Fasals

Plowing and Planting of the Crop: Plowing and planting are crucial processes for tomato cultivation. Proper land preparation and the use of fertilizers are essential before planting.

Climate / Temperature: The ideal temperature for tomato cultivation ranges from 24°C to 28°C. Temperatures above 33°C hinder plant growth. In the first 30 days after planting, tomato plants require a lot of water.

Water Demand / Water Management: Drip irrigation is the most suitable method for tomato cultivation. The crop typically requires 600-900 milliliters of water. Mulching helps to retain soil moisture. Water the plants gradually to ensure proper root development, and stop irrigation during fruit ripening.

Soil: Loam soil is considered best for tomato farming. Proper drainage is essential, and the pH level of the soil should be between 6 and 7.5.

Major Varieties:

There are common and hybrid varieties of tomatoes.

• Common Varieties: Hisar Arun, Kashi Amrit, Pusa Early, Kashi Anupam, etc.
• Hybrid Varieties: Rashmi, Rupali, Vaishali, Swarna Vaibhav, etc.

Sowing of Crops: For common varieties, the seed rate is 500-600 grams per hectare, while for hybrid varieties, it is 200-250 grams per hectare. Seeds should be treated with fungicides before sowing.

Suitable Time of Sowing: The best time for sowing depends on regional climatic conditions, ensuring optimal growth and yield.

Field Preparation: After plowing the land, create beds that are 0.75 meters wide and 15-20 cm high. Organic manure, DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate), Muriate of Potash, and Urea should be used.

Crop Cycle: The tomato crop cycle typically lasts 8-10 weeks. This crop is ideal for nitrogen fixation. Proper pest management and timely weeding are essential for crop care.

Weed Management: Keep the field weed-free by regularly weeding. Hill the soil around the plants to help control weeds.

Diseases and Disease Prevention:

1. Late Blight: Moisture causes spots on leaves. Remove affected plants quickly and choose seeds carefully.
2. Damping-off: The plant stems become yellow and soft. Ensure proper drainage to prevent disease spread.
3. Mosaic Virus: This virus stunts plant growth and turns leaves yellow. Remove affected plants immediately.
4. Early Blight: Brown spots appear on the leaves. Practice crop rotation and remove affected plants.
5. Leaf Spot Disease: Due to moisture, dark spots with black rings form on the leaves. Control weeds to manage the disease.
6. Bacterial Spot: Small yellow spots appear on the leaves. Remove infected plants.
7. Curl Disease: Caused by whiteflies, this disease causes leaves to curl and turn yellow. Remove affected plants.
8. Fusarium Wilt: Leaves turn yellow and fall off. Use appropriate treatments on the roots.
9. Fruit Borer: These pests damage the fruit. Control measures should be implemented to prevent infestation.