Commercial Tomato Production Handbook

Bulletin 1312

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Foreword

This publication is a collaborative effort by the seven disciplines that make up the Georgia Vegetable Team. It consists of 14 topics on tomato production, covering history, cultural practices, pest management, harvesting, handling, and marketing. This guide provides valuable insights to help growers, whether new or experienced, enhance the profitability of tomato production.

Tomatoes are a critical crop for Georgia farmers, but successful cultivation requires intensive management. High production and marketing skills are essential, along with significant investment. Per acre costs are high, and yields can be greatly affected by pests or environmental factors. Expertise in cultural practices, soil and fertility management, pest control, harvesting, post-harvest handling, marketing, and farm record-keeping is essential for profitability.

This publication aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of tomato production. However, chemical pest control recommendations are not included due to annual changes. For the latest chemical guidelines, refer to the current Georgia Pest Management Handbook.

History, Significance, Classification and Growth

William Terry Kelley and George Boyhan, Extension Horticulturists

Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) are the most widely grown vegetable in the United States. They are versatile and can even be grown in window boxes or pots. Commercially, their importance spans from processing to fresh markets, encompassing a variety of types including beefsteak and grape tomatoes.

Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, which includes peppers, eggplant, Irish potatoes, and tobacco. They originated in the region extending from Ecuador to Chile in South America and were first domesticated in Mexico. Introduced to Europe in the mid-1500s, they were initially yellow, earning the name pomodoro in Italy, meaning "golden apple." Over time, the names poma armoris and pomme d’amour (love apple) were used in Italy and France respectively.

Although tomatoes are part of the nightshade family and were once thought to be poisonous, they became popular as a food item in the 18th century. By the late 1700s, tomatoes were widely grown in the United States, with over 400,000 acres in production today. More than 14 million tons are produced annually, with the majority processed into products like soup, ketchup, sauce, and salsa. California leads in processing tomato production, while states like Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio are significant producers.

Tomatoes are nutritionally valuable as they are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant known for its anti-carcinogenic properties. They also provide vitamins and minerals, including a medium tomato which can supply up to 40% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin C and 20% of Vitamin A. There are two common types of tomatoes: determinate varieties, which have a defined flowering and fruiting period, and indeterminate varieties, which continue to produce flowers and fruit throughout the plant's life.

Tomatoes are tender warm-season crops and are perennial by nature but grown as annuals. They are typically self-pollinated and thrive in temperatures ranging from 70-85 degrees F during the day and 65-70 degrees F at night. Optimal growth requires a frost-free environment and well-drained, fertile soil.

Culture and Varieties

W. Terry Kelley and George Boyhan, Extension Horticulturists

Soil Requirements and Site Preparation

Tomatoes can grow in various soil types but perform best in deep, medium-textured sandy loam or loamy, well-drained soils. It’s essential to avoid wet sites and rotate fields that haven’t had solanaceous crops for the past 3-4 years. Proper soil management involves adequate tillage to ensure the soil's structure supports root growth and stabilizes the plant.

Root systems can develop extensively if the soil profile is favorable. Land preparation should address any compacted soil to encourage deep root growth. Using a moldboard plow helps prepare the soil for vigorous root development, facilitating better access to nutrients and water. Raised beds with plastic mulch are often used, which promote optimal soil temperature, drainage, and air movement, all crucial factors for healthy growth.

Cover Crops and Minimum Tillage

Cover crops protect the soil from erosion and contribute organic matter when incorporated as "green manure." This improves soil structure, water infiltration, and nutrient availability. Non-leguminous cover crops like wheat, oats, rye, or ryegrass are commonly used in winter. Providing adequate nitrogen enhances organic matter production and balances the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.

Reduced tillage practices with cover crops, although less popular in large-scale productions due to weed and disease control challenges, may provide future benefits as technology advances.

