We will tell you about the history of the origin of tomatoes and their biological characteristics.
The history of the appearance of tomatoes
Tomatoes are considered the birthplace of the tropical regions of South America, where they still grow in the wild. In 1493, together with other overseas plants, the tomato was first brought by Columbus to Europe.
As a cultivated plant, it began to be grown in Europe in the middle of the 16th century. It is known that the first in Europe cultivation of tomatoes, or "Peruvian apples", as they were then called, was carried away by emotional Spaniards and Italians. The Italian name "tomato" (pom d "oro) means" golden apple ", indicating that the fruits of the first tomatoes brought to Italy had a golden-yellow color, hence our Russian - tomato.
In England, where tomatoes came from Spain and Italy, for a long time they were suspicious of eating fruits. They wrote about them: "... in warm countries they are eaten, seasoned with pepper, salt and oil, as well as in the form of sauces, but they are not nutritious and harmful." For two centuries, tomatoes have been grown in greenhouses along with rare exotic plants. Only at the beginning of the 19th century, they began to be cultivated as a vegetable crop.
Tomatoes appeared in Germany at the beginning of the 18th century. The new plant rather quickly spread here as an ornamental in gardens and on window sills, among various indoor plants, but tomatoes began to be used as a vegetable only in the 70s of the 19th century.
In France, back in the 18th century, it was believed that the fruits of tomato are inedible; they served in gardens as an excellent decoration for arbors and pergolas. In one of the first catalogs of the well-known company Vilmorin in 1769, tomatoes were mentioned as ornamental annuals, but already in 1778 they were included in the catalog of vegetable crops.
In Russia, tomatoes appeared in the 18th century during the reign of Catherine II. Thanks to the efforts and perseverance of the famous gardener and breeder E. Grachev and one of the founders of Russian agronomic science A. Bolotov, they began to grow in the Crimea, Bessarabia, Rostov and Saratov provinces, in the North Caucasus, from where they gradually spread throughout the country.
High yield, excellent taste, variety of uses have made tomato the most popular and beloved crop today not only in our country, but throughout the world.
The tomato (Lycopersicum Lycopersicon) belongs to the nightshade family. This is an annual herb, but in its homeland, in conditions favorable for growth, it can be perennial.
Biological features of tomatoes
Taproot with many well-branched lateral roots. All roots are covered with a dense mass of root hairs. In open ground, the roots reach 100-150 cm long and branch mainly at a depth of 50-80 cm. In protected ground, the bulk of the roots are located at a depth of up to 30 cm. The tomato plant has the ability to easily form roots from any part of the stem. This allows you to root individual parts of plants, for example, stepchildren, and quickly get planting material from them.
The stem is round, lodging or erect. At the beginning of plant growth, the stem is very fragile, then, during fruiting, it hardens significantly. In length, the plant can reach 8-10 meters or more. In the axils of the leaves, stepchildren are formed - lateral shoots. The strongest of them are formed under the inflorescence.
Depending on the nature of growth and branching of shoots, all tomatoes are divided into two groups: indeterminate (with unlimited growth) and determinant (with limited growth).
The branching of shoots in both groups of plants is sympodial, i.e. after the formation of the first inflorescence above the 6-11th leaf, growth continues due to the lateral shoot, which emerges from the axils of the uppermost leaf. With the growth of this shoot, the inflorescence is displaced to the side, and the leaf, in the axil of which it was laid, is carried out above the inflorescence. After the formation of three leaves at the shoot, an inflorescence is formed and its growth stops. From the axil of the leaf located under this inflorescence, a continuation shoot with three leaves appears again, etc. Thus, the plant continues to grow continuously (indeterminate growth type). In practice, it is customary to call this set of shoots formed in the process of such branching as the main, main stem.
Tomato leaves are alternate, unevenly pinnate, consisting of lobes, lobules and lobules, and can only be of simple large lobes. The surface of the leaves is smooth or of varying degrees of corrugation. The leaf type, common, intermediate or potato, is a stable varietal trait, while the size and color of the leaves can change under the influence of growing conditions.
Tomato flowers are bisexual, collected in a curl inflorescence, which in practice is called a flower or fruit cluster. There are simple, intermediate, complex and very complex inflorescences. The first inflorescence already begins to grow and develop when the 2-3rd leaf appears in the plant, ie. depending on the variety and external conditions, approximately 15 - 20 days after germination. During this period, it is necessary to strictly observe the mode of growing seedlings. The type of inflorescence largely depends on external conditions. A sharp change in temperature, illumination, mineral nutrition leads to a deviation from the normal development of the inflorescence. From germination to the beginning of flowering, it usually takes 50-60 days. Flowering occurs gradually, from bottom to top. Tomato flowers are self-pollinating. Depending on the characteristics of the variety, 45-60 days pass from the beginning of flowering to ripening.
Tomato fruits are fleshy berries of various shapes, weights and colors. By weight, they are divided into small (less than 50 g), medium (50-120 g) and large (over 120 g) fruits. Some varieties have fruits weighing 600-800 g. In shape, they are flat, round, oval, pear-shaped, elongated-cylindrical, conical, plum-shaped, cherry-shaped, currant-shaped. The surface of the fruit is smooth or ribbed. Depending on the number of chambers, they are small-chamber (2-3 pieces), medium-chamber (4-5 pieces) and multi-chamber (more than 6 pieces), and the latter, as a rule, are more ribbed. If there are less than 4-5 chambers in the fetus, then they are located correctly, symmetrically. Wrong arrangement of chambers is characteristic of larger fruits; they are small-seeded, fleshy.
All tomato varieties have a uniform color of green fruits or a dark green spot at the point of attachment of the stalk, the latter fully ripen slowly, but are more brightly colored. Unripe fruits - from dark green to greenish-whitish. The color of ripe fruits is varied: from dark red to pink and from purple-brown to lemon.
Seeds are triangular-reniform or obovate with a run down to the base, flattened, densely pubescent, grayish-yellow in color. The mass of 1000 seeds is from 2.5 to 4 g. 1 g contains 240-350 seeds. Depending on storage conditions, seed germination is maintained for 8-10 years or more. Optimal conditions for long-term storage of seeds are air temperature + 11-14 ° C, air humidity - no more than 80%, seed moisture - no more than 9%.
In this publication, I want to talk about such a vegetable crop as tomatoes, about their importance in human nutrition, morphological and biological characteristics, as well as about the conditions for growing tomatoes and caring for them.
The fruits of these plants are used fresh, pickled, salted and in cooking. Caloriesthe number of tomatoes is low and amounts to (150 - 200 kcal per 1 kg), but their main value lies in the content of vitamins, organic acids and mineral salts. Tomato fruits contain sugars (3 - 5%), organic acids (0.4 - 0, 6%), proteins (0.6 - 1%), essential oils (0.2%), mineral salts (0.5 - 0.6%) and vitamins.
Of the refreshing organic acids, tomatoes contain citric and malic acids, as well as oxalic acids in an amount of 8 mg%. They are distinguished by a high content of ascorbic acid (25 - 30 mg%), carotene (1.5 - 2 mg%), lycopene (3 - 3.5 mg%). Tomato fruits also have phytoncidal properties. All substances contained in the fruits of tomatoes play an important role in the normalization of metabolism in the human body.
At the same time, they contain a small amount of the poisonous substance of plants of the Solanaceae family, solanine, in a small amount, which decreases as the fruits ripen. By the time the fruits ripen, solanine completely disappears. Therefore, you should not consume excessive amounts of fresh unripe fruits, since a dose of solanine, equal to about 0.2 g, causes headaches, fainting, sore throat and other ailments. In canned unripe tomatoes, solanine is diluted with brine so much that eating tomatoes in normal quantities is not a concern.
Morphological features
They belong to the nightshade family. A perennial tomato plant is grown only as an annual, as it dies off even in low frosts.
Propagated by seeds. Seeds are flat, reniform, silvery-gray, pubescent. 1 g contains 250 - 350 seeds. Seeds germinate within six to eight days. Seeds of tomatoes retain germination for about 5 - 6 years. The root system of tomatoes is well branched and reaches 1.2 - 1.5 m in diameter and 1.0 - 1.5 m in depth.
In seedling culture, the roots are distributed, mainly in the upper horizons of the soil. Adventure roots appear on the stem almost anywhere with high humidity and soil.
The stem of tomatoes is rounded, often lodging, covered with glandular hairs, juicy at the beginning of development, but in the process of growth it hardens to lignification. Leaves are dissected, pinnate. From the axils of the leaves, stepchildren grow - lateral shoots.
Stepchildren grow most quickly under the inflorescence. The inflorescence of tomatoes is a curl, usually called a brush. A brush can be simple (not branching), semi-complex (one branch), and complex (3 or more branches). The flowers are yellow, of medium size, with 5-6 petals and the same number of stamens, fused into a cone-shaped column, inside which there is a pistil. When the pollen ripens, the anthers crack from the inside and the pollen gets on the stigma of the pistil, so self-pollination and fruit setting occurs.
The fruit of tomatoes is a berry of various shapes (spherical, flat-round, oval-round, slightly tetrahedral, irregular, etc.). It can be two-, three-, four- and multi-chamber. The chambers contain seeds surrounded by a gelatinous mass.
Biological features
- a heat-loving plant that does not tolerate temperatures below 0 degrees and suffers when exposed to low positive temperatures. Seeds begin to germinate at 11 - 12 degrees.
The best temperature for the germination of tomato seeds will be 22 - 26 degrees, for the photosynthesis process 18 - 26 degrees, at 13 - 14 degrees flowering stops, and at 10 degrees and below, plant growth stops. Long-term (more than 4 - 5 days) lowering the temperature to 6 - 8 degrees can lead to falling flowers. The cold resistance of plants can be increased by hardening seeds and seedlings.
At temperatures in the region of 33 - 35 degrees, pollen becomes sterile and fruit formation does not occur. The optimum soil temperature for tomatoes is 20-24 degrees, while lowering it below 15 degrees leads to a decrease in water absorption, as a result of which the plants wither.
Tomatoes are very demanding on light and prefer direct solar radiation rather than diffused. In case of insufficient illumination, the growth and development of plants slows down, underdeveloped flowers and sterile pollen are formed, fruits are not formed. Optimal illumination for tomatoes is in the range of 17-24 thousand lux.
Insufficient illumination is especially often observed when growing seedlings, seedlings begin to stretch out, stems become thin, and the quality of seedlings deteriorates. In no case should the thickened standing of plants be allowed.
During the period of seed germination and fruit filling, the need for plants in water is maximum and should be 75 - 85% of the total moisture capacity (FWC).
During the period of growing seedlings and at the beginning of flowering, the optimum soil moisture should be 70 - 75% PPV. When there is a lack of moisture in the soil, leaves curl and the fruit is affected by apical rot.
Sharp changes in soil moisture during the period of fruit ripening leads to massive cracking of the fruit, and the leaves are affected by brown spot and other diseases.
Lack of moisture during flowering leads to the fall of flowers and ovaries, and excess moisture before flowering enhances the vegetative growth of plants to the detriment of fruit formation. Relative humidity is also important.
At high air humidity (above 75%), tomato plants are strongly affected by diseases, in addition, pollen sticks together and does not spill out of the anthers. In the event that, on the contrary, the air humidity is very low (less than 45%), the pollen becomes sterile and also does not germinate. The optimum relative humidity for tomatoes is 50 - 65%.
Tomatoes respond well to the use of organic and mineral fertilizers. They are also characterized by high consumption of potassium, especially during fruiting. In insufficient light, the role of potassium also increases.
