Tomato Production Guidelines
Tomato production in South Africa requires careful consideration of the regional climate, soil conditions, and disease management practices. Here are some comprehensive guidelines to help you get started:
Climate and Planting Seasons
Tomatoes thrive in different climates across South Africa, which necessitates region-specific planting times. It should be kept in mind that tomatoes are sensitive to frost.
Soil Preparation and Planting
Tomatoes grow best in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Soil preparation includes deep ploughing and the incorporation of organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
Fertilization:
Fertilizer should be balanced with removal rates of tomatoes according to yield per area as well as variety of the tomato being planted.
General soil analysis norms
Broad based norms are summarized in the Table below.
Disease and Pest Management
Tomato plants are susceptible to various diseases, such as early and late blight, tomato mosaic virus, and blossom end rot. Effective management includes:
Disease-Resistant Varieties: Use disease-resistant varieties to reduce the incidence of common diseases.
Crop Rotation: Avoid planting tomatoes in the same soil consecutively to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plant debris to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Varieties
Several tomato varieties are well-suited to different South African regions:
Moneymaker: Versatile and can be grown in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. Yields 15 to 20 kg per plant.
Roma: Suitable for Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and Mpumalanga. Ideal for canning with yields of 6.8 to 9.1 kg per plant.
Cherry Sweetie: Thrives in warm to hot regions like Gauteng and Limpopo, yielding 10 to 15 kg per plant.
Harvesting
Tomatoes are usually ready for harvest about 90 days after planting, with a picking season that can extend up to 80 days. Harvest when fruits are fully coloured but firm, handling them gently to avoid bruising. By adhering to these guidelines, you can optimize your tomato production in South Africa, ensuring healthy plants and bountiful yields. For more detailed information, you can refer to resources such as Nufarmer Africa and South Africa Online.
Further reading
The Farming Handbook, Barry Smith (2006).
The Vegetable Production Manual, Piet Stork (2017).
References
Smith, B. 2006. The Farming Handbook. CTA and University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Compiled by Godfrey Hartman, Kynoch Agriculturist