Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally significant vegetable crop in the Solanaceae family, valued for its nutritional content and economic importance. This presentation covers the production technology of tomato, including climate and soil requirements, propagation, varieties, crop management, and major diseases and pests. Emphasis is placed on best practices for high yield and quality, relevant for competitive exams and academic study.
Introduction to Tomato
- Scientific name: Solanum lycopersicum
- Family: Solanaceae
- Originated in western South America; domesticated in Central America
- Chromosome number: 2n = 24 (corrected; not 26)
- India ranks 2nd globally in tomato production
Botanical and Nutritional Aspects
- Botanically, tomato fruit is classified as a berry
- Rich in vitamins A, C, K and antioxidants like lycopene and lutein
- Consumption helps reduce risk of cancer, supports eye health, and regulates blood pressure
Major Tomato Growing Regions
- Top producers: China, India, USA, Turkey, Egypt
- In India: Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh
Propagation Methods
- Tomato is propagated by seeds or vegetative methods
- Vegetative propagation uses plant cuttings for true-to-type plants
- Seed propagation is most common in commercial cultivation
Climate, Soil, and Rainfall Requirements
- Warm season crop; optimal temperature: 21–24°C
- Cannot tolerate frost or high humidity
- Prefers deep, well-drained sandy loam soils (15–20 cm depth)
- Requires low to moderate rainfall (approx. 194 mm during growing season)
Land Preparation and Planting
- Land should be well-prepared, ridged, and free of weeds
- Seed sowing: June–July (autumn-winter), November (spring-summer), March–April (hills)
- Transplant seedlings at 75–90 x 45–60 cm spacing
- Use healthy seedlings (10–12 inches tall)
Major Types and Varieties of Tomato
- Types: Cherry, Grape, Roma, Beefsteak, Heirloom, Tomatoes on the vine, Green tomatoes
- Popular varieties: Rashmi, Pusa Early Dwarf, Rupali, Sioux, Vaishali, Abhinav, Avishkar
Irrigation Management
- Requires 1–2 inches of water per week
- Drip irrigation preferred for transplanted tomatoes
- Sprinkler irrigation for direct-seeded crops (early stages)
- Furrow irrigation used after establishment
Manures and Fertilizers
- Apply 20–25 t/ha well-rotted FYM/compost during land preparation
- Recommended fertilizer dose: 75:40:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O per ha
- Apply half N, full P, and half K as basal; remaining N and K as top dressing
Weed Management
- Practices: crop rotation, cultivation, sanitation, proper field preparation
- Pre-emergence herbicide: Metribuzin
- Post-emergence herbicide: Paraquat
Major Diseases and Pests of Tomato
Anthracnose DiseasePathogen: Colletotrichum spp.
Symptoms:
- Circular lesions on fruit; centers turn tan; black spots on fruit
Management:
- Avoid sprinkler irrigation during fruit ripening
- Crop rotation with non-solanaceous crops
Black Mold Disease
Pathogen: Alternaria spp.
Symptoms:
- Black or brown lesions on ripe fruit surface
Management:
- Avoid wetting foliage; use fungicides if necessary
Colorado Potato Beetle
Nature: Insect pest
Symptoms:
- Feeding damage to foliage; black and yellow striped beetle visible
Management:
- Handpick adults and larvae; destroy in soapy water
- Use Bacillus thuringiensis for larvae control
Aphids
Nature: Insect pest
Symptoms:
- Yellowing and distortion of leaves
Management:
- Use tolerant varieties; apply neem oil
Harvesting and Yield
- First harvest: 60–70 days after transplanting (variety dependent)
- Harvest by twisting fruit by hand or mechanically
- Average yield: 20–25 t/ha; hybrids: up to 50–60 t/ha
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
- Store mature (yellow) tomatoes at 12–16°C (55–60°F)
- Cold storage life: 3–4 weeks
- Do not store below 4°C (40°F) to avoid chilling injury
Objective Questions
Q1. What is the scientific name of tomato?
A. Solanum tuberosum
B. Solanum lycopersicum
C. Lycopersicon esculentum
D. Solanum melongena
Answer: B
Q2. Which country is the largest producer of tomatoes?
A. India
B. USA
C. China
D. Turkey
Answer: C
Q3. What is the chromosome number of tomato?
A. 2n=24
B. 2n=26
C. 2n=28
D. 2n=32
Answer: B
Q4. Which irrigation method is commonly used for stand establishment of transplanted tomatoes?
A. Furrow irrigation
B. Drip irrigation
C. Flood irrigation
D. Basin irrigation
Answer: B
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a major type of tomato?
A. Cherry tomato
B. Roma tomato
C. Plum tomato
D. Beefsteak tomato
Answer: C
Q6. What is the recommended fertilizer dose (N:P2O5:K2O) per hectare for tomato?
A. 60:30:30
B. 75:40:25
C. 90:60:60
D. 50:25:25
Answer: B
Q7. Which disease is characterized by circular lesions on the fruit with tan centers in tomato?
A. Black mold disease
B. Anthracnose disease
C. Late blight
D. Fusarium wilt
Answer: B
Q8. What is the optimum temperature range for tomato cultivation?
A. 10-15°C
B. 15-18°C
C. 21-24°C
D. 28-32°C
Answer: C
Q9. Which pre-emergence herbicide is used for weed control in tomato?
A. Paraquat
B. Glyphosate
C. Metribuzin
D. Atrazine
Answer: C
Q10. What is the average yield per hectare for hybrid tomato varieties?
A. 10-15 t/ha
B. 20-25 t/ha
C. 30-40 t/ha
D. 50-60 t/ha
Answer: D