Classification of varieties
Depending on the nature of growth and branching, all varieties of tomatoes are divided into 3 groups:
1 - superdeterminant. They form 2 - 3 inflorescences on the main stem and their vegetative growth stops. Lateral shoots (stepchildren) also quickly end their growth in inflorescences. The height of the first inflorescence is 7 - 8th leaf. There is usually one leaf between subsequent inflorescences on the main stem. This group includes the earliest ripening varieties of tomatoes.
2 - determinant. These varieties have 3 - 4 inflorescences on the main stem. The height of the first inflorescence is 8 - 9 leaves. Subsequent inflorescences most often follow through 2 leaves. This group should include early and mid-early varieties of tomatoes. The onset of ripening in these varieties occurs 5 - 7 days later than the 1st group.
3 - indeterminate (with unlimited growth). These varieties are characterized by the absence of restriction on the growth of the main shoot, they are able to form 8 - 10 or more inflorescences. The first inflorescence is laid after the 9-10th leaf. This group includes late-ripening varieties.
Features of growing tomatoes (tomatoes)
They love fertile soils rich in organic matter - black soil, dark forest, floodplain and podzolic soils. In terms of texture, light loamy and heavy sandy loam quickly warmed up soils.
When using sandy soils for growing tomatoes, special attention should be paid to watering in order to ensure optimal soil moisture, as well as the introduction of increased rates of manure or compost. In household plots, you can almost always create acceptable soil conditions for growing tomatoes.
Long-term stagnation of water in the soil is difficult to tolerate, since this contributes to the almost complete cessation of air flow to the roots of plants. The optimal reaction of the soil environment for tomatoes is from slightly acidic to neutral.
Cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, peas, greens (lettuce, spinach, radish, etc.) are good precursors for tomatoes. You should not place tomatoes after potatoes, since these two crops are closely related and have practically the same set of diseases and pests. For the same reason, potatoes should not be placed after tomatoes. In autumn, it is advisable to plow deeply the soil for tomatoes and, if necessary, apply manure at a dose of 3 kg per 1 m 2.
With this treatment, in the spring immediately before planting tomatoes, it is necessary to loosen the soil. All these activities will contribute to a relatively rapid heating of the soil.
In the initial growing season, tomatoes poorly absorb nutrients. However, during fruiting, the intake of nutrients, especially nitrogen and potassium, increases dramatically. Despite the fact that tomatoes take out relatively little phosphorus from the soil, during the seedling season they especially need high doses of highly soluble forms of phosphorus fertilizers.
Both organic and mineral fertilizers are applied under the tomatoes. Of the organic ones, it is most advisable to use rotted manure, humus and peat composts.
The rates of organic fertilizers for tomatoes depend on the type and fertility of the soil. If manure was already applied under the previous crop, then organic fertilizers can not be applied under the tomatoes. Tomatoes respond well to mineral fertilizers, especially phosphorus fertilizers. Approximate doses of nitrogen: 8 - 9, phosphorus - 9 - 10, potassium - 6 - 7 g. by 1 m 2.
Growing tomato seedlings
In order to grow seedlings of good quality, it is necessary to precisely observe all agrotechnical methods based on the biological characteristics of the tomato culture.
The seeds must be the same size and weight. To do this, they are divided by density - for 5 minutes they are dipped in a 4 - 5% solution of sodium chloride. Lightweight seeds will rise to the surface, while the heaviest and fullest will sink to the bottom.
Then the seeds will need to be washed in running water and dried. Having carried out, in this way, the selection of seeds of each variety, they are tied in gauze and for disinfection they are etched in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes.
To do this, take 1 g of potassium permanganate for 1/2 cup of hot water and stir until completely dissolved. Then seeds are dipped into the cooled solution. After 20 minutes, the seeds will need to be rinsed with cold water under the tap. Many vegetable growers use seed hardening.
After soaking in water or fertilizer solution, the seeds are kept at a temperature of 18 - 20 degrees for 12 hours, then put in a refrigerator for 12 - 16 hours, with a temperature of 0 to -1 degrees, then they are kept warm for 8 - 12 hours and this is how they act with variable temperatures until the seeds begin to hatch (this happens after about 8 - 10 days).
Seeds are sown at different times, depending on the timing of planting seedlings to a permanent place. If the seedlings are grown, they begin to sow for film greenhouses on March 5-10, if for temporary film shelters - March 10-15, and when growing seedlings for open ground, sowing can be done - starting from March 25 to April 5 ( for the conditions of Tatarstan).
Each variety is sown in a separate vase, cup, cup or jar so that, as soon as seedlings appear, they can move the plant to conditions with a lower temperature and good lighting.
A small hole is made in the bottom of all the cups (for this purpose, you can use, for example, an awl), then a nutrient mixture consisting of peat and humus (in a 1: 1 ratio) is poured into them, seeds are sown with a distance of 7-10 mm between them, fall asleep with the same substrate 1 cm thick and watered with warm water.
Until the shoots appear, the cups and jars are covered with plastic wrap and the temperature is maintained at about 22 - 23 degrees. When shoots appear (after about 2 - 4 days), the seedlings are placed on a window (best of all, the south or east side), where it will be cool enough and good lighting is provided. In the first: 3 - 5 days, the temperature should be maintained at 14 - 16 degrees during the day, and 10 - 12 degrees at night. Then the temperature must be increased by 5 - 6 degrees. Seedlings should be watered in the morning.
As soon as the cotyledon leaves take a horizontal position, and the process of formation of the first true leaf begins, they begin to pick the seedlings into pots with a diameter of about 8 - 10 cm.Pots are placed in a box, previously covered with foil, and filled with nutritious soil. For 1 bucket of peat mixture add half a glass of granulated superphosphate, as well as 1.5 cups of wood ash.
Even before picking, the soil in the pots is treated with potassium permanganate (at the rate of 1 g per 3 - 4 liters of water). When a pick is carried out, the main root of the plant is pinched by one third, and the hypocotyl knee is buried into the soil to the level of the cotyledon leaves, trying to press the soil well to the roots. For one day, the plants are kept in the shade, and then transferred to the lightest windows.
The boxes are placed with an inclination of 20-25 degrees towards the window, for this, a wooden block 5-6 cm thick can be placed under the edge of the box. To improve the illumination of the plants from the side of the room, you can put a reflective shield made of foil or a mirror. Watering seedlings is not necessary often, but abundantly, and better in the morning. Three fertilizing of plants is carried out: 1) It is carried out a week after picking for 10 liters of water (it is best to use melted snow or rain) take 0.5 matchbox of ammonium nitrate, 2 box of superphosphate, and 1 potassium chloride.
2) When the plant has formed from 4 to 5 true leaves, apply the same fertilizers, but increase the dose by 1.5 times. If the plants show good growth, then nitrogen fertilization is not applied.
3) Top dressing is carried out 3 - 4 days before planting plants with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.
Approximately 12 - 15 days before planting, you can start hardening the seedlings. In sunny weather, it is taken out onto a balcony, loggia or any other protected area near the house, for a start for a short period of time during the day, and then for the whole day.
A few days before planting, the seedlings are left in the open air and overnight if frosts are not expected.
To avoid stretching the seedlings due to insufficient illumination, 15 days before disembarkation, they are arranged. Seedlings from one box are placed in two, the gaps are covered with sawdust or peat-humus soil. This is best done in a greenhouse or greenhouse.
At night, if frosts are expected, the seedlings are covered with thick paper, burlap and other materials.
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These include vegetables in which aerial juicy fruits are eaten - families of nightshade, pumpkin, legumes, aster (artichoke), mallow (okra).
Tomato, pepper, eggplant, physales belong to the nightshade family, are thermophilic plants, therefore in middle climatic zones they are grown by seedlings in greenhouses or with temporary shelters.
The tomato belongs to the genus Lycopersicon Tourn family nightshade (Solanaceae), which includes about 80 genera and 2 thousand plant species, distributed mainly in the tropical zone. This genus is divided into three types - Peruvian, hairy and common tomato. The latter species unites almost all cultivated in Europe, as well as wild varieties.
Tomato is a perennial plant (but cultivated as an annual in culture), warm and light-loving. The plant is relatively drought tolerant, does not tolerate excessive soil moisture and high air humidity, but consumes a large amount of water. Bears fruit on both long and short days. Tomato propagates by seeds and by rooting shoots and cuttings, but mainly by seeds. Seedlings appear in 5-7 days, and 50-70 days after the emergence of seedlings in the main varieties, the first, then subsequent inflorescences begin to appear. Fruit ripening begins 45-65 days after flowering. Fruiting can last until autumn frosts.
Tomato roots
The root system of tomatoes has a diameter of 1.5–2.5 m, with a seedling culture, strongly branching, it is located mainly at a depth of 0.1–0.5 m. In a seedless culture, the main taproot and large lateral roots develop well; some of the roots (up to 5% of the root mass) reach a depth of 0.8–1.5 m within 4–5 weeks after germination. In standard varieties, the root system is more compact ... Any part of the plant is capable of forming additional roots, especially on the main stem. Therefore, it is advisable to hone the tomato. Even cuttings, such as cut stepchildren, can take root.
Tomato flowers
Tomato flowers are yellow, collected in simple or complex (branched) inflorescences, bisexual. Usually they have a five-membered yellow corolla with a diameter of about 1 cm and 5 narrow anthers (stamens) accreted into a conical tube. A whisk passes inside it. Stamens have two-celled pollen sacs. They open up with internal slits through which the pollen spills out and falls on the stigma of the pistil. For cultivation under glass, tomato varieties are preferred, in which the stigma of the pistil is in a tube - this contributes to pollination. There are even 15-membered corollas, from which multi-chambered ribbed large fruits are formed. Multicameral flowers are larger, multi-petal, have more stamens, a larger pistil. In cultivars in which the stigma of the stamens protrudes above the cone of the stamens or is at the same level with it, pollination is worse. In these varieties, pollination occurs best when the flowers are tilted downward; in addition, they are more likely to have cross-pollination, especially in hot and windy weather.
In varieties with large multi-chambered fruits, flowers are larger, multi-petal, and accordingly have more stamens. Their pistil is wide, the stigma is multi-tuberous, more often located at the level of the stamen cone. The anthers of such flowers contain a lot (30–60%) of sterile (non-viable) pollen, as a result of which some of the unfertilized ovaries fall off, and from many ovaries low-seeded fruits develop, which are often deformed (ribbed).
The stigma is usually closed with its anthers; insects hardly visit flowers. Therefore, self-pollination prevails in tomato (about 99.4%). Only in hot dry weather does the stigma move slightly above the anther column, and then cross-pollination occurs. Disturbance in the development of pollen cells and mother cells from exposure to high temperatures (over 35 ° C) is most pronounced in the period 8-9 days before flowering. Non-pollinated flowers fall off, which often leads to reduced yield. The growth of the pollen tube, and therefore pollination, occurs best at 25 ° C and stops at 35 ° C, as well as 7 ° C.
Anther complex flowers have many sterile pollen grains. Therefore, in large-fruited varieties with such flowers, pollination is often incomplete, some ovules are not fertilized, from which the fruits become deformed. Parthenocarp (fruit formation without pollination) is extremely rare and often leads to fruit deformation.
Inflorescences.
Tomato flowers are collected in inflorescences, which are also called a brush. Inflorescences appear laterally through 2–6 leaves (internodes); in the reference varieties, they are located one above the other, mainly on one side. Depending on the variety, four types of inflorescences are distinguished: the first type is a simple brush, when the inflorescence axis does not branch; the second - a brush once branched; third - brush two-, three-fold branched; the fourth is a multi-branched brush. In varieties with a simple or weakly branched raceme, the inflorescence usually has four to twelve flowers. An inflorescence of the fourth type can have more than a hundred flowers. However, in such inflorescences, many flowers fall off; the ripening of their fruits is extended: when the first fruits ripen, the flowers at the end of the brush are just opening.
