Temperature is an important factor to consider for a successful tomato crop. It should be maintained between 17° and 32°C to achieve ripening and fruit stability. In cold environments, tomatoes are subject to bolting and susceptible to damage by disease-carrying plants. On the other hand, in hot extremes, tomatoes wilt.

Sunlight is also essential in growing tomatoes. Crops with optimum sunlight will produce tomatoes with more intense flavor and better storage life. Sunlight should be managed with caution to avoid excessive stress. Excessive light can also affect tomatoes on sunnier days.

Factors such as water quantity and quality also affect tomato growth. Tomato crops should be provided with good quality water, free of impurities. The soil should be well drained to allow the flow of rain or irrigation water. An insufficient water supply can result in bruised and peeled tomatoes. As with water, the quantity and quality of nutrient present in the soil is also important for tomato growth. Tomatoes require nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium to achieve their maximum production potential. In addition, soil pH must also be kept within a stable range for highest production.

Weeding is also an important part of maintaining a tomato crop. Weeds interfere with tomato growth and compete with tomatoes for nutrients and water. Weeding can be done by hand, using herbicides or a natural approach. Pests are an additional important element to consider when growing tomatoes. To minimize the risk of pest infestation, control practices such as temperature adjustment and pesticide use are useful. These practices have the potential to reduce pest infestation and significantly increase productivity.

Characteristics of a healthy tomato crop

The production of healthy tomato crop offers a clear advantage to all growers. Crop quality tomatoes are generally best suited to the local environment, generating greater profitability and efficiency for any grower. In addition, harvesting this vegetable variety is a good option for those who want a healthy and nutritious product.

In growing healthy tomato crop, there are important characteristics that every grower should consider. These include the following aspects:

1. Resistance: tomatoes with a resistant crop are those that are best adapted to the environment and climatic conditions of the location in question. These tomatoes have a higher yield, less crop loss and, at the same time, reduce the farmer’s labor time.

2. Nutrition: Nutritionally approved crop tomatoes contain nutritional values that promote overall health. These tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium and fiber that provide a better diet for the consumer.

3. Quality: It is important to keep in mind that well grown tomatoes should be tasty, have a good external appearance, uniform color and optimal flavor. These aspects help make the products more attractive and convenient for local producers.

4. Variety: It is a good idea to consider the variety of tomato crop. Tomato crop are divided into different groups according to grade, size, color, flavor and use. This classification helps the grower to have a better idea of which variety is suitable for his crop according to the requirements.

5. Sanitation: It is very important in the field of tomato production that proper sanitation practices are being used to prevent diseases and pests affecting the crop. These practices can range from maintaining and improving soil quality to preventing pests through measures such as the application of chemicals.

Characteristics of cultivated tomatoes

These characteristics of healthily grown tomatoes help ensure a quality product