Higher yield at low temperature
40-100
Seed treatment
Seed germination
100-500
Foliar spray
Flowering, fruiting and yield
1,000
Pre-harvest spray
Fruit ripening
50-100
Foliar spray at lowflowering
Tomato fruit set at and high temperatures.
(Source: 50 Years of Crop Science Research in India, ICAR)
Tomato Post Harvest Technology Grading During grading of fruits, damaged, rotten and cracked fruits should be removed. Only healthy, attractive, clean and bright fruits should be selected. The grades are mostly based on the condition and the quality of the fruits and not specifically on their size. However, on the basis of the size of the fruits three grades are formed: small (<100 g), medium (100-255 g) and large (> 255 g). Retailers normally do size grading for the local market. Internal urban markets, have differential prices for size grades as against ungraded fruit. Bureau of Indian Standards has specified 4 grades viz., Super A, Super, Fancy and Commercial for tomato crop.
Packaging For local markets, the fruits are packed in bamboo baskets or plastic crates. Plastic crates can be conveniently stacked one on the other and a contoured rim keeps the product safe and natural and allows sufficient air circulation. The packing should ensure careful handling i.e. rigid enough to protect the fruits from being crushed. For exports, the fruits are packed in cardboard telescopic boxes with capacities of not more than 15 kg, should be used. Size graded tomatoes are pattern packed in layers to make best use of the box.
Storage The main objective in storage after harvest is to control the rate of ripening to extend the marketing period. As the tomatoes are chilling sensitive, the recommended storage temperatures differ O depending on the fruit maturity. A storage temperature of13 C with 90-95% relative humidity is recommended for slow ripening. At this temperature, most varieties keep in good condition for 2-3 weeks and change colour very slowly. In cold storage, unripe tomatoes can be stored for 4 weeks at a temperature of 8-10OC with 85-90 % relative humidity. Fully ripe fruits are stored at 7 OC with 90% relative humidity for 1 week.
Transport Tomatoes are highly perishable in nature hence quick means of transportation is necessary. Tomatoes are transported by road through tractors, trucks and also by rail and air to distant markets. Village produce is transported to the near by towns and city market only by road.
Cool Chain: Cool chain is essential during the transport of export quality commodity all the way from the farm to the customer. This helps in maintaining the temperature inside the box at the same low level as in the cold storage. The various stages of the cool chain are: 1.
Coldstore at the farm.
2.
Refrigerated truck from farm to the airport
3.
Coldstore at the airport.
4.
Building up of the pallet in a coldstore at the airport.
5.
Loading the aircrafts directly from the coldstore in a short time.
6.
Cargo aircraft maintains coldstore temperature in hold.
7.
Off loading direct into a coldstore in the receiving country.
8.
Refrigerated truck to the customers.
Tomato Planting Land Preparation The field is ploughed to fine tilth by giving four to five ploughing with a sufficient interval between two ploughing. Planking should be done for proper levelling. Furrows are then opened at the recommended spacing. Well-decomposed FYM (25 t/ha) is thoroughly incorporated at the time of land preparation.
Spacing Spacing depends upon the type of variety grown and the season of planting. Normally the seedlings are transplanted at a spacing of 75-90 x 45-60 cm.
Method of Planting Seedlings are transplanted in furrows in light soils and on side of the ridges in case of heavy soils. A pre-soaking irrigation is given 3-4 days prior to transplanting. Before planting seedlings should be dipped in a solution prepared by Nuvacron (15ml) and Dithane M - 45 (25g) in 10 litres of water for 5-6 minutes. Transplanting should preferably be done in the evening.
Tomato Propagation Nursery Bed Preparation Tomato seeds are sown on nursery beds to raise seedlings for transplanting in the field. Raised beds of size 3 x 0.6 m and 10-15 cm in height are prepared. About 70 cm distance is kept between two beds to carry out operations of watering, weeding, etc. The surface of beds should be smooth and well levelled. Add sieved FYM and fine sand on the seedbed. Raised beds are necessary to avoid problem of water logging in heavy soils. In sandy soils, however, sowing can be taken up in flat beds. To avoid mortality of seedlings due to damping off, drench the seed bed first with water and then with Bavistin (15-20 g/10 litres of water).
