Tomatoes, Ch.21
How does a determinant differ from an indeterminant tomato plant?
Determinant - Fruit matures over shorter time Indeterminant - Fruit may be late in maturing
Why is tomato the most popular garden vegetable?
Easy to grow, a few plants produce enough fruit for a family, ripe fruit from garden has a far better flavor than store purchased fruit
When should tomato fruit be harvested?
Fruit should be firm and fully colored, High temperatures - accelerated softening process, At frost - harvest all green mature fruit
How can you control tomato hornworms?
Hand picking, BT - gram + insecticide bacterium , Braconid wasps, Sevin & other insecticides
What causes blossom end rot?
It is caused by poor calcium distribution in the fruit, Use mulching or maintain even watering to avoid
Are yellow tomatoes less acidic than red tomatoes?
No, there is a greater sugar content, flavor difference due to balance of sugars to acid
Why would a gardener stake tomatoes?
Reduces disease problems, Improves fruit quality, Uses less space
How does the center of origin and the center of domestication differ for tomatoes?
They originated in Andean region in Northwestern South America, they were domesticated in Mexico by the Aztecs
What is a salad tomato?
Vigorous growth and are very productive, Fruit size ranges form 1 to 2 inches in diameter