production tecnology of VEGETABLES

Tomato

     Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is most important and remunerative vegetable crop in India. A rich source of minerals, vitamins and organic acids, tomato fruit provides 3–4% total sugar, 4–7% total solids, 15–30mg/100g ascorbic acid, 7.5–10 mg/100ml titratable acidity and 20–50mg/100g fruit weight of lycopene.Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar and Orissa, are major tomato-growing states in India.

Climate and soil

        Tomato, a warm-season vegetable, is grown extensively in cool season also. The optimum temperature required for its cultivation is 15°–27°C. At high and low temperatures, there is low germination of seeds, poor plant growth, flower drop, poor fruit set and ripening. At high temperatures, generally the quality of fruits is poor and there is high incidence of sun-scald. Under extreme high and low temperature conditions, the yield and quality of fruits is reduced. Mild winter condition in northern plains is ideal for seed germination, plant growth, fruit set, fruit development and ripening. Excessive rains adversely affect its fruit set causing flower drop.

            Tomato is grown in varied types of soil—sandy loam to clay, black soil and red soil—having proper drainage. However, sandy loam, rich in organic matter is ideal for its cultivation. The pH of the soil should be 7–8.5. Tomato can tolerate moderate acidic and saline soils. In red and black soils of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, tomato hybrids are cultivated commercially.