27/06/2022
Tomato Varieties and their yields
There are categories of tomato varieties, namely determinate and indeterminate.
Determinate tomato varieties grow to a standard height of about 1metre. They stop growing when fruit starts forming on the top bud. The fruit from the plant ripens at approximately the same period (usually 7-14days). They stand on their own hence do not require staking for support.
Indeterminate tomatoes continue growing and producing fruits until it withers due to environmental factors such as drought and frost. This variety reaches heights of up to 2metres. Indeterminate will flower, set new fruit and ripen fruit all at the same time throughout the season. They require substantial staking for support.
Some of the common varieties of tomatoes grown in Kenya include;
Rio Grande- This is a determinate variety that does very well in warm climates. It is a very popular tomato with rich deep red and sweet-tasting fruits. Some of the attributes Rio Grande variety holds include;
It can yield up to 18tonnes per acre
The Rio Grande matures in between 75–85 days.
It is tolerant to verticillium and fusarium wilt.
Assila F1- This is a determinate variety that produces red coloured fruits with an oval shape and is known to be sweet. Other characteristics attributed to Assila F1 include;
Assila F1 is an early maturing variety taking 75days to mature after transplanting.
It is tolerant to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus and nematodes.
This variety can yield up to 23tonnes per acre.
It can be stored well and transported without much damage.
Kilele f1 – This is a determinate variety suitable for growing in the drier or humid regions. Some of its attributes include;
This variety is tolerant to diseases such as Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Verticillium, Fusarium Wilt, and Nematodes.
It matures in 75-85days after transplanting.
Kilele F1 can yield up to 35tonnes per acre.
Its fruit is firm and elongated. The fruit has a 21day shelf life, thereby giving you adequate time to seek its market.
Cal j – this is a determinate variety that is open-pollinated. It produces red, blocky shaped fruits. Some of the other attributes of this variety include;
It matures in about 75–85 days after transplanting.
This variety has the potential to yield up to 12tonnes per acre
Cal J is also known for its easy transportability to the market
Anna F1- Anna F1 falls in the category of indeterminate. It does well in both greenhouses and the open field. Some outstanding attributes for this variety include;
This variety matures in 75days.
Anna F1 has a yield of about 74tonnes per acre. It can yield up to 35kgs of tomatoes per plant
Anna f1's fruit is deep red, firm, and has an oval shape.
This variety has a high resistance to Alternaria stem canker, Verticillium, Fusarium wilt as well as nematodes.
Prostar F1 – Prostar F1 is a hybrid indeterminate variety that does well in warm climates. It can be grown both outdoors or in a greenhouse. Some of its attributes include;
It takes between 80-85days to mature.
It can yield up to 180tonnes per acre.
This variety is tolerant to Leaf Curl Virus and Bacterial Wilt.
It has a long harvesting period and excellent keeping quality.
The choice of the variety that you should plant should be based on several factors that include;
The variety's disease resistance capability. Some varieties are resistant to diseases such as fusarium wilt and nematodes.
Whether the variety is hybrid or the open-pollinated one. Hybrid varieties give higher yields but are costly in terms of the cost of seeds.
Depending on your farm, you should also consider whether the variety is determinate, indeterminate, or semi-determinate. Indeterminate varieties will raise your costs of materials and labour as you will be required to build the supports for the plants.
Also, the fruit type in terms of shape, size, and colour. The fruit type is determined by market needs, whether it is processing or market buyers.
