Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of topping in plant management?
What is the primary purpose of topping in plant management?
Which physiological disorder is caused by high-temperature stress?
Which physiological disorder is caused by high-temperature stress?
What does stage 4 in tomato coloration indicate?
What does stage 4 in tomato coloration indicate?
What is a potential cause of blossom end rot in tomatoes?
What is a potential cause of blossom end rot in tomatoes?
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Which stage of tomato coloration signifies that the fruit is considered ripe?
Which stage of tomato coloration signifies that the fruit is considered ripe?
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What is the effect of removing the leaves up to the lowest truss of developing fruit?
What is the effect of removing the leaves up to the lowest truss of developing fruit?
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What is one of the primary uses of tomatoes?
What is one of the primary uses of tomatoes?
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Which hydroponic systems are mostly used for tomato production?
Which hydroponic systems are mostly used for tomato production?
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What classification system is used for commercial greenhouse varieties of tomatoes?
What classification system is used for commercial greenhouse varieties of tomatoes?
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What is the initial step for propagating tomatoes?
What is the initial step for propagating tomatoes?
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In tomato production, what stage typically occurs immediately before fruit growth?
In tomato production, what stage typically occurs immediately before fruit growth?
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Which type of tomato has a higher yield relative to beefsteak tomatoes?
Which type of tomato has a higher yield relative to beefsteak tomatoes?
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Which combination of factors can affect flower initiation in tomato plants?
Which combination of factors can affect flower initiation in tomato plants?
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What is the primary characteristic of grape tomatoes when compared to other types?
What is the primary characteristic of grape tomatoes when compared to other types?
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What is the recommended pH for tomato crop nutrition during the seeding and seedling stage?
What is the recommended pH for tomato crop nutrition during the seeding and seedling stage?
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When did tomato production in greenhouses transition to a year-round crop?
When did tomato production in greenhouses transition to a year-round crop?
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Which hormone is responsible for promoting fruit growth in tomatoes after fertilization?
Which hormone is responsible for promoting fruit growth in tomatoes after fertilization?
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What environmental factor can lead to reduced nutrient uptake in tomato plants?
What environmental factor can lead to reduced nutrient uptake in tomato plants?
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What is a common phase that happens simultaneously with fruit growth during tomato production?
What is a common phase that happens simultaneously with fruit growth during tomato production?
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Which of the following statements is false regarding tomatoes?
Which of the following statements is false regarding tomatoes?
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What is a common method used to manage the vegetative growth of tomatoes?
What is a common method used to manage the vegetative growth of tomatoes?
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Which type of light management is necessary for winter-sown tomato crops?
Which type of light management is necessary for winter-sown tomato crops?
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What effect does high-electrical conductivity (EC) have on tomato plants?
What effect does high-electrical conductivity (EC) have on tomato plants?
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Which optimal range of relative humidity should be maintained in a greenhouse for tomatoes?
Which optimal range of relative humidity should be maintained in a greenhouse for tomatoes?
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Which tomato pest is known to transmit diseases and is particularly problematic in greenhouse settings?
Which tomato pest is known to transmit diseases and is particularly problematic in greenhouse settings?
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Study Notes
Tomato Production Overview
- Tomatoes are a widely grown horticultural crop, cultivated for fresh consumption and processing (canning, juicing).
- Outdoor production is dominant, but greenhouses (hydroponics) are used for year-round production, improving quality compared to field-grown tomatoes.
Global Tomato Production (Estimated)
- Spain: 2,400,000 tons, 8,000 hectares
- Turkey: 1,200,000 tons, hectares undefined
- France: 560,000 tons, 2,057 hectares
- Netherlands: 550,000 tons, 1,200 hectares
- Italy: 547,000 tons, hectares undefined
- Mexico: tons undefined, 750 hectares
- Canada: 217,750 tons, 468 hectares
- United States: 159,000 tons, 340 hectares
- New Zealand: 40,000 tons, 150 hectares
- Portugal: 31,600 tons, 580 hectares
- Germany: tons undefined, 280 hectares
- United Kingdom: tons undefined, 200 hectares
Tomato Types and Characteristics
- Various commercial greenhouse tomato varieties exist (Beefsteak, Tomatoes-on-vine (TOV), Cherry/cocktail, Grape).
