THE INFLUENCE OF CULTIVAR AND GROWING METHODS ON EARLINESS OF TOMATOES

Experiments upon elaboration of most reliable methods of the field tomatoes production were continued during 1978–1980.

The main limiting factor for the field tomato production in Poland is temperature.
For that reason the main criterion to test new varieties and cultural practices is the sum of heat unit required to get satisfactory yield.
Upon examination of experimental data the best fitness gave base temperature equal to 6°C. The sum of heat unit for this base temperature in Central Poland during the tomato growing season is in the average year equal to 1372°C.

Evaluation of five methods of plant raising: 7, 5 and 3 weeks old transplants and two methods of direct sowing – pre-germinated and dry seeds, using two extra early varieties /Alfa and Akord F₁/ against standard variety New Yorker allowed to draw the following conclusions:

The only method to get reliable yields of field tomatoes is to use 5 to 7 weeks old, preferably potted, transplants.

Simplification of tomato growing methods by the use of young seedlings or direct sowing greatly increased the risk of crop failure and postponed the time of harvest until September.

The earliness of newly bred cultivars is mainly expressed by shortening of time from flowering until fruit maturation.
For this reason only with the use of transplants their earliness can be fully demonstrated.
Various aspects of the earliness are discussed.

Symposium on Timing of Field Production of Vegetables

H. Skapski, T. Pyzik

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1981.122.1