Bloom the first tomato brush begins 50-60 days after germination and continues until frost. The flower blooms for 2-3 days, but already two days before opening it is capable of pollination. The second brush blooms in 1.5–2 weeks after the first, the subsequent ones - one week after the other.
Tomato fruit
Fruits of tomatoes - juicy berries, depending on the variety and growing conditions, are from 25 to 80 mm in diameter, smooth or ribbed, in shape - round, flat-round, oval, plum-shaped, round-cylindrical, elongated, pepper-shaped, pear-shaped. The weight of the fruit, depending on the variety, is from 20 to 1000 g (the maximum when the number of ovaries in the brush is normalized to 2000 g) The size of the fruits depends not only on the variety, but also on the growing conditions: they are larger on fertile moist soil than on less fertile insufficiently moist soil. Fruits up to 70 g are considered small, over 100 g - large. By the number of seed chambers, varieties with small chambers (2–5 chambers), medium chambers and multi-chambers (10 or more chambers) are distinguished. Fleshy, multi-chambered fruits, but fewer seeds.
The skin of the fruit is smooth, colorless or yellow. Due to the color of the pulp of a mature fruit, they get varietal color - from bright red to orange, raspberry, pink, yellow, as well as dark red (almost black) color. The content and ratio of dyes - chlorophyll, carotenoids (carotene, lycopene, xanthophyll) and anthocyanins. Carotene gives the fruit an orange (carrot) color, lycopene - orange-red, xanthophyll - yellow and anthocyanins (water-soluble pigments of cell sap) - red and affect the coloristic diversity of the fruit. As the fruit ripens, the amount of chlorophyll (green pigment decreases, and the content of carotenoids increases.
Ripen the fruits begin on average 65 days after setting: the fruit grows for 30-40 days, the hatnm ripens for 10-20 days, changing the green color to milky, brown (blanche), pink (or lemon in yellow-fruited varieties) and, finally, varietal color. As a rule, the fruits closest to the trunk ripen 10-15 days earlier than the fruits at the end of the inflorescence.
Fruits make up about 57% of the total dry and 74% of the wet weight of the plant (Table 8.2). Moreover, varieties of non-red varieties accumulate, in comparison with red ones, one and a half times more carotenoids and one third more sugars (up to 7% or more). Therefore, such fruits are sweet and much healthier than red ones. The taste of the fruit (the ratio of the amount of sugar to the amount of acids in the pulp) depends not only on the variety, but also on the growing conditions. lack of light and heat, excess moisture in the soil and air, excess nitrogen fertilizers, the fruits become watery, less sweet, contain less sugar and vitamin C. Timely moderate watering and fertilizing with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers increase the taste of tomato.
Tomato seeds
Seeds - small (about 200-350 pcs. In 1 g, or 1000 pcs. - 2.8-5 g), flattened, triangular-reniform, densely pubescent, grayish-yellow in color. They have dimensions in length and width of 2-3 mm, their thickness is 0.5-1 mm. Depending on the variety, from 20 to 300 seeds are formed in one fruit.
Tomatoes are usually reproduce by seeds... In large-fruited varieties, 1 g contains 200-250 pieces, in small-fruited ones - 300-350 pieces. To isolate the seeds from the surrounding gelatinous mass, the pulp is removed from the cut fruits and fermented for many days. During subsequent drying, it is necessary to avoid high temperatures (above 30 °), which can adversely affect the quality of the seeds (28-78). Seed germination is maintained in an unheated room for 3-5 years. in a dry heated container - 7-9 years (in a sealed container - more than 15 years).
The germination energy of seeds depends on their maturity at the time of harvesting, as well as on the period and method of storage. During germination, the root appears first, then the cotyledon leaves unfold. The peel of the seed usually remains in the soil, however, if the seeds are underdeveloped or shallowly planted at sowing, the peel remains at the ends of the cotyledons.
Leaves
Tomato leaves are alternate, of various types - ordinary, odd-pinnate, consist of lobes (segments), lobules, and small lobules. There are varieties (called potato-leaved), the leaves of which consist only of large whole-edged lobes. The surface of the leaves is smooth, slightly wrinkled, bumpy-wavy, also medium or strongly corrugated. The edges of the leaf lobes are strongly dissected. Typically, determinant cultivars have less leaf surface area than indeterminate cultivars. The color of the leaves depends on the variety and growing conditions. The standard varieties of tomato have strong corrugated leaves with short petioles.
Stem and stepchildren of tomatoes
According to the structure of the bush, there are standard and supporting (non-standard, requiring support) varieties of tomato. In standard (bush) plants, the stem is thick and erect, the bushes are compact, vary in height from dwarf to undersized and, less often, medium-sized varieties. The supporting stem is thin, the leaves are large, weakly corrugated, the size of the bush is from undersized to tall, the stem lodging under the weight of the bush requires a garter.
The stem branches out at the expense of lateral shoots - stepchildren, emerging from the leaf axils. By the nature of branching, there are determinant, or shorter children (self-limiting growth) low-growing varieties, up to 40-80 cm in height, and indeterminate, or indetes (with a continuously growing stem), medium and tall tomato varieties, bush height up to 1.5-5 m ... Semi-determinant varieties occupy an intermediate position.
The tomato plant has a very high degree of regeneration - it is able to form a new point of growth and shoots or roots developing from it anywhere. Earlier, stepchildren, located directly under the inflorescence, appear and develop more strongly. After removing stepchildren (excess shoots) from the leaf axils, new stepsons can form in the same place, as well as from leaf blades and inflorescences.
Materials used: G. Selector "Healthy Tomatoes"
Economic value and nutritional value of tomatoes
The culture of tomatoes, due to the high nutritional value of the fruit, occupies a leading place in vegetable growing in most countries of the world.
The fruits of tomatoes are eaten raw in the form of salads, numerous spices (for meat, fish and vegetable dishes), salted, pickled, stuffed.
The value of fruits as a food product is determined by the carbohydrates, organic acids, mineral salts, aromatic substances and vitamins contained in them (C, carotene, B 1, B 2 PP, K, etc.)
The varieties widespread in Moldova contain dry matter in fruits - 4.5 - 9.2%, sugars 1.9 - 4.9, starch - 0.05 - 0.26, fiber (with hemicelulosis) - 0.18 - 0, 42, pectin 0.12 - 0.33, nitrogenous substances - 0.55 - 1.65, organic acids - 0.30 - 0.85%, ascorbic acid - 12 - 36 mg%, carotene - 0.6 - 14 mg%, vitamin B 1 - 80 mg.
The composition of dry matter in the fruits of tomatoes contains the most carbohydrates (36 - 62%), which are mainly represented by soluble sugars among sugars - glucose and fructose. There is little sucrose in tomato fruits (0.1 - 0.5%). The glucose content is 1.5 - 2 times higher than that of fructose.
Pectins make up an insignificant percentage of dry matter, but play a very important role in the formation of the structure and density of fresh fruits, and the consistency of tomato processed products also depends on the bottom. Most pectins are in unripe fruits, and as the fruits ripen, their amount decreases.
In the group of organic acids, citric and malic acids predominate; there is also a small amount of tartaric, succinic, oxalic and lactic acids.
The ash elements contain a lot of potassium (38.14%), sodium (17.03%), magnesium (8.63%), phosphorus ((9.14%), calcium (6.1%), sulfur (4, 78%), silicon (4.80%), chlorine (6.93%), iron (2.33%).
The fruits of tomatoes contain a large group of vitamins (C, A, B 1, B 2, PP, etc.).
Biological features of tomatoes
Tomato is a herbaceous annual plant of the nightshade family. The stem and shoots are soft, juicy and fragile at a young age. as it grows, the stems grow dry and lie down. The plant is very branching. The branching of stems in tomato is sympodial, namely: the initial shoot ends growth with the formation of the first inflorescence, in its place is the next lateral shoot, which grows together with the leaf that bears it and grows upward with it. The first inflorescence is pushed aside.
After the formation of 1-3 leaves (depending on the variety and growing conditions), a flower cluster is formed on the first-order shoot, its growth stops and the stem continues with a lateral second-order shoot, etc.
Stems are rough, densely covered with glandular hairs, swollen in places of branching. The leaves are alternate, once or twice pinnately dissected, unpaired, rough. The flowers are bisexual, collected in an inflorescence - a brush with a different number of flowers in it. The calyx is cleaved with 5-6 lobes. Corolla spine-petal, stamens 5-6 or more, filaments very short, ovary many-celled. The column is straight, stigma with 2-3 or more lobes. The flowers are adapted to self-pollination, but there may be cross-pollination by wind and insects. The fruit is a berry, juicy with various colors (red, raspberry, yellow, white).
Seeds are flattened, reniform. The root of young plants is rod-shaped, but then it becomes thin and does not stand out from the rest. In addition to the main root, lateral roots arise. They grow almost horizontally.
On the lower part of the stem, after backfilling with moist soil, the plant is able to form adventitious roots. The depth of their penetration depends on the density, moisture and aeration of the soil, as well as on other growth factors (on nutrients, on temperature, etc.). Under good conditions, the roots penetrate into the soil up to 1.0 - 1.5 m.
Regionalized varieties of tomatoes and their characteristics
In the farms of Transnistria, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia and other CIS countries and far abroad, 40 promising varieties of tomatoes have been zoned.
Breeders of the Transnistrian Research Institute of Agriculture made a great contribution to the development of agricultural science and bred the following varieties that are used by collective farms and farmers.
Early ripening hybrids for film greenhouses of Transnistria and Moldova: Flamenco and Corona.
Flamenco is an early hybrid. Fruit ripening 105 - 108 days after germination. The plant is powerful, medium-leafy, up to 1 m high. The fruits are round. The color of the unripe fruit is green, the ripe fruit is red. Weight - 90 - 120 grams. Fruit yield in film greenhouses is up to 13 kg / 1 m 2. recommended for unheated plastic greenhouses and in open ground.
Crohn is an early hybrid. It differs from the FLAMENKO variety in that the fruits are flat-round, weighing 150 gr. used for early production of tomatoes in film greenhouses and in open ground on a trellis.
Early ripening varieties: Lyana and Juliana.
Lyana is a very early variety with amicable ripening of fruits, the duration of the period from mass shoots to the beginning of ripening when grown in a seedling method is 87 - 93 days. The plant is highly leafy and medium-branched. The height of the stem is 35 - 40 cm, the diameter of the grip of the bush is 40 cm. The fruits are round, smooth, bright red, weight - 80 grams.
Juliana is an early variety that ripens together. The duration of the period from emergence to the beginning of ripening when grown by seedlings is 102 - 104 days. The height of the main stem is 40 - 45 cm, the diameter of the grip of the bush is 35 - 40 cm. The fruits are bright red. Weight 70 - 80 grams. Designed for multiple cleaning and fresh consumption.
Large-fruited varieties: Perseus, Morning, Quiz, Torch, Potok.
Perseus is a mid-early variety: from germination to the beginning of fruit ripening 108 - 115 days. The plant is powerful, well leafy. Fruits are flat-rounded, large 130-180 grams, bright red. Productivity in seedlings is from 80 to 100 tons / ha. It is intended for fresh fruit consumption, for canning, making pasta and juice.
Morning - mid-early variety: from sunrise to the beginning of fruit ripening 110 - 115 days. The fruits are round, smooth. The color of the unripe fruit is light green, the ripe fruit is red. Fruit weight 80 - 90 grams. Productivity 45 - 80 tons / ha. Intended for fresh consumption.
Quiz is a mid-early variety; in seedling culture, the fruits begin to ripen 112 - 120 days after germination. The plant is medium leafy. Fruits are rounded, intensely red. Weight 150-200 grams. Productivity 50 95 tons / ha. Good taste. Can be grown in seedling and seedling methods. Designed for fresh use, industrial processing.