Season of Planting Seeds are sown in June July for autumn winter crop and for spring summer crop seeds are sown in November. In the hills seed is sown in March April.
Raising of Seedlings About 250-300 g of seed are sufficient for raising seedlings for one hectare of land. Prior to sowing seeds are treated with fungal culture of Trichoderma viride (4 g/ kg of seed) or Thiram (2g/kg of seed) to avoid damage from damping-off disease. Sowing should be done thinly in lines spaced at 10-15 cm distance. Seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and covered with a fine layer of soil followed by light watering by water can. The beds should then be covered with dry straw or grass or sugarcane leaves to maintain required temperature and moisture. The watering should be done by water can as per the need till germination is completed. The cover of dry straw or grass is removed immediately after germination is complete. During the last week in nursery, the seedlings may be hardened by slightly withholding water. The seedlings with 5-6 true leaves are ready for transplanting within 4 of sowing.
Tomato Seeds
Tomato Soil & Climate Soil Tomato can be grown on a wide range of soils from sandy to heavy clay. However, well-drained, sandy or red loam soils rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0-7.0 are considered as ideal.
Climate Tomato is a warm season crop. The best fruit colour and quality is obtained at a temperature range of 21-24째C. Temperatures above 32OC adversely affects the fruit set and development. The plants cannot withstand frost and high humidity. It requires a low to medium rainfall. Bright sunshine at the 0 time of fruit set helps to develop dark red coloured fruits. Temperature below 10 C adversely affects plant tissues thereby slowing down physiological activities.
Tomato Varieties Vaishali This is a determinate hybrid variety of tomato which produces medium sized (100 g) quality fruits. The variety is suitable for growing in hot and humid weather conditions. Variety is resistant to Fusarium and Verticillium wilts. Suitable for tomato juice preparation.
Rupali This is a determinate, compact growing, early tomato hybrid with good foliage cover which produces medium sized (100 g) round, firm, smooth and good quality fruits. The fruits are deep red in colour. Variety is resistant to Fusarium and Verticillium wilts. Suitable for processing.
Rashmi This is a determinate, widely adapted hybrid variety. The fruits are round, firm, smooth and with a good colour. Variety is resistant to Fusarium and Verticillium wilts. Suitable for processing.
Rajni This variety is very early growing and of determinate type. The fruits are round with red colour. The variety is suitable for long distance transportation.
Pusa Ruby Variety is released by IARI, New Delhi. It is an early growing cultivar, fruits a have yellow stem end, slightly furrowed with uniform ripening. Variety is suitable for sowing both in spring-summer and autumn-winter seasons. Average yield is 32.5 t/ha. It is suitable for table as well as processing purpose.
Pusa Early Dwarf Variety is released by IARI, New Delhi. It is an early ripening cultivar of determinate type; fruits are flattish round, medium-large with yellow stem end. Fruits are ready for harvesting 75-80 days after transplanting. Average yield is 35 t/ha. It is suitable for table as well as processing purpose.
Pusa 120 Variety is released by IARI, New Delhi. Fruits are medium-large with yellow stem end, smooth, attractive, uniform ripening. It is a heavy yielder and resistant to nematode.
Co 1 Variety is released by TNAU, Coimbatore suitable for growing in Southern India. Fruits are round with yellow stem end, determinate and ripen uniformly.
Sioux (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) Variety is released by IARI, New Delhi. Variety is suitable for growing in the hills. Friuts are mediumlarge, round with yellow stem end. Suitable for short distance market.
Best of All Variety is released by IARI, New Delhi. Variety is of indeterminate type and suitable for growing in the hills. Fruits are borne in clusters, round, firm with green stem end.
Marglobe Variety is released by IARI, New Delhi. Crop matures late in the season. Fruits are large, round, smooth, juicy with green stem end. Variety is of indeterminate type and suitable for growing in the hills.