- Tomato characteristics vary across types, impacting fruit size (grams), Brix (% soluble solids), and yield (relative to Beefsteak).
Tomato Hydroponic Systems
- Tomatoes, like other vine crops, are typically grown in slab/bag or Dutch/BATO bucket systems.
Tomato Production Stages
- Key stages include propagation, vegetative growth, flowering, pollination, and fruit set/growth, occurring concurrently after fruit set.
Propagation
- Tomatoes are propagated from seed.
- Grafted tomatoes use seed-propagated rootstocks and scions.
- Seed germination typically occurs within 4-6 days at 72-75°F.
Tomato Seedling Growth
- Seedlings require adequate photosynthetic light.
- Supplemental light may be needed for winter-sown crops.
- Nutrient application (0.8-1.2 mS∙cm−1 initially, increasing to 2.0-2.2 mS∙cm−1 before planting) is vital.
Vegetative Growth
- Environmental factors (light, temperature, CO2) and culture (mineral nutrition, irrigation) influence vegetative growth and can be manipulated for desired outcomes.
- Vegetative growth should be maintained throughout production.
- Pruning practices (sucker removal, leaf removal, topping) are crucial.
Flowering
- Flowering occurs after several true leaves have developed.
- Environmental factors (high fertilizer, high temperatures, low light) can delay flowering.
Pollination
- Pollination is essential for fruit development.
- Controlled environments may require assistance with pollination (hormones, bees, hand-pollination).
Fruit Set and Growth
- Fruit development starts after pollination.
- Plant hormones from seeds promote fruit growth.
- Fruit cluster thinning might be needed to optimize yield based on tomato type (e.g., large fruits = 4-6 fruits per plant).
Tomato Crop Nutrition
- Nutritional needs of tomatoes change during the lifecycle.
- Nutrient solution adjustments throughout the growing cycle promote optimal growth.
Calcium in Tomato Production
- Calcium is crucial for fruit development due to the high demand in expanding fruit cells.
Greenhouse Environmental Control
- CO2 levels should be maintained and enriched up to 1000 ppm, as CO2 decline can be significant in winter.
- Day/night temperature targets should be around 75°F (day) and 65°F (night).
- Keep maximum temperature below 86°F and minimum above 54°F.
- Light management focuses on photosynthetic light, aiming for 12+ mol∙m−2∙d−1.
- Greenhouse humidity (VPD range 0.3-1.3 kPa and RH 55-90%, temperature-dependent) impacts nutrient uptake and disease prevention.
Crop Steering
- Steering tomatoes influence a crop's growth (vegetative vs. generative).
- Vegetative growth (non-reproductive) is influenced by factors (genetics, age, moisture).
- Generative growth (reproductive) is encouraged by factors like light, EC, deficit irrigation.
Fruit Quality and Flavor
- High EC levels can improve fruit quality (high salts concentrating contents), but too high EC can induce blossom end rot (reduced Ca uptake).
- Carefully manage EC increases (0.5-1.0 mS∙cm−1).
Pests and Diseases
- Common tomato pests include whiteflies, thrips, aphids, and spider mites.
- Key tomato diseases include Botrytis, Erwinia, Pythium, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, and bacterial spotting.
Management Practices
- Practices include bifurcating plants, sucker removal, leaf removal, cluster thinning, topping.
Leaf Removal and Topping
- Leaf removal up to the lowest truss of developing fruit is common to maximize fruit development.
- Topping (removal of apical meristem) occurs towards harvest (4-6 weeks before). This concentrates resources in existing fruits.
Physiological Disorders
- Flower abortion can result from high temperature stress.
- Blossom end rot is caused by inadequate calcium.
- Misshapen fruits (catfacing) are linked to incomplete pollination.
Harvest Stages
- Tomato ripeness stages are classified with increasing red coloration (0-Immature, 1-Mature green, 2-Breaker, 3-Turning, 4-Pink, 5-Light red, 6-Red/Ripe).
Key Points
- Tomatoes are a primary hydroponic crop.
- Tomatoes are a valuable model for vine crops.
- Controlled environments allow for quality manipulation.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of tomato production, including both outdoor and greenhouse methods. Learn about major tomato-producing countries and the different types of tomatoes available for cultivation. This quiz covers essential information for anyone interested in horticulture and agricultural practices.