Torch - mid-early variety: from germination to fruit ripening 115 - 127 days. The fruits are round, smooth, red. Weight 60 - 100 grams. Productivity 80 - 100 tons / ha. Designed for multiple cleaning, making pasta, juice.
The stream is a mid-season variety: in seedling culture it begins to ripen 115 - 200 days after germination. The color of the mature fruit is intense red. The fruits are round, smooth. Weight 120 - 150 grams. Fruit taste is good. yield 60 - 70 tons / ha. Differs in increased field germination of seeds at low positive temperatures. Can be grown in seedling and seedling methods.
Orange-fruited varieties: Luch, Slava Moldavia, Alex.
Ray is an early variety: the period from mass shoots to ripening is 98 - 102 days. Fruits are oblong-oval, smooth, orange in color. Weight 50 -80 grams. Good taste, intended for canning, in order to obtain a dietary product for areas with high radiation and as a prophylactic agent for cancer.
The glory of Moldova is a medium-early variety: from the emergence of seedlings to the beginning of ripening when grown by seedlings, 109 -120 days, in a non-seed culture, 95 - 100 days. Medium leafy plant. The height of the main stem is 40 -45 cm. The fruits are roundish, orange in color. Weight 75 - 80 grams. Productivity 50 - 60 tons / ha. Designed for baby and dietetic food, for fresh consumption.
Alex is a mid-season variety: from mass shoots to the beginning of ripening when grown by seedlings, 115 - 120 days. Fruits are oblong oval, smooth, orange in color. Fruit weight 70 grams. Productivity 40 - 60 tons / ha. It is used for fresh consumption, industrial processing and obtaining high quality preservatives with a high carotene content.
Long-fruited varieties: Impulse, Prizewinner, Novelty of Transnistria, Gusar, Credo, Reef, Dedication, Onyx, Maryushka, Moldova Cup. We will give a description of some of them.
Impulse - early variety: from germination to fruit ripening in seedling culture 103 - 105 days. The shape of the fruit is ellipsoidal, the color is dark red. Weight 70 grams. Productivity 50 -70 tons / ha. It is used for one-time mechanized harvesting, used for seedling and seedling crops, for canning and fresh consumption.
Prize-winner - mid-early variety: from germination to full ripening of fruits 112 -114 days. The fruits are oblong-oval. The color of the ripe fruit is red. Weight 60 grams. Good taste. Productivity 60 -90 tons / ha. The variety is recommended to be grown in a seedless culture, suitable for combine harvesting. Designed for concentrated tomato products, pickling and fresh consumption.
A novelty of Pridnestrovie is a mid-season variety: from germination to harvest, 120 - 125 days. Fruits are elongated-cylindrical with slight ribbing, red in color. Weight 40 - 60 grams. In seedling crops, the yield is 65 - 90 tons / ha, in non-seedlings - 50 - 60 tons / ha.
Hussar is a late variety: from sunrise to one-time harvest 125 - 130 days. The fruits are cylindrical, smooth, the color of the ripe fruit is red. Weight 75 - 80 grams. Productivity 70 - 90 tons / ha. Designed for mechanized harvesting and canning.
Gloria is a mid-ripening variety: from germination to fruit ripening 115 - 120 days. The fruits are red, round-oval in shape. Weight 80-120 grams. Productivity 5 - 8 kg / m 2. recommended for fresh consumption and for the preparation of high-quality tomato products (tomato juice, pasta, whole-fruit canning).
Varieties for protected ground: Orange, Syuzhet, Quartet, Decembrist, Pridnestrovsky.
Orange is an early hybrid: from germination to ripening in winter greenhouses, an average of 120 days. The fruit is flat-round in shape. Weight 50 - 60 grams., The surface is slightly ribbed. The color of the unripe fruit is light green, ripe orange. Resistant to lack of light, heat and disease. Productivity up to 24 kg / m 2. Recommended for growing in the winter-spring crop rotation of greenhouses, as well as for growing on windows.
Pridnestrovian - mid-early hybrid: the period from mass shoots to fruit ripening is 130 days. The fruits are round and smooth. Weight 100 -1209 grams. The color of the ripe fruit is red. Designed for growing in winter and spring film greenhouses, the yield in winter greenhouses reaches 20 kg / m 2, in spring film greenhouses - 10 kg / m 2.
Topic: " Tomato as a valuable vegetable crop "
M aloeaz 2008
Plan
National economic significance
Botanical characteristics of tomatoes
Biological features of tomato
Tomato varieties
Soil preparation, sowing
Culture care
Diseases and pests
Storage conditions
Economic assessment
National economic significance
The tomato comes from South America. Introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 16th century, and cultivated in Russia since the end of the 18th century. Tomato ranks second among vegetable crops. In our country, it is grown annually on 240 thousand hectares, which is 23% of the total area under vegetable crops. It is widely used in food, fresh and processed. A lot of tomatoes are processed in the canning industry. It is widely used for salting, pickling, obtaining tomato puree, pasta juice and sauces. The recommended consumption rate of tomato per person per year is 17 kg. The fruits have very high nutritional and dietary properties. They have excellent taste due to the sugar content of 4-5%, proteins 0.5-1.5%, organic acids, fiber, mineral salts and various vitamins. Tomatoes are also widely used for home canning.
High productivity, wide distribution, good taste and variety of uses have made tomato one of the most widespread crops in our country.
The biological value of the fruits is extremely high. 1 kg contains (mg): vitamin C - 250-300, 6-carotene 15-17, vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 1.0-1.2, vitamin B2 oflavin) - 0.5-0.6, vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) -4.1-4.5, vitamin I (lycopene) -30-35, vitamin B9 (folic acid) - 0.75, vitamin H (biotin) - 0.04. In large quantities, the fruits contain sugars (2.5-3.5%), proteins (0.6-1.1%), organic acids (0.4-0.6%), fats and essential oils (0, 2%), many different mineral salts. Tomato fruits also have phytoncidal properties. The knowledge of its biological characteristics, the implementation of all agrotechnical measures in the optimal time, and the correct selection of the variety contribute to an increase in the yield of tomato on personal plots.
If all these conditions are met, in the open field with 1m 2, you can get 5-7 kg of ripe fruits. In greenhouses, the yield is much higher - up to 15-20 and even 30 kg of fruits.
Botanical characteristics of tomatoes
Botanical features of tomato - an annual plant, herbaceous stem, erect or spreading, prone to branching reaches various lengths from 30 cm to 2 m in open ground, and in greenhouses up to 5 m, the leaves are pinnate, lateral shoots are formed in the leaf axils. All green parts of tomato plants are covered with a prolapse of long and short whitish stripes, which secrete yellow-oil sap with a specific odor that repels insects.
After the formation of 5-14 leaves, inflorescences appear on the main stem. And from the upper lateral bud, the shoot (stepson), which continues the growth of plants, the shoots grow continuously. Tomato flowers are yellow or multi-leaved, collected in a curl called a brush, a self-pollinating plant. Tomato blooms during most of the growing season and hundreds of fruits weighing several tens of kilograms can form on one plant. The fruit of a tomato is a complex berry of two, four multi-chambered. Fruit shape, size and color depend on the variety.
A young tomato has a taproot, and with the seedling method, the bulk is located in the upper 30-40 cm layer of soil.
Tomato seeds are flat in color, grayish-yellow at the base, omitted.
The tomato belongs to the nightshade family. Three varieties are distinguished among the cultivated varieties. Common tomato, having thin stems, lodging during the period of fruit formation. This variety includes almost 90% of all cultivated varieties. Standard tomato, which is characterized by the compactness of the whole plant, erect thick stems lodging under the weight of the fruit, a leaf with a short petiole and a strongly corrugated surface. The varieties of this variety are much less common than the previous one. Potato tomato, differing from the ordinary only in the structure of the leaf, it is large-lobed, similar to the potato. Varieties of varieties are practically not widespread.
In most cases, tomato is an annual plant, but when certain conditions are created, it is two- and perennial. Propagated by seeds. They are flat, kidney-shaped, grayish-yellow in color, heavily pubescent. 1 g contains from 220 to 350 seeds. Their germination is well maintained for 5-7 years, and under certain conditions (constant air temperature + 14-16 ° C and its humidity not lower than 75%), they germinate in the 10th and even 20th year of storage.
The root system of a tomato depends on the characteristics of the cultivation and the variety. Under optimal conditions, in vigorous varieties, it reaches 1.5-2.5 m in diameter and 1.0-1.5 m in depth. In protected ground, the bulk of the roots is located at a depth of 0.2-0.4 m.
Adventure roots appear on the tomato stalk anywhere under optimal conditions (high air and soil humidity). This allows you to root individual parts of plants, for example, stepchildren, and quickly get good planting material from them.
The stem of a tomato is round, juicy, erect, lodging over time, covered with glandular hairs. During the fruiting period, it becomes rough, lignified. Stepchildren appear from the axils of the leaves - lateral shoots. The strongest of these are those that form under the inflorescence.
Tomato leaves are alternate, unevenly pinnately dissected, consisting of lobes, lobules and lobules, and maybe only of simple large lobes. The surface of the leaves is smooth or of varying degrees of corrugation.
The tomato inflorescence is a curl, but is often called brush by vegetable growers. Distinguish between simple inflorescence, simple two-sided (when the inflorescence axis does not branch), intermediate (once branched), complex (many times branched) and very complex. The first inflorescence already begins to grow and develop when the plant has a second or third leaf, that is, depending on the variety and external conditions, approximately 15-20 days after germination. During this period, it is necessary to strictly observe the mode of growing seedlings. The type of inflorescence largely depends on external conditions. A sharp change in temperature, illumination, mineral nutrition leads to a deviation from the normal development of the inflorescence. When the night air temperature (+ 10-12 ° C) is lowered during this period, the first inflorescence is more branched, with a large number of flowers. High night temperatures (-) - 22-24 ° C) promote the formation of fewer flowers on a longer and thinner than usual inflorescence axis.
In the greenhouse in winter or early spring, when there is very little light, the inflorescences either do not form at all, or are very puny, underdeveloped. On the contrary, in the summer, in the same varieties with an excess of light and high humidity of the soil and air, the inflorescence can reach a length of up to 0.5 m. Very often, under such conditions and in the presence of a large amount of nitrogen in the soil, they grow, that is, they form leaves or even shoots.
From germination to the beginning of flowering, under normal conditions, it takes 50-60 days. Flowering occurs gradually, from bottom to top. When plants are formed into one stem (when all lateral stepchildren are removed), indeterminate varieties bloom only three inflorescences at the same time, a maximum of four. Superdeterminant and determinant varieties bloom more amicably due to the more frequent arrangement of inflorescences (through one or two leaves).
On the inflorescence, the flowers, located closer to the stem, first open, and then gradually, depending on the variety and conditions, all the rest bloom within 5-15 days. Two to four flowers bloom at the same time. Each of them is opened on average for three to four days, then its color fades and the petals fade. In dry, hot weather, this period is reduced to two days, and in cloudy and cold weather it increases to five to seven days or more.
Tomato flowers are self-pollinating. But at high air humidity, pollen grains swell, stick together and pollination of flowers almost does not occur. Often in tomatoes (in large-fruited varieties) fasciated (accrete) flowers are found, from which multi-chambered, ribbed and often deformed fruits are subsequently formed.
After fertilization of the ovules, the ovary begins to grow. The tomato ovary is upper, with a different number of nests. From flowering to fruit ripening, 45-60 days pass.
