STUDIES ON EARLY TOMATO PRODUCTION IN IRELAND

A study was made on the effects of three growing temperatures and two sowing dates on the yield and earliness of two varieties of tomato, Ailsa Craig and Ware Cross.

The growing temperatures in 1961 and 1962 were (a) 62/62°F (b) 62/68°F (c) 68/68°F day/night minima, but in 1963 and 1964 these were changed to (a) 60/60°F (b) 65/65°F and (c) 70–70°F. In 1961 sowing was carried out on December 22, but in 1962, 1963 and 1964 the experiment was extended to include two sowing dates, November 22 and December 22. The treatments were combined in a factorial design within each temperature regime.

Results are presented to show the effects of treatment on early and total yield (up to June 15 and July 15). The importance of early sowing and higher post-planting temperatures is demonstrated.
Significant differences were also recorded between the two varieties, total yields from Ware Cross being superior at lower temperatures, while Ailsa Craig responded more favourably to highest temperature regimes.

Sowing Ware Cross on November 22 and growing

Symposium on Vegetable Growing under Glass

M.J. Woods

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1966.4.3