Windbreaks

Windbreaks protect crops and enhance early growth. These should be planted adequately apart based on row distances and prevailing wind directions for optimal protection. Effective windbreak plants include taller crops like rye, which should be planted early enough to provide sufficient growth before transplanting tomatoes.

Transplanting

Direct seeding isn't recommended due to the high cost of hybrid seeds and specific germination requirements. Greenhouse-grown transplants are preferred. Transplants should be hardened off before planting to adapt to field conditions. Ideal transplants are about 6-8 inches tall. Commercial transplants are often a more viable option for growers, ensuring the quality and variety desired.

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Plant Spacing

Tomatoes should be spaced to support adequate plant growth, based on trellising and equipment used. Determinate varieties on plastic mulch usually require 5-6 feet between rows and 18-24 inches between plants within rows. For indeterminate varieties, spacing may need adjusting to accommodate their larger growth habit.

Varieties

Selecting the right tomato variety involves considering multiple factors like yield potential, market acceptability, disease resistance, and adaptability to local conditions. Variety selection is crucial and involves consultation with buyers, especially for commercial markets.

Staking and Pruning

Staking tomatoes helps maintain fruit quality and ease of harvest. Methods like the Florida weave system are commonly used. Pruning, often necessary for determinate varieties, helps enhance fruit size, pest management, and early fruiting by removing excess suckers.

Transplant Production

George E. Boyhan and W. Terry Kelley, Extension Horticulturists

Tomato transplant production is essential for high-quality, marketable fruit. Many growers outsource transplant production to specialized commercial growers, ensuring they secure the necessary varieties in advance. Using containers for transplants minimizes transplant shock and promotes uniform growth.

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Production Using Plastic Mulch

W. Terry Kelley, Extension Horticulturist

Plastic mulch is widely used in southeastern tomato production to promote early growth, weed suppression, and moisture conservation. While there are initial cost implications and limitations like controlling specific weeds, the advantages generally outweigh the disadvantages.

Types of Plastic

Black plastic is commonly used in spring production, while white plastic is better suited for summer crops to avoid excess soil heating. Embossed plastic is beneficial for multiple cropping due to its durability.

Bed Preparation

Bed preparation involves shaping beds to facilitate drainage and reduce waterlogging. Proper plastic installation minimizes wind disturbance and maintains the mulch's effectiveness.

Fertilizer Management Under Plastic

Proper fertilization is critical under plastic mulch. Pre-plant incorporation of phosphorus and micronutrients, followed by regular nitrogen and potassium applications through drip irrigation, ensures balanced nutrient availability.

Planting into Plastic Mulch

Tomato transplants are typically set using a water wheel planter, ensuring proper placement and initial watering. The waiting period post-fumigation is essential to avoid phytotoxic effects.

Irrigation

Kerry Harrison, Extension Engineer

Irrigation is vital for consistent, high-quality tomato yields in Georgia due to the variability in rainfall and common sandy soils. Studies show irrigation can increase yields significantly compared to dryland production. Various irrigation methods can be used depending on field size, water availability, and cost efficiency.

Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler systems should be able to deliver at least an inch of water every four days, with application rates adjusted to prevent runoff. Sprinkler systems with high application uniformity can also facilitate fertilizer application.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is preferred for its water use efficiency, especially when used with plastic mulch. It reduces water usage by about 40% compared to sprinklers and minimizes weed growth. Drip irrigation also permits fertigation, allowing direct nutrient application to plants throughout the growing season.

Scheduling Irrigation

Evapotranspiration (ET) rates and soil moisture should be monitored to schedule irrigation effectively, maintaining moisture in the root zone to prevent stress that could damage plants. Soil moisture management ensures optimal growth and reduces the risk of issues like blossom-end rot.

Physiological Problems

George Boyhan and W. Terry Kelley, Extension Horticulturists

Several physiological issues can affect tomatoes, often due to specific environmental conditions. It's crucial to understand these problems and implement measures to mitigate their impact, such as maintaining even moisture and proper nutrition levels.

