Jim E. Wyatt and Emily W. Gatch

Twenty-four indeterminate tomato cultivars and hybrids were seeded in the greenhouse on March 20 and transplanted on April 22. Plots were 10 feet apart with plants two feet apart within the rows with 6 plants per plot. Experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Recommended cultural practices for staked tomatoes in western Tennessee were followed for fertilization and for weed, disease, and insect control. Plants were staked and supported using the "Florida weave" tying system. Supplemental water was provided as needed by drip irrigation. Fruit were harvested at the mature-green or breaker stage of maturity from May 27 to August 18 and graded by size. Four early harvests were from May 27 through July 14; four late harvests were from August 5 through August 18. small fruit were 2 4/32 to 2 9/32 inches in diameter and extra large fruit were >2 28/32 inches in diameter.

Table 1 contains data from seven select4ed tomato cultivars/hybrids which illustrates several of the differences found among the entries. We identified small-fruited types which were early (‘Fourth of July’ and ‘Early Cascade’) and late (‘PS 150 687') in fruit production. Three of the four highest yielding cultivars tended to have relatively small fruit (5 ox or less). ‘Brandy Boy’ had the largest average fruit size (13 oz) and most of the yield was from the middle part of the season. This study provides information on several cultivars which growers can produce to meet a wide range of local market demands for vine ripe tomatoes.

Table 1. Fruit yield of seven selected indeterminate tomato cultivars out of 24 entries observed.

Email all comments and suggestions to ghonea@utk.edu
Copyright © 1999 by The University of Tennessee. All rights reserved.

This research represents one season's data and does not constitute recommendations.  After sufficient data is collected over the appropriate number of seasons, final recommendations will be made through research and extension publications.