The main consumption pattern of small fruit tomatoes differs from other tomato varieties. Due to their high sugar content and rich flavor, these tomatoes are small in size. After cleaning, they can be eaten whole, making them very convenient for modern consumers. This has led to an increase in their cultivation area. Two popular varieties, Gold Orange No.1 and Golden Queen, are hybrid generations known for their heat resistance, storage ability, high yield, and strong breeding characteristics. Gold Orange No.1 has an orange-yellow color, while the Golden Queen produces golden yellow fruits. Each fruit weighs approximately 10-15 grams, with a sweet and crisp taste and a high carotene content—equivalent to 2,500 IU of vitamin A. This makes them an excellent source of carotene and vitamin A.
Xinya No.8, also known as Jade Red Tomato, is another half-hearted type variety. It has a flavor similar to that of cherry tomatoes and is resistant to tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Its quality is comparable to that of cherry tomatoes. When cultivating small tomatoes, Xinya No.8 serves as a good example. The "Jioon" variety, specifically, has a natural fruiting rate of up to 40-64% during summer, which is higher than most others. With auxin treatment, the fruiting rate can reach 85-95%. The fruit is elliptical and bullet-shaped, weighing about 10 grams. It is resistant to wilt disease and tomato yellow leaf curl virus, does not crack easily, and is a half-stop growing type. It grows to a height of 150-240 cm, so it doesn't require staking or greenhouse structures. In autumn and winter, it grows more vigorously than traditional tomato scaffolding. Spring planting is best done between March and April, summer between May and August, and autumn/winter between October and December.
There are two main cultivation methods: open field and rain shelter. Open field cultivation is used in autumn and winter, while rain shelters are preferred in spring and summer. Shelving cultivation provides sufficient sunlight and easy harvesting, making it the main method for producing high-quality small tomatoes. Some farmers use simple netting structures in summer to protect plants from wind and rain, ensuring consistent production and quality.
Cultivation management involves several key techniques:
1. **Nursery**: Small fruit tomatoes have larger seeds compared to regular tomatoes, with a seed weight of 1.4–1.8 grams. Empty-disk seedlings are widely used. For summer cultivation, 70-gauge trays are recommended due to better fertility. Autumn and winter use 120-gauge trays. Avoiding rainy days is crucial for seedling health, as disturbed seedlings can affect early yields. Disease prevention, especially for tomato leaf diseases, is critical. Using 60-mesh white nylon nets helps prevent silverleaf whitefly infestations. Seedlings should be fertilized two days before transplanting and should have about four leaves when moved.
2. **Planting**: Planting density varies depending on season and method. Spring and autumn allow wider spacing (75–150 cm), while summer requires closer spacing (60 cm). Pruning methods like double or four-stem pruning influence spacing. Open field planting uses 150 cm row spacing and 60–75 cm plant spacing. Rain shelter cultivation requires 240 cm row spacing and 75 cm plant spacing.
3. **Pruning Methods**: Double pole and four-pole pruning are commonly used. Double pole pruning removes all lateral branches except the first one from the first inflorescence. Four-pole pruning allows for additional stems. Proper pruning prevents excessive foliage and ensures better fruit development.
4. **Water and Fertilizer Management**: Tomatoes are deep-rooted, with roots reaching 120–150 cm. Sandy loam soil is ideal. Continuous cropping should be avoided, and crop rotation with rice, beans, or corn is recommended. Organic compost is essential, with 2,000 kg per hectare suggested for pruning systems. Topdressing is important, applied 20–30 days after transplanting. Boron and calcium deficiencies must be carefully managed, with foliar sprays used if necessary.
5. **Rainproof Cultivation**: Summer rain is a major issue, causing fruit cracking and loss of value. Simple net houses are increasingly used to protect crops. Net cultivation improves fruit quality, with higher sugar content and better marketability.
6. **Fruiting Enhancement**: High night temperatures reduce fruit set. Auxin applications help improve fruiting, especially in summer. Spraying should be done carefully to avoid damage to top buds.
7. **Pest Control**: Common diseases include seedling blight, bacterial spot, and tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Xinya No.8 is resistant to some of these. Preventive measures and proper management are key to maintaining healthy crops.
This comprehensive approach ensures high-quality, high-yield small fruit tomatoes that meet modern consumer demands.
Arm Portable CMM
Arm Portable CMM
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