NCPAH INDIA

Area on which
P.F.D.Cs Work

Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum L.) plant belongs to the family Solanaceae. The commonly grown varieties of Tomato are Arka Abha, Arka Saurabh, Pusa Gaurav, Angurlata, Pant Bahar, Ratna and Rupali.

Locally available varieties are conventionally grown with flooding or furrow method of irrigation. Standard method of fertilizer application and plant protection measures are rarely adopted.

The tomato crop is cultivated during winter and summer seasons. The crop cannot withstand severe frost. It grows well under an average monthly temperature range of 21 0 -23 0 C but commercially it may be grown at temperatures ranging from 18 0 C to 27 0 C. Temperature and light intensity affect the fruit-set, pigmentation and nutritive value of the fruits.

The best soil for tomato is a fertile loam soil with more sand in the surface layer, and clay in the sub-surface layers. The most favourable range of soil pH is 6.0–7.0.

The field should be deep (20–25 cm) ploughed once with the soil turning plough. Two to three cross harrowing followed by planking is done to make the surface smooth and level.

The sterilization of the soil can be achieved by both physical and chemical means. Physical control measures include treatments with steam and solar energy. Chemical control methods include treatments with herbicides and fumigants. Soil sterilization can also be achieved by using transparent plastic mulch film, which is termed as soil solarization. During soil solarization, the incoming solar radiation penetrates the transparent plastic film and is absorbed in the soil. The absorbed radiation converts into heat energy, which raises the soil temperature and kills many soil-borne organisms including plant pathogens and pests.

Tomato plants require adequate moisture throughout their growth period. Drip irrigation is most appropriate to maintain uniform moisture supply. First irrigation is provided soon after the seedlings are transplanted. Daily irrigation is necessary when plants are small. Erratic moisture conditions may cause radial and concentric cracking on fruits . A period of drought followed by a sudden heavy watering during the fruiting period may cause cracking of fruits. The minimum and maximum daily water requirement varies from 0.45 l/plant during the initial growth stage to 1.15 l/plant during the peak growth stage. Irrigation interval of 2 to 3 days is generally recommended with drip irrigation.

Reduces weed growth.

Variable Items : 75 mm F PVC/HDPE pipe- 54 m, 75 mm F PVC/HDPE pipe- 102 m, 12mm F LDPE Lateral- 6700 m, Online dripper (2 l/h)-5628 Nos., Control valve- 2 Nos.

Fixed Items: Screen filter (15m 3 / h) - 1 No., Bypass assembly- 1 No., Fertilizer applicator- 1 No Accessories.

Normally tomato crop requires 120 kg Nitrogen (N), 50 kg Phosphorus (P 2 O 5 ), and 50 kg Potash (K 2 O) for 1 ha. Nitrogen should be applied in split doses. One fourth of N and full P 2 O 5 is applied at the time of transplanting and the remaining N is applied after 30, 60 and 75 days of transplanting in liquid form through fertigation.

Maturity of tomato plants is achieved after 8-12 weeks of planting. The yield of tomato depends on variety and season, which varies from 20 to 24 t/ha. Quality characteristics such as flavour, texture and colour are better maintained when the fruit is harvested at an earlier stage of maturity. The harvesting time depends on the purpose for which tomato are grown and the distance over which they are to be transported. Tomato should be picked at mature green stage for long distance transportation. Fully ripened and good red colours are desirable for processing and prepare tomato puree and ketchup.