Blossom-End Rot

This calcium deficiency manifests as black, necrotic tissue at the blossom end. Consistent soil moisture and proper calcium levels in the soil can help reduce its occurrence.

Blossom Drop

High nighttime temperatures above 70 degrees F can cause blossoms to drop, leading to reduced yields. Timing plantings to avoid such temperature extremes and using "hot set" varieties can mitigate this issue.

Fruit Cracking

Radial and concentric fruit cracking occur due to rapid growth under varying moisture and temperature conditions. Maintaining even watering and selecting crack-resistant varieties can help prevent this problem.

Soil and Nutrient Management

W. Terry Kelley and George E. Boyhan, Extension Horticulturists

Effective soil and nutrient management are pivotal for tomato production. Regular soil testing and appropriate lime and fertilizer applications ensure plants receive necessary nutrients for optimal growth.

Soil pH

The ideal pH range for tomatoes is 6.2 to 6.8. Lime should be applied and incorporated well ahead of planting to adjust soil pH properly, which affects nutrient availability and microbial activity.

Fertilizer Management

Fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests help match nutrient applications to crop needs, avoiding wastage and adverse effects on growth and quality. Starter solutions rich in phosphorus support early growth and root development.

Plant Tissue Analysis and Petiole Sap Analysis

Regular tissue and sap analyses help monitor nutrient levels, allowing adjustments through fertigation to optimize plant health and productivity.

Diseases

David B. Langston, Jr., Extension Plant Pathologist

Diseases are a major limiting factor in tomato production in Georgia due to the favorable climate for pathogens. Effective disease management involves prevention, rotation, resistant varieties, and integrated pest management strategies.

Bacterial Diseases

Bacterial spots, wilts, and specks are common bacterial diseases affecting tomatoes. Control measures include seed testing, rotation, proper hygiene, and timely application of copper-based fungicides.

Virus Diseases

Viruses like Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) are spread by insect vectors and can cause significant yield losses. Management includes using resistant varieties, reflective mulches, and controlling vector populations.

Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases such as early blight, late blight, and Fusarium wilt require a combination of resistant varieties, crop rotation, and fungicide applications. Southern Stem Blight and Septoria spots are also notable threats that need diligent monitoring and control.

Insect Management

Alton N. Sparks, Jr., Extension Entomologist

Insect pests can damage tomatoes throughout the growing season. Effective management includes regular scouting, understanding pest habits, and timely application of effective control measures.

Seedling Pests

Cutworms

Cutworms can damage seedlings by cutting them at the base. Preventive measures or directed sprays can manage their effects effectively.

Thrips

Thrips can cause damage and spread TSWV. Monitoring populations and using reflective mulches and insecticides when necessary can minimize their impact.

Foliage Feeders

Aphids

Aphids can cause stunting and spread diseases. Regular scouting and treating when infestations are high help manage their impact.

Colorado Potato Beetle

Although less common, Colorado Potato Beetles can defoliate plants. Scouting and timely treatment help keep their numbers in check.

Harvest, Handling, and Sanitation

William C. Hurst, Extension Food Scientist

Harvesting at the right maturity stage, careful handling, and rigorous sanitation practices are key to maintaining tomato quality and ensuring food safety. Proper field maturity, gentle harvesting, and post-harvest handling minimize damage and extend shelf life.

Postharvest Handling

Postharvest handling involves careful washing, grading, and cooling to maintain quality. Using dump tanks with properly managed chlorine levels and maintaining proper temperatures are crucial steps.

Marketing

Esendugue Greg Fonsah, Extension Economist

Effective marketing encompasses more than selling; it includes production planning, harvesting, packaging, distribution, and pricing. Understanding market demands, quality expectations, and strategic promotion are essential for success.

Georgia is an important player in the U.S. tomato industry, with production and yields influenced by weather and market conditions. Pricing and export trends reflect the global nature of the tomato market, emphasizing the importance of quality and consistency.

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