Self-stopping tomatoes - cultural and economic aspects.

Abstract

The labour requirements and costs for growing 2 crops of traditionally trained tomatoes per year are contrasted with those estimated for an experimental sequence of 4 self-stopping crops in which specially bred plants are grown at a high density, with little or no lateral growth and once-over harvesting. In preliminary trials with prototype plants, it was necessary to provide support and to remove side-shoots at least twice, and fruit set was enhanced by using a high-pressure sprayer. The need for further developments in cultural techniques and breeding programmes for self-stopping crops is discussed. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)