TOMATO

CLIMATIC   AND   SOIL   REQUIREMENTS:

Corn or Maize whose botanical name is Lycopersicon esculentum requires high temperature and humidity. Tomato requires high light intensity.

Soil requirement: well drained loamy soil that is rich in humus. It can tolerate high acidity and as such liming is not recommended unless the pH is 5 or lower.

Nursery Preparation:  

Nursery can be prepared on the ground or boxes

Sowing in the Nursery: 

Seeds are planted singly 2.5cm -5cm apart and 2.5cm -5cm between rows. Press the seed into the soil but not more than 0.5cm deep and cover seeds lightly with fine loose soil. The boxes are then placed in the sheltered position out of rain and sun. Watering should be moderate because over watering may make plant soft, and susceptible to diseases such as damping off. The seeds will germinate in 5 -7 days. Transplant germinated seeds in 6 weeks.

Transplanting: 

water the nursery bed before transplanting to bind soil to the root. Seedlings should be removed singly with a ball of earth. Transplanting should be done in cool weather or in the evenings. After transplanting, the seedlings are watered and shaded to reduce excess light. It is usual to plant tomatoes in double rows 45cm -60cm apart with plants 3 Ocm-3 8cm apart in the row.

Weeding and Staking: 

Weeding should be done as need arises. Stake immediately after planting to reduce damage by the wind to roots and stems. Do not allow the stems to drop on the ground to reduce chances of destruction by crickets and other soil pests.

Fertilizer Application: 

Both potash and nitrogen fertilizers are essential for initial growth. Apply NPK 15:15:15 at 340kg to 680kg; 4-6weeks after transplanting.

Harvesting and Storage: 

Fruits are ready for harvesting 3-4 months after planting. Harvest when half ripe for best flavour and firmness.

Tomatoes do not store well. They are best stored in the processed form. The fruits should be stored dry without wound along with the healthy ones.

Pests of Tomatoes: 

These include caterpillars, grasshoppers, eelworms, fruit worms, etc. These can be controlled by handpicking and by using insecticides, control of diseases: Major diseases of tomato such as Root Rot, bacterial Wilt, leaf spot and blight and root knot diseases can be controlled by the use of resistant varieties, remove all infected plants, spraying with disinfectant.

Importance: 

The fruits are used for salad, vegetables and in canning industries. They are also used for preparing tomato sauces and juice. It is a good source of vitamins.