Fruits are fleshy berries of various weights, shapes and colors. By weight, they are divided into small (less than 50 g), medium (50-120 g) and large (over 120 g). In some varieties, fruits weighing 600-800 g are found. In shape, they are flat, round, oval, pear-shaped and elongated-cylindrical. The surface of the fruit is smooth or ribbed. Depending on the number of chambers, they are small-chambered (two-three), medium-chambered (four-five) and multi-chambered (more than six), the latter being more ribbed. If there are less than four or five chambers in the fetus, then they are located correctly, symmetrically. Wrong arrangement of chambers is characteristic of larger fruits; they have practically no pulp (placental tissue), have few seeds, and are fleshy. Depending on the uniformity of the color of green fruits, all varieties of tomatoes are divided into those with a uniform color and with a dark green spot near the place of attachment of the stalk. The fruits of the second group varieties ripen completely slowly, but they have a brighter color. The taste of the fruit is determined by the content of sugars and acids. The more sunny days, the higher this ratio, the better the taste of the fruit.
Biological features of tomato
Tomato is a thermophilic culture. Seeds begin to germinate at a temperature of 13-15, the optimum temperature for seed germination is 18-21, and for the growth and development of plants, the temperature is 22-24. at temperatures below 15, flowering stops, and at 10, plant growth stops, a prolonged drop in temperature to 10 leads to the fall of flowers, delaying fruiting for 10-12 days. At a temperature of 0.5, flowers die, and at a temperature of -1, leaves and stems die off. However, hardening of swollen seeds and seedlings increases resistance to short-term frosts to -6, at a temperature of 30, pollen in many varieties of tomato loses its viability, plant growth slows down, and at a temperature of 35 it stops.
Tomato bloom 50-70 days after germination continues to die off. The fruits ripen within 45-60 days. At the beginning, the ovary and fruits are green, in milky ripeness they are whitish-green, and with blanche ripeness the fruits become yellow, and then turn pink, with full ripeness they turn red.
With heavy rainfall, fruit cracking is observed. Tomato is picky about light, does not tolerate darkening.
The soil under the tomato should be fertile, moist and loose. In relation to moisture, tomato is picky, especially during the period of intensive fruit growth. Lack of moisture leads to the cessation of growth, the fall of flowers and ovary. In relation to nutrients, the tomato most of all consumes potassium, phosphorus and sodium. Lack of sodium weakens the growth of the stem and leaves, phosphorus promotes rapid fruit ripening, root growth and early flowering. Potassium improves the tenderness of the fruit, increases the shelf life.
Temperature. One of the main conditions for obtaining an early and good overall tomato harvest is maintaining the optimum temperature for the plant. In different periods of growth and development, the plant requires a certain temperature of air and soil.
Tomato is a heat-loving plant. The optimum temperature for seed germination is + 24-26 ° C. At temperatures below + 10 ° C, they do not germinate. After the cotyledons and the first two true leaves appear in plants, the temperature is lowered to + 18-20 ° С during the day and + 14-15 ° С at night. This temperature regime contributes to the good development of the first inflorescence. After the first buds appear on the plant, the temperature during the day is reduced to + 17-18 ° C, and at night it is raised to + 16 ° C.
The optimum air and soil temperature for tomato is largely determined by the illumination and the content of carbon dioxide in the air. At different times of the year, the air temperature for a plant depends on weather conditions. In sunny weather in summer - + 22-25 ° C, on a cloudy day + 20-22 ° C, at night + 16-18 ° C; in the winter and early spring months, when the illumination is very low, during the day + 17-19 ° С, and if it is very cloudy, then + 15 ° С; at night, the temperature can be lowered to +12 C. With normal CO2 content in the air (0.03%) and normal lighting, the optimum temperature for tomato photosynthesis is between + 20-25 ° C. Under normal conditions, an air temperature of more than + 25 ° C negatively affects photosynthesis. At a temperature of + 30-32 ° C and above, a significant decrease in plant growth is observed. The pollen in such conditions becomes sterile, the flowers fall off without setting fruit. Temperatures below 14 ° C are also critical for fertilization. At temperatures below 10 ° C, plant growth stops.
The nighttime temperature is always kept below daytime. This is especially important during the period of fruit growth. The difference must be at least 5 ° C. This is necessary so that the substances assimilated by the plant during the day are not intensively spent at night for respiration.
Soil temperature has a great influence on all life processes of the tomato plant. If it is below 14 ° C, the synthesis of substances necessary for the growth and development of buds stops in the root system. And in general, at such a temperature, it is inactive and cannot provide normal growth and fruiting. The optimum soil temperature for tomatoes is + 20-25 ° С.
A certain pattern can be traced in tomato temperature. The higher it is, the faster ripening occurs, the inflorescence is less branched, the fruits are smaller and there are fewer chambers in them, the internodes are longer, etc., which ultimately leads to an early but low overall yield. On the contrary, at low temperatures, a later, but larger harvest is obtained. Therefore, in relation to specific conditions, it is necessary to select the desired temperature regime of soil and air.
All varieties of tomato have a different heat demand. For example, F1 Carlson TmC F and F1 Baby TmC prefer temperatures 1-2 ° C lower for their growth and development than is recommended for the culture as a whole. The varieties bred in the northern regions of the country are distinguished by increased cold resistance and lower heat resistance compared to varieties of southern selection. With proper hardening of seedlings, the tomato is able to withstand a short-term cold snap (from +3 to 0 ° C) well. But even short-term negative temperatures (-0.5-1.0 ° C) have a detrimental effect on the plant.
Shine. This is one of the main factors limiting the growth and development of plants, especially in greenhouses. The tomato is very picky about light. The minimum illumination at which vegetative growth of the plant is still possible is 2-3 thousand lux. At illumination below this threshold, the decay of assimilants for respiration will exceed their arrival from photosynthesis.
For the formation of generative organs, buds and flowers, the illumination must be higher than 4000 lx. At low light intensity, the inflorescence is laid much higher than usual (above the 10-13th leaf and above), the number of leaves between the inflorescences increases. Quite often, under such lighting, a complete reduction of the inflorescence occurs. This happens when growing seedlings on short winter days, when the illumination in the middle zone of the country is 3-7 thousand lux. Inflorescences formed under such conditions have a small number of buds and flowers that practically do not set fruit. It is possible to grow seedlings at this time only with artificial supplementary lighting.
Lack of light can be felt when growing seedlings for film greenhouses and open field in the early spring months. Seedlings of tomatoes are stretched, forming thin stems with small light leaves, which negatively affects the formation of generative organs and early harvest. At this point, everything possible must be done to prevent the negative effect of low light on the development of plants. It is necessary to ensure maximum use of natural light. "When growing a tomato in a greenhouse, this is facilitated by structures with the smallest possible number of overlaps in the roof, the orientation of the structure to the south, cleaning the glass from dust, and the optimal arrangement of plants.
When growing seedlings, the area of \u200b\u200bplant nutrition is of great importance. Thickened standing and shading of the stems leads to their rapid growth in height, which negatively affects the quality of seedlings.
The optimal illumination for a tomato is 20 thousand lux or more. But with continuous illumination, the leaf blade develops poorly, chlorotic spots appear on it, plant growth is delayed. However, under polar day conditions, this is not observed, which is explained by fluctuations in illumination during the day and especially in temperature. Tomato responds poorly to the length of the day, but is very responsive to the total energy of light. The optimal day length for him is 14-16 hours.
Illumination and temperature largely determine the rate at which a plant passes through all stages of development. The higher the light and temperature (up to certain limits), the shorter the period until fruit ripening. At 80-100 thousand lux, the plant begins to be inhibited, burns of leaves and fruits are possible.
Tomato prefers direct solar radiation rather than diffuse radiation. In the autumn-winter period, when diffuse radiation prevails, or in prolonged cloudy weather, the quality of the fruits is much worse.
The ultraviolet part of the light spectrum contributes to the accumulation of vitamin C in the plant, increases its cold resistance. This must be taken into account when hardening seedlings grown under glazed frames.
A more complete use of solar radiation can be achieved when growing new varieties and hybrids of tomatoes that can grow and bear fruit in extreme conditions. These varieties, recommended for greenhouses, tolerate low light much better than those grown outdoors.
Water. It is the main constituent of the tomato plant itself. It is included in almost all organic compounds synthesized by the leaf, dissolves and transports minerals, due to transpiration it helps to maintain an optimal temperature regime. Providing a tomato plant with water is one of the most important conditions for its normal life.
In the process of growth, the plant's need for water is not the same. During seed germination and fruit filling, it reaches its maximum. When growing seedlings, during flowering and fruit setting, soil moisture should not exceed 70-75% of the total field moisture capacity (FWC). Plants at this moment must experience a certain moisture deficit, which leads to the restraint of intensive vegetative growth. At the same time, the soil should not be allowed to dry out, leading to shedding of flowers and even young ovaries.
After setting the fruits on the first inflorescences, the irrigation regime of the plants is changed. It is watered more often and the soil moisture is brought to 75-85% PPV. Sharp drops in soil moisture during the period of growth and ripening of fruits are unacceptable. This causes a decrease in their average weight and can lead to cracking.
The amount of watering depends not only on the phase of plant development, but also on solar radiation, air temperature and its movement, agricultural technology. It is better to water tomatoes in a greenhouse and a greenhouse in the morning, in sunny weather. Outdoors, this can be done in the evening. Irrigation water temperature + 20-25 ° С. It is impossible to overmoisten the soil. This worsens its air regime and negatively affects the activity of the root system.
For a tomato plant, air humidity is of great importance, which has a tangible effect on flower fertilization. Its optimal value is 60-70%. At high rates (80-90%), the pollen sticks together and stops spilling out of the pollen bags. At low air humidity (50-60%), pollen on the stigma of the pistil does not germinate.
At high air humidity, there is always a possibility of the appearance of tomato fungal diseases.
Air. The gas composition of the air plays a special role in the active life of the tomato. For example, respiration of a plant is impossible without oxygen. The root system is especially acutely aware of this. With waterlogged soil, compaction, crust formation, the roots poorly absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
In the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is of great importance. Its natural content in the air (0.03%) is insufficient to obtain high yields. Its optimum content in the air for tomato is 0.15-0.20%. In this case, with high solar radiation and a temperature 2-3 ° C higher than the recommended one, the maximum productivity of photosynthesis in a plant is possible. Carbon dioxide fertilization can enhance fruit set and increase their size, sharply raise the overall and especially early crop productivity.
Carbon dioxide feeding is carried out from morning to 14-16 hours of the day. It is especially needed in the winter and spring months. With an excess of COa in the air at night and low illumination in winter (below 2000 lux), necrotic spots appear on the leaves. The movement of air contributes to better absorption of carbon dioxide by the plant.
Ammonia has a significant effect on tomatoes. When filling greenhouses with fresh manure, ammonia poisoning of plants is possible - damage to the lower leaves in the form of burns. In this regard, it is recommended to plant tomatoes in greenhouses a week after filling.
Soil and fertilizers. Tomato can be grown in various soils, but it thrives best on sandy loam or loamy, which have good moisture capacity and air permeability. In protected ground, you can use the same soil, well filled with organic and mineral fertilizers.
It is best to place the tomato on its predecessors, dressed with organic fertilizers - on cabbage, cucumbers, etc.
In a greenhouse, it is most often planted after cucumbers, which leave excess nitrogen in the soil. In the early spring months, this leads to "fattening", that is, excessive vegetative growth, which retards the generative development of plants. This is eliminated by the preliminary introduction of nitrogen-binding materials (straw, sawdust) into the soil. The best soil acidity for tomato is 6.0-6.5. Acidic soils must be limed, otherwise many nutrients will be in a form indigestible for the plant.
The tomato is very responsive to the use of mineral and organic fertilizers. Most of all, he consumes potassium, especially during the fruiting period. Potassium is important in the first stages of plant development, especially with a lack of light, with the growth of fruits. It is necessary for the formation of stems and ovaries, active assimilation of carbon dioxide.