Roma Variety is released by IARI, New Delhi. Fruits are elliptical in shape with yellow and thick stem end. Variety is a prolific bearer, determinate with good foliage cover and suitable for processing.
Punjab Chuhra Variety is released by PAU, Ludhiana. Variety is of determinate type. Fruit are elliptical in shape with yellow stem end. Suitable for processing.
S-152: Variety is released by IARI, New Delhi. Fruits are egg-shaped with yellow stem end. Variety is of determinate type. Suitable for canning purpose.
Arka Vikas ( Sel 22 ) Hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants semi-determinate with dark green foliage. Fruits oblate, medium large (80-90 g.) with light green shoulder. Suitable for table purpose. Tolerant to heat and moisture stress. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 140 days. Average yield is 35-40 t/ha.
Arka Saurabh ( Sel - 4) Hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants semi-determinate with light green foliage. Fruits medium large ( 70-75 g.) round nipple tipped with light green shoulder. Suitable for table purpose & processing. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 140 days. Average yield is 30-35 t/ha.
Arka Meghali Hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants semi-determinate with dark green foliage. Fruits oblate with light green shoulder, Suitable for table purpose. Crop is cultivated in Kharif season and matures in 125 days. Average yield is 16-18 t/ha.
Arka Ahuti ( Sel 11 ) Plants are semi-determinate fruits oblong with 2-3 locules. Suitable for processing. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 140 days. Average yield is 42 t/ha.
Arka Ashish ( IIHR - 674 ) Hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants semi-determinate with dark green foliage. Fruits are square round, very firm thick fleshed. Develops deep red colour with TSS 48%. Concentrate fruit maturity with very good vine storability. Tolerant to powdery mildew. Suitable for processing. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 130 days. Average yield is 38 t/ha.
Arka Abha ( BWR 1) Hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants semi-determinate. Fruits oblate with light green shoulder. Fruits are medium large (75 g). Suitable for table purpose. Resistant to bacterial wilt. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 140 days Average yield is43 t/ha.
Arka Alok ( BER - 5 ) Hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants determinate. Fruits large (120g) square round with light green shoulder. Suitable for table purpose. Resistant to bacterial wilt. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 130 days. Average yield is 46 t/ha.
Arka Vishal ( FM HYB -1) High yielding hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants have indeterminate growth habits. Fruits are large (140 g) with green shoulder. Suitable for fresh market and salad. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 165 days. Average yield is 75 t/ha.
Arka Vardan ( FM hyb -2) High yielding hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants indeterminate. Fruits large (140g) with green shoulder. Suitable for fresh market and salad. Nematode resistance. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 160 days. Average yield is 75 t/ha.
Arka Shreshta High yielding hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plant semi - determinate with light green foliage. Fruits medium large (70-75 g), round with light green shoulder. Fruits firm with good keeping
quality (17 days) and long transportability. Suitable for both fresh market and processing. Resistance to bacterial wilt. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 140 days. Average yield is 76 t/ha.
Arka Abhijit ( BRH 2) High yielding hybrid variety released by IIHR, Bangalore. Plants semi - determinate with dark green foliage. Fruits round, medium large (65-70 g) with green shoulder. Thick fleshed, fruits have good keeping quality (17 days) and long transportability. Suitable for table purpose. Resistance to bacterial wilt. Crop is cultivated in Kharif/Rabi season and matures in 140 days. Average yield is 65 t/ha.
Exotic varieties: USA Processing purpose Amish Paste, Baylor Paste, Bulgarian Triumph, Carol Chyko's Big Paste, Grandma Mary's, Bellstar, Big Red Paste, Canadian Long Red, Denali, Hungarian Italian, Oroma, Palestinian, Peasant, Polish Paste, Red Sausage, Roma, San Marzano, Table & Processing purpose Opalka
UK Table Purpose Gardners delight, Chertia, Evita, Cherry Wonder. Russia Processing purpose Debarao, Black Plum, Wonder Light
Italy Processing purpose Hogheart, Italian Gold Hybrid, La Rossa VF2, Milano