Introduction to Tomato
- Submitted to: Dr. Ijaz Rassol Noorka
- Submitted by: Sobia Kanwal
- Course: BAGF12MO10
Botanical Classification
- Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum L.
- Order: Solanales
- Family: Solanaceae
History and Origin
- Originated in the South American Andes.
- Introduced to Europe in the 16th century.
- Spread to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Common Names
- Tomate (Spain, France)
- Tomat (Indonesia)
- Faan ke’e (China)
- Jitomate (Mexico)
- Pomodoro (Italy)
Nutritional Value
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Contains essential amino acids and dietary fibers.
- High in vitamin B, C, iron, and phosphorus.
Botanical Structure
- Roots: Tap root system, depth of 50cm or more.
- Stem: Erect to prostate, 2-4 m tall.
- Leaves: Spirally arranged, 15-50 cm long.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
- Fruits: Fleshy berry, 2-15 cm in diameter.
- Seeds: Numerous, kidney-shaped, 3-5mm long.
- Ripe fruits range from yellow to red.
Cultivation Conditions
- Optimal temperature: 21C-23C.
- Grows well in various soil types.
- pH level: 7-8 for best results.
Cultivation Practices
- Seed rate: 300-400 g/ha for nursery.
- Transplanting in July, October-November, and February.
- Watering: Twice daily for germination.
Pest Management
- Common pests: Tomato fruit worm, white fly, aphid.
- Control methods include spraying Bacillus and Rogor.
- Regular monitoring is essential.
Disease Management
- Common diseases: Damping off, leaf curl, early blight.
- Management strategies include proper sanitation.
- Regular crop rotation helps reduce disease incidence.
Breeding Behavior
- Tomato is self-fertile but requires cross-pollination.
- Pollinators include bees and manual methods.
- Emasculation and tagging are common practices.
Breeding Objectives
- Develop early and high-yielding varieties.
- Focus on disease-resistant and storage-friendly varieties.
- Enhance processing suitability.
Global Production Statistics
| Country | Production (Million Tons) |
|---|
| China | 48.6 |
| India | 16.8 |
| USA | 12.6 |
Registered Varieties in Pakistan
- Ajax
- Cardinal
- Desiree
- Faisalabad red
- Laale Faisal
Culinary Uses of Tomato
- Used in various dishes globally.
- Popular in pizzas, sandwiches, and cocktails.
- Offers numerous nutritional benefits.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Supports heart health and vision.
- Contains anti-cancer properties.