The plant uses nitrogen for the formation of vegetative organs, especially during the period from germination to flowering. At this time, it is necessary to strictly control the dose of nitrogen nutrition, otherwise the plants begin to develop magnificently and the flowers from the lower inflorescences fall off.
Nitrogen application is increased only after fruit setting on the first inflorescences.
The correct ratio between potassium and nitrogen during the entire growth and development of the tomato is of particular importance. In top dressing, it ranges from 2.5: 1 in winter and 1: 1 in summer.
Phosphorus consumption by the plant is low. It is mainly used for the growth of the root system, fruits and seeds. In spring, at low soil temperatures (15 ° C), its assimilation by roots is sharply limited.
In addition to these elements, the tomato assimilates a large amount of magnesium, which is especially necessary for it during the period of growth and ripening of fruits. Plants also need various trace elements, the richest source of which in an easily accessible form is manure.
The yield of tomatoes is determined by the diet. In order not to lose a significant part of the crop, it is best to apply mineral and organic fertilizers for it in advance, before tillage.
Tomato varieties
Depending on the nature of the growth and branching of these shoots, all tomato varieties are divided into two groups:
indeterminate (with unlimited growth);
determinant (limited growth).
The branching of shoots in both groups is sympodial, that is, after the formation of the first inflorescence above the 6-11th leaf, growth continues due to the lateral shoot, which appears from the axils of the uppermost leaf. With the growth of this shoot, the inflorescence is displaced to the side, and the leaf, in the axil of which it was laid, is carried out above the inflorescence. After the formation of three leaves in this shoot, an inflorescence is formed and its growth stops. From the axils of the leaf located under this inflorescence, a continuation shoot with three leaves appears again, etc. Thus, the plant continues to grow continuously (indeterminate growth type). In practice, it is customary to call this set of shoots formed in the process of sympodial branching the main, main stem.
Tomato varieties with an indeterminate type of growth are characterized by strong vegetative growth and high remontability (constant growth and flowering), uniformity in yield and ease of plant formation into one stem. Most of the varieties in this group are used in greenhouses.
In tomato varieties with a determinant type of growth, the main stem stops growing after the formation of three to five inflorescences. The average number of leaves in determinant tomatoes between inflorescences is always less than three - there are two, one. Sometimes even inflorescences follow one after another in a row.
This group of varieties is distinguished by early maturity, high yield efficiency, and low remontability. These varieties are best grown outdoors.
In recent years, in connection with the targeted selection of tomato varieties for protected ground, new forms have appeared that have features characteristic of both determinant and indeterminate types of growth. They are characterized by long, unrestricted growth of the main stem, with inflorescences located less than three leaves.
To facilitate the selection of varieties for certain growing conditions, all existing determinant tomato varieties, depending on their morphological characteristics and remontance, are divided into three groups:
1 - superdeterminant. They form only two or three inflorescences on the main stem, and vegetative growth stops for a long time. All shoots quickly end their growth in inflorescences and a highly branched small bush is formed. The second, weakened, growth wave is observed after most of the fruits ripen. The height of the first inflorescence is the seventh to eighth leaf. Between two subsequent inflorescences on the main stem there is one leaf, less often two, and sometimes the inflorescences follow directly one after the other. The varieties of this group are the fastest ripening, and the yield of the crop is very intense. During the first 20 days of fruiting, 70-80% of all fruits ripen;
2 - determinant. They are characterized by a restriction of the growth of the main stem after the formation of four to six inflorescences, and sometimes even more. The second wave of vegetative growth in them begins much earlier than in superdeterminant tomatoes, is more pronounced and is observed after the formation of fruits on the first inflorescences. The height of the first inflorescence in this group of tomatoes is the eighth-ninth leaf. Subsequent inflorescences follow through one leaf, more often - after two. The varieties are medium-early and early, the beginning of ripening occurs 5-7 days later than in the previous group. The yield period is longer. For 20 days of fruiting, the yield of ripe fruits is about 50% of the yield. Determinant forms make better use of the greenhouse volume, they are more productive than super-determinant ones;
3 - semi-determinant. A distinctive feature of this group of varieties is a weakened manifestation of determinancy - the absence of limitation of the growth of the main shoot even after the formation of 8-10 inflorescences. In contrast to determinant varieties, inflorescences are laid here on average after two to three leaves. The first inflorescence is located after the ninth to tenth leaf, which is one to three leaves higher than that of the tomatoes of the previous groups. Semi-determinant tomatoes, despite the fact that they belong to the group of varieties with a determinant type of growth, are very late-ripening. In terms of the uniformity of their yield, they approach varieties with an indeterminate type of growth.
Varieties of varieties:
Nevsky 7. Bred in the North-West Research Institute of Agriculture. The plant is a standard, dwarf, slightly leafy plant. The leaf is dark green, strongly corrugated. The inflorescence is simple and is laid above the fifth or sixth leaf. Fruits from flat-round to round, smooth, small (40-60 g), three-, five-chambered. Very early variety. To obtain a high yield, thickened plantings are needed (6-10 plants per 1 m 2). The yield of one plant is 0.3-0.5 kg.
Alpatieva 905a. Brought to VNIISSOK. The plant is standard, erect, strongly leafy. The sheet is typical for standard forms, medium size. The inflorescence is simple, short, laid above the sixth - eighth leaf. Subsequent inflorescences develop through one or two leaves. The fruit is flat-round, smooth and slightly ribbed, medium-sized (55-75 g), three-, five-chambered, has a dark green spot at the stalk. Early variety. The average plant yield is 0.4-1.0 kg.
White filling 241. Bred at the TSKHA vegetable experimental station. Common plant, medium vigor, medium leafy. The leaf is light green. The inflorescence is simple, short, it is laid above the sixth-seventh leaf, the subsequent inflorescences are after one or two leaves. The fruit is round, smooth, medium-sized and large (80-130 g). The color of the unripe fruit is uniform, greenish-whitish. Early variety. The average yield of one plant is 0.8-2.2 kg.
Barnaul cannery. Bred at the West Siberian vegetable and potato selection experimental station NIIOKh. Common plant, undersized, slightly leafy. The leaf is light green, medium and small. The inflorescence is simple, it is laid above the fifth or sixth leaf, subsequent inflorescences through one leaf. The fruit is oval, smooth, small (30-50 g), two-, five-chambered. An unripe fruit has a dark green spot at the stem. Suitable for whole-fruit canning and pickling. Very early variety. To obtain a higher total yield, thickened plantings are needed - six to eight plants per 1 m 2. The yield of one plant is 0.5-1.3 kg.
Scroll. Bred at the Kiev Vegetable and Potato Experimental Station. The plant is compact, medium leafy. Medium sized sheet, medium corrugated. The inflorescence of an intermediate type, long, is laid above the fifth - seventh leaf, the subsequent ones - through one leaf. The fruit is flat-round, smooth, medium-sized (70-90 g). The color of the unripe fruit is green, with a dark green spot at the stalk. The number of chambers in the fetus is b-11. Early variety. The yield of one plant is 1.0-2.2 kg.
Talalikhin 186. Bred at the Belarusian NIIKPO. The plant is semi-spreading, medium-leafy. Common leaf, medium size. The inflorescence is simple, short, it is laid above the seventh to eighth leaf, the subsequent ones - after one or two leaves. The fruit is flat-round, smooth and slightly ribbed, of medium size (80-100 g). The color of the unripe fruit is green, with a dark green spot at the stalk. Early variety. The yield of one plant is 0.5-1.4 kg.
Sparkle. Bred at the Kiev Vegetable and Potato Experimental Station. The plant is medium-branched, medium-leafy. The leaf is green, ordinary, of medium size. The inflorescence is of an intermediate type, it is laid above the fifth to sixth leaf, the subsequent inflorescences - through one leaf. The fruit is oblong-oval, smooth, beautiful, weighing 80-PO g. The color is light green, uniform. Early variety. The fruits have good keeping bone. The average yield of one plant is 1.2-2.0 kg.
Grubby 1180. Bred at VNIISSOK - Semi-spreading, medium leafy plants. Medium-sized sheet, slightly corrugated. The inflorescence is simple and intermediate, short, is laid above the sixth-seventh leaf, the subsequent inflorescences - through one or two leaves. The fruit is flat and round, slightly ribbed, of medium size (60-90 g). The color of the unripe fruit is green, with a dark spot at the stalk. Early variety. The yield of one plant is 0.4-1.1 kg.
Peremoha 165. Bred at the Belarusian NIIKPO. The plant is medium-sized, with medium leafiness. The leaf is dark green, medium in size. The inflorescence is simple and intermediate, lays down.
Soil preparation, sowing
Site selection. The tomato grows and bears fruit in any soil, but it is better if they are lighter. The choice of the site is especially important in the early stages of tomato cultivation. The soil should be well aerated, moisture-absorbing, with a high content of humus and nutrients, with a reaction of the soil solution close to neutral. On heavy clay soils, which warm up much worse, quickly float and compact, it is difficult to get an early harvest. The close location of ground waters is also undesirable for plants.
In addition to the type of soil, the location of the selected site on the terrain is of great importance. Tomato is thermophilic and it is best to choose areas located on the southern, southeastern or southwestern slopes for it in the middle lane. The southern slopes are warmed up by the sun faster, are ready for planting seedlings much earlier and are less susceptible to frost. For early production, the southern slopes are especially good, receiving more solar radiation in the spring months.
Out of the blue, plots are selected that have natural or specially created protection from the prevailing spring winds - a solid high fence, wings. Tomato is best grown after cabbage, onion, cucumber, zucchini, that is, those vegetable crops for which fresh manure is applied. It is not recommended to grow it over tomato, potato, pepper either immediately or after 2-3 years. It is also undesirable to be close to the site where potatoes are grown, since the diseases and pests of these crops are basically the same.
Site preparation. They begin to prepare a plot for a tomato in the fall, removing and destroying the crop residues of the previous crop. Under the autumn deep digging of the soil, organic fertilizers (rotted manure, humus) are applied at the rate of 4-5 kg \u200b\u200bper 1 m 2. In the fall, you can also apply mineral fertilizers - superphosphate (60-80 g / m 2) and potassium sulfate (20-25 g / m 2). It is desirable that they fall into the upper (10-12 cm) soil layer. With such embedding, the efficiency of their absorption by the root system is maximum, and the degree of leaching into the lower soil layers after rain or watering is much reduced. However, spring application of mineral fertilizers gives better results. When growing tomatoes early, it is especially effective to add superphosphate directly to the well - 15 g each. This ensures good fruit setting and growth on the first inflorescences. It is better to apply nitrogen fertilizers later, with dressings during. fruit growth time. Even a small excess of nitrogen in the early stages of growth retards plant development and early harvest formation. Therefore, it is not recommended to apply fresh manure directly under the tomato.
If it is not possible to choose a plot that meets its requirements for soils and lighting conditions for a tomato, they try to properly prepare an existing one for it.
On heavy, clayey soils, large doses of organic fertilizers are applied. This not only contributes to a better supply of plants with various mineral nutrients, but also significantly improves the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. The improvement of the thermal and water-air regimes of such soil is facilitated by the crafts of the ridges. They are oriented in length from east to west. It is best to make ridges that are triangular in cross-section (Fig. 6). Their gentle slope faces the south, and the short and high slope faces the north. The southern slope of the ridge, where the plants will be located, captures the sun's rays better and has a temperature of the soil and the adjacent air layer + 1.5-2.5 ° C higher than with the usual layout of the site. In such beds, the fruits ripen 5-8 days earlier than on a flat area.
Tomato can be grown on the same ridges in reclaimed bog areas. On sandy and sandy loam soils, tomato is not cultivated on ridges.
Landing dates. The optimal time for planting seedlings in open ground in the middle lane is the first decade of June. This is due to the fact that, for example, in the Moscow region, the date of the last spring frost falls on June 12. And although the average daily air temperature above 10 ° C begins on May 9, and frosts on average end on May 12, it is very risky to plant a tomato in open ground at this time. Late spring frosts (end of May) occur 2-3 times every 10 years.
To get an early harvest, it is advisable to plant tomato seedlings a little earlier than the recommended dates, that is, May 20-25. By this time, the soil is already warming up to temperatures above 10-12 ° C, and the root system of plants is already capable of assimilating water and minerals.
The risk associated with an earlier planting of tomatoes, insured by strict adherence to agricultural technology and preparation for the fight against possible frosts, is fully justified by the arrival of ripe fruits already at the end of July.
Seedlings planted in early terms take root better, get sick less and give an early harvest 30-40% more than the one planted in early June.
Landing schemes. The choice of a planting scheme, or determination of the area of \u200b\u200bplant nutrition, depends on a number of factors. The most important of these is the varietal characteristics of the plant. Even from the group of super-determinant and determinant tomato varieties recommended for open ground, weaker and more compact varieties can be distinguished. So, if the varieties Nevsky 7, Barnaul Cannery can be planted at the rate of six to eight plants per 1 m 2, then Peremoga 165, Gruntovy Gribovsky 1180 - no more than four plants.
Partial or complete removal of the continuation shoots (stepchildren) has a great influence on the change in the feeding area of \u200b\u200bthe tomato plant. So, when pinching in one stem, leaving two to four inflorescences, the growth of the plant's root is sharply reduced. Therefore, it will be possible to place 15-20% more plants on the same area than without pinching. At the same time, the layout of plants changes due to a decrease in the distance between them in a row.
The planting scheme is also influenced by whether it is planned to tie the plants to any support. All this must be taken into account not only when placing them on the site, but also somewhat earlier, when determining the number of grown seedlings.
Plants are placed in rows on the site. For standard and low-growing varieties, the following planting scheme is recommended: 60 cm between rows and 25 -30 cm between plants in a row; for medium-sized varieties - 70 cm between rows and 30 35 cm between plants in a row. If the planting scheme is chosen correctly, the plants of this variety by the time of fruiting completely occupy the space that is allocated to them.
Rows of tomatoes on a flat area, unlike ridges, can be placed from south to north, which creates better conditions for uniform illumination of plants.
A tape planting of a tomato is also possible, especially when using ridges or various methods of tying a plant. Usually the tape consists of two rows with a distance of 50-60 cm between them. One tape is at a distance of 90-100 cm from the other. The distance between plants depends on the variety and type of crop and ranges from 25 to 35 cm.
Preparing seedlings for planting. Early planting dates are possible if the seedlings are properly grown and hardened. Pampered seedlings are unable to ensure the formation of an early harvest in conditions of sudden changes in day and night temperatures and high solar radiation.
Before planting, in order to prevent fungal diseases, seedlings are treated with copper-containing preparations - Bordeaux liquid, copper oxychloride. Usually, the night before planting, seedlings not grown in pots are well watered to select them with a large clod of soil at the roots. The less seedlings lose roots during transplantation, the higher their survival rate and the more active the initial growth, the earlier the plant begins to bear fruit. Seedlings grown in pots need not be watered much, since their root system is almost not disturbed during selection. Underdeveloped and diseased plants are discarded.
Landing. Seedlings are planted in holes, which are prepared in advance according to the selected planting scheme. Fertilizers are applied to them before planting (15 g of superphosphate and one or two handfuls of humus), which are mixed with the soil and watered well with water (1.0-1.5 liters per well). Correctly grown seedlings are planted vertically, buried in the soil just above the cotyledons. The soil around the roots is slightly compacted. Excessive deepening of plants only worsens their survival rate, because the deeper layers of the soil during the planting period have not yet warmed up enough.
Overgrown and elongated seedlings are planted obliquely, with the top to the south. The roots and the lower part of the stem with three to four leaves removed are laid lying in prepared holes, and if the seedlings are very long, then they are sprinkled with soil into furrows 12-15 cm deep. In a moist and well-heated soil, after 7-10 days, that part of the stem that was covered with earth forms adventitious roots, which contributes to increased soil nutrition of the plant.
It is better to plant seedlings on cloudy days or in the evening. At the same time, the plants get sick less, take root well and quickly start growing. The soil around them is left dry after planting.
If the plants are later decided to be tied to stakes, on the eve of planting, they must be driven in from the north side of the hole. A stake about 150 cm long, 4-5 cm in diameter is driven into the soil to a depth of 40-50 cm so that after planting the plant is at a distance of 8-10 cm
Culture care
Caring for tomatoes includes the following types of work:
1) Weed control is inter-row cultivation and weeding in rows.
2) Hilling, which is carried out several times
3) Stepping out, i.e. removal of shoots when they reach no more than 5 m.
4) Pinching the main stem to the growing point to restrict growth.
5) Watering and feeding with solutions of mineral and organic fertilizers. Watering is carried out as needed, and top dressing before each hilling.
6) Fight against diseases and pests. Against late blight, a 1% solution of a bardoque liquid is used, and against leaf spot, a 0.4-0.75% solution is valuable.
Watering and loosening the soil. Tomato plants are not recommended to water for the first 2-3 weeks after planting, especially in the early stages. The water poured into the hole when planting seedlings is enough for them for rooting and growth.
In the first half of the growing season, before fruit setting on the first inflorescences, watering is carried out limitedly, but they try to prevent the soil from drying out too much.
Water the plants at the root. When watering by sprinkling, the temperature of the air and soil sharply decreases, which adversely affects flowering, the shedding of flowers increases, the setting of fruits and their ripening are delayed. At the same time, the humidity of the air increases, which leads to the appearance and spread of fungal diseases. During the growth of the fruit, the need for water in the tomato plant increases sharply. Watering should be done more often and regularly. A drop in soil moisture at this moment causes a stop in the growth of green fruits, cracking of ripe fruits and, in combination with other factors, leads to the spread of top rot.
After each watering, the soil is loosened, destroying weeds. The first loosening is carried out to a depth of 8-12 cm, the subsequent ones are somewhat shallower (4-5 cm). Deep first loosening creates favorable conditions in the upper soil layer for its warming, which is very important for plants at the beginning of the growing season. The soil should not swell and compact, otherwise the activity of the root system will deteriorate sharply. During the cultivation of a tomato, it is loosened 3-5 times.
Over time, the lower leaves of a tomato plant, most often in contact with the soil, age and begin to die off. To prevent the appearance and spread of various fungal diseases on the site, they are periodically removed.
Top dressing. Mineral fertilizers are best given to plants in liquid form after watering. The first feeding is carried out two to three weeks after planting the plants in the soil, during the formation of ovaries on the first inflorescence. Basically it consists of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (20-25 g of superphosphate and 15-20 g of potassium sulfate per 1 m 2). Nitrogen fertilizers should not be given at this time, but if the soils are very poor and this negatively affects the growth of plants, you can apply up to 10 g per 1 m 2 of ammonium nitrate with top dressing.
The second, and sometimes the third feeding is carried out with massive growth and ripening of fruits. Here, it is already necessary to make 15-20 g of ammonium nitrate and 20-25 g of potassium sulfate per 1 m 2, which contributes to a more intensive filling of fruits.
Very good results, especially for obtaining an early harvest, are given by foliar dressing, which complements the usual plant nutrition, but does not replace it. To do this, use highly soluble fertilizers (g per 10 l of water): urea-16, superphosphate-10, potassium chloride-16. Superphosphate does not completely dissolve in water, therefore a water extract is prepared from it: a day before adding it is soaked (1: 10) and periodically stirred. Before spraying the plants, the water extract must be filtered through several layers of gauze. For foliar dressing, microelements are used together with fertilizers.
Such feeding is often carried out in conjunction with the treatment of plants against diseases or pests. This is best done in the evening, when the nutrient solution applied to the leaves dries slowly, and the morning dew promotes better absorption.
To prevent the spread of fungal diseases periodically, 2-3 times per season, especially after rains, in the second half of July, plants are treated with copper-containing preparations - Bordeaux liquid, copper chloride.
Mulching. Mulching contributes to the reduction of inter-row cultivation, as well as the creation of a better water-air and temperature regime in the soil. This technique is especially effective for getting an early harvest on heavy soils, which warm up later in spring and lose a lot of moisture due to crust formation in summer. Mulching in such areas is best done with a special black plastic wrap or old used one.
Other materials are also suitable for it - peat, straw, rotted manure, sawdust. But they do not accumulate heat so much and the temperature of the soil under them rises slowly. They can be used when the soil has warmed up well, but has not yet compacted.
Grasshopping and pinching of plants. After planting in open ground, various methods of plant formation are used to obtain an earlier harvest of tomato. The purpose of these operations is to redistribute the consumption of plastic substances of the plant in the direction of rapid growth and development of fruits on a certain number of inflorescences.
When growing tomatoes without pinching, the yield and its supply mainly depend on the varietal characteristics of the crop and external conditions. In a tomato, from each axil of the leaf, that is, from where the leaf leaves the stem, after the formation of one or two inflorescences, there is a rapid growth of the continuation shoots - stepchildren. Each of them gives rise to a separate stem. Depending on the degree of determination, two or three inflorescences or more are formed on each stem, after which the growth stops. In indeterminate varieties, the growth of stepchildren is unlimited. In turn, the growth of continuation shoots, etc., is also possible from the axils of the leaves of the stepsons.
The rapid growth of the plant and its branching begin to decline only when fruits appear on the first inflorescences. But their growth and filling is slow, because the plant simultaneously blooms and sets fruits on more than 15-20 inflorescences. A large harvest is formed, but its arrival is significantly delayed in time.
Therefore, without pinching in open ground in the middle lane, it is possible to grow tomato varieties such as Nevsky 7, Barnaul canned, White filling 241, which usually have time to form and give away most of the harvest. The proportion of ripe fruits depends to a large extent on weather conditions. The higher the temperature and the more sunny days, the more ripe fruits. But the plants of these varieties, grown without pinching, even in the best years, give quite a lot of small and non-marketable fruits.
In the middle lane, usually the plant has time to grow and ripen those fruits that were set before August 1. The growth and development of shoots, inflorescences, which continue after August 1, is not only the loss of plastic substances by the plant, but also a significant delay in the arrival of the already formed crop. To prevent this, in late July - early August, a one-time removal from the plant of all small stepsons is carried out with simultaneous pinching of the remaining shoots. Growth points. Above the inflorescences with already set fruits, two or three leaves or more must be left and only then the shoot growth point is removed. The growth and development of fruits on a tomato inflorescence occurs due to two or three leaves located next to it. Inflorescences that have just formed or have begun to bloom are also removed, but the large shoots on which they were located are left. Such a one-time pinching by the end of the growing season allows the plant to more purposefully use the available reserves for the growth and ripening of existing fruits. Compared to unsinked plants, the fruits are larger and of better quality.
Wanting to get a very early harvest, pinching is carried out regularly once every 7-10 days. Plants, depending on the variety, can be formed into one or more stems. All other shoots growing from the axils of the leaves, both on the main stem and on other stems, are removed. Tomato varieties White filling 241, Moskvich, Barnaul canning, Svitanok and others, recommended for open ground in the middle zone of the country, are grown in one, two or three stems (Fig. 8). The second stem is formed from the stepson growing in the axil of the leaf located under the first inflorescence, the third stem is formed from the axils of the second leaf under the first brush.
On each stem of these varieties, due to the natural growth restriction, an average of three inflorescences are laid. When plants are formed into three stems, the development of inflorescences everywhere occurs almost simultaneously, with only some delay in the lower ones. The yield with this method of plant formation occurs somewhat later than with a single-stem culture.
To obtain a very early harvest of ripe fruits, one or two stems are left in plants of superdeterminate varieties. But even in this case, in the open field, fruits usually ripen only on the first three to five inflorescences. Therefore, when formed into three stems, part of the crop may consist of still green fruits.
In determinant tomato varieties (Gruntovy Gribovskiy 1180, Peremoga 165, Siberian early ripening 1450, etc.) due to stronger growth than the previous group of varieties, a greater number of inflorescences on the stem (five to six) and leaves between inflorescences (one to two) plants in the open field form a little differently.
To obtain a very early harvest, one stem is isolated, leaving two or three inflorescences. After the last inflorescence, one or two leaves are left and the growth point is removed. It is possible to grow determinant tomato varieties in one stem without pinching the growth point , but then there will be at least five or six inflorescences, on which the fruits will not always have time to ripen. Forming the plants of these varieties into two stems , only four to eight inflorescences are left on them and the growth point is necessarily pinched. Determinant varieties are practically not grown in three stems.
Stepsons are removed small (3-5 cm), not allowing them to outgrow. When a large stepson is removed, a significant wound remains on the stem and the plant unproductively spends its plastic substances on its overgrowing.
After pinching the growth point during the formation of a plant into one or two stems, stepchildren should be regularly removed. This will accelerate the growth and ripening of the fruit. When plants are formed into one or two stems, leaving two to four inflorescences, the products arrive at the end of July, which is 15-25 days earlier than without pinching the plants. The total yield per unit area, if the planting scheme is left unchanged, during the formation of plants in one stem can be even lower than with the usual method of cultivation. But in this case, the single-stem form of the tomato produces on average twice as many ripe fruits as the bush form.
For a more complete use of the area of \u200b\u200bthe site and increase not only the early, but also the total yield, when grown in one stem of plants on the same plot, 15-20% more are planted. For example, if plants without pinching are placed in a row after 35 cm, then when they are formed into one stem, this distance can be significantly reduced to 20-30 cm.
To create optimal lighting conditions, facilitate the formation of plants and take care of them, their garter 3-4 times per season to various supports, most often stakes, helps. Make sure that the twine does not get too tight on the plant and does not damage it. Plants can be tied to a wire trellis stretched between reinforced supports installed after 4-5 m.
Diseases and pests
Whitefly - a small (1.5mm) insect with a yellowish body and two pairs of powdery white wings. Larvae, nymphs and adults are harmful, sucking sap from plants. The sticky, sugary secretions of the whitefly are often occupied by sooty fungi that cover the leaf surface with a black coating. Females lay eggs in groups, often in the form of a ring, 10-20 eggs on the underside of leaves, mainly the youngest. The female is capable of laying up to 130 eggs. Larvae are pale green with red eyes, flat, oblong oval, covered with spines. After 2 molts, they turn into nymphs, from which adult insects fly out after 15 days. In greenhouses, the pest gives 10-14 generations.
Control measures : three times spraying with a suspension of verticillium (in the seedling period, in the phase of 6-8 leaves and after another 10 days), the consumption of the suspension is 1 liter per 10 sq.m. at the beginning, middle and end of the growing season, treatment with carbosomes, 10% EC (60).
Colorado beetle. The beetle is ovoid, convex from above, yellowish-brown in color with 10 black stripes on the elytra and with black spots on the pronotum, 16-18 mm long. Hind wings are pinkish red. Eggs are orange, oblong, 0.8-1.5 mm long. Larvae are orange-red or yellow, with a strongly thickened abdomen on the sides with black spots and a black head, up to 15-16 mm long. Beetles hibernate in the soil. Eggs are laid in piles on the underside of the leaves. After 7-10 days, larvae appear and feed on the plants for 20 to 40 days.
Control measures : regular collection of beetles and larvae. With a mass number - treatment with 80% d.s. (6g) dibromium, 10% ae (140g), foxim (150g), mesox, 25% ae (60g), subject to the technique security.
Medvedka adult insect 35-50 mm long, brown in color with shortened elytra, from under which lower wings protrude, folded in the form of flagella. The forelegs have widened flat tibiae with teeth adapted for digging the soil. Eggs are rounded oval, up to 2.5 mm long. The larvae are similar in body shape to adult insects. The bear breeds in greenhouses. Warm manure and regular watering of the plants attract her. Prefers areas where manure and humus are scattered.
Control measures : winter plowing and processing of row spacings; screening the soil and viewing manure during the preparation of protected soil. The use of poisoned baits made of bran or corn grain, soaked in a solution of 80% chlorophos (50 g per 1 kg of bait), the bait is sealed to a depth of 2-3 cm 7-10 days before sowing.
Late blight - one of the most common and harmful fungal diseases of tomatoes. Affects fruits, leaves and stems. A characteristic sign of fruit disease is the formation of a hard, blurry dark brown spot that extends into the interior of the fruit and on its surface. severely affected fruits have a bumpy surface, the affected tissues on the leaves first brighten and become attached, then a dark brown spot appears in wet weather on the underside of the leaves a white bloom forms on the stems the disease manifests itself in the form of solid dark brown spots.
Control measures: spatial isolation of tomatoes; the use of increased doses of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, the cultivation of early-maturing resistant varieties
Black bacterial spot ... It is most dangerous in years with hot and humid summers, small watery spots 1-2 mm in diameter, rounded or irregular in shape, appear on the leaves in the center, their tissue is almost black, around it is yellow. Sometimes the disease manifests itself as black stripes. On the petioles and stems, the spots merge. The leaves turn yellow and die off. The fruits are covered with dark convex dots surrounded by a watery border.
Control measures : Use seeds harvested from healthy plants for sowing. Top dressing with microelements: boron, copper, manganese.
Mosaic : appears as alternating light green, yellow to dark green areas on leaves. The leaves become wrinkled, filiform. The development of plants is suspended, the fruits remain underdeveloped, and internal necrosis occurs in them.
Control measures: heating the seeds for 2 days at a temperature of 50-52, and then another at a temperature of 80.
Aphids ... Very dangerous pests of vegetable crops. In greenhouses there are up to 30 species of aphids, among which the most common are melon, green peach, potato large and common, etc. Aphids penetrate into greenhouses from weeds growing in areas adjacent to greenhouses, or are brought in with infected planting material. In protected ground conditions, aphids give several generations during the growing season. On the farms of the Leningrad Region and the Non-Black Earth Region, aphids often damage the tomato in the autumn-winter circulation and when forcing seedlings in January-February, as well as when planting plants in a permanent place.
Control measures ... Destruction of weeds in greenhouses and greenhouses, as well as around them. Do not keep ornamental plants in greenhouses. A complex of preventive measures can postpone the appearance of aphids for May and later.
Spraying with karbofos, 50% EC actellika (3 - 6 l / ha). Treatments with actellik are stopped 3 days before, and with karbofos - 2 days before the elimination of plants. For eradication spraying, 40% efficiency is used. phosphamide (BI-58), - by treating plants with it 5 days before their elimination. Plant infectious residues on the wire are destroyed by burning.
During the growing season, they are treated with 0.12% karbofos, 0.1% actellik.
Common spider mite. One of the most dangerous pests of vegetable crops in greenhouses. Distributed everywhere. Recorded in more than 100 plant species. Symptoms of leaf damage appear in the form of light, later turning brown and drying spots, densely covering the leaves, which die prematurely. In the process of its development, the tick goes through the phases of an egg, larva, nymph, adult male and female. In the greenhouses of the Non-Black Earth Region, overwintered females appear on young plants by the time they are planted in a permanent place (January - February). Under favorable conditions, they lay 40-60 eggs on the underside of the leaves. Larvae hatch after 3-6 days, the development of one generation takes 10-18 days. Females give up to 4-5 generations, even in a short day. Usually, 8 - 12 generations develop in the Non-Black Earth Zone during the growing season. The most intensive reproduction of spider mites occurs in May - June and July.
With a decrease in the length of daylight hours to 14-16 hours, the ticks acquire a reddish color, which indicates their imminent departure for the winter. Overwintering females appear in August. Sometimes the population density decreases in summer, which, apparently, occurs in connection with the appearance of summer diapause in ticks. Adult fertilized females hibernate on plant debris, under lumps of soil, in spring they lay eggs. The tick is carried on a person's clothing, with containers, agricultural implements.
Control measures. Steaming the soil to destroy the wintering stage. Combination and change of preparations for treatments in order to avoid addiction to the tick. Spraying seedlings 4-5 days before planting them in a permanent place with 40% phosphamide (0.8-1.5 l / ha). After the tomato garter is treated with one of the preparations: 30% or 50% acrex, 20% celtan (chloroethanol), 50% karbofos. Processing with gray colloidal (2 - 20 kg / ha) or ground (20 - 30 kg / ha). Stop using Acrex or Actellic 20 days before harvesting; karbofos, kel tana - in 3 - 4 days (processing is carried out no more than 2 times per season); sulfur - in 1 day. In the fight against ticks, a biological method of control with the help of phytoseilus, gall midge, lacewing, encarsia is widely used (according to special recommendations).
Solanum miner fly. During the growing season in the greenhouse, it gives up to 5-7 generations. Fly in the greenhouses of the Non-Black Earth Zone occurs in late February - early March. Insects lay their eggs in the tissue of young leaves from the upper side. The hatching larvae make sinuous, ribbon-like whitish passages in the tissues, in which their dark excrement accumulates. Affected leaves die off. The miner fly acquired especially high harmfulness in recent years on tomato in winter and film greenhouses.
Control measures ... Eradicating spraying; || in the seedling period and during the growing season, treatment with 50% actellik (3 - 6 l / ha). Mandatory isolation of greenhouses from planting potatoes, which are also affected by the nightshade miner fly and can serve as a focus of pest development.
Cleaning
Tomatoes are harvested by hand, mostly selectively every 3-5 days. Depending on the purpose of the harvest, fruits are harvested in various degrees of ripeness, which are:
1. Full ripeness: tomatoes are processed or sold locally.
2. Blanch ripeness (brown): tomatoes are harvested for long distance transportation.
3. Pink ripeness: transport and sale.
4. Green ripeness: fruits are harvested before ripening (ripening), which is carried out in dry ventilated and warm rooms at a temperature of 20-25 and a relative humidity of 70-80%. during ripening, every 2-3 days, fruits suitable for use are selected and spoiled ones are removed. Faster ripening of fruits takes place in special chambers using acetylene, propylene, ethylene. Ripening of blange fruits lasts 2-4 days, and green fruits 5-6 days.
Storage conditions
Ripe fruits, best of all small-chambered, small, are placed in one or two layers on racks, boxes so that they do not damage one another with the stalk. They can be stored in dark, occasionally ventilated rooms (ventilation is necessary, since the fruits consume oxygen for their respiration). The optimum storage temperature for ripe fruits is + 4-6 ° С, relative humidity is 80-90%. The latter condition allows you to reduce the evaporation of water by fruits to a minimum and protect them from drying out.
With this mode, the fruits are stored for 15-30 days. At lower temperatures (- (- 1-3 ° C), the storage time can be extended to 40-50 days, but the quality of the fruits decreases sharply, they become watery and tasteless. The shelf life of green fruits (reached biological maturity) can be extended to 50 -60 days The storage temperature is higher than + 8-10 ° C. If it is lowered to + 4-6 ° C, then even when optimal conditions are created, the green fruits will not turn red.
Fruits covered with sawdust or high-moor peat are stored better and longer (2-3 months). During storage, they are periodically sorted out, removing ripe and sick ones.
You can store fruits together with plants by hanging them in a room where the temperature is maintained within + 12-14 ° C. In this case, the weight of the fruit may even increase due to the outflow of nutrients from the stems and leaves.
Literature
1. Gavrish S.F. Tomatoes. 1987
2. Goranko I.B. Growing tomatoes in protected ground in the Non-Black Earth Zone of Russia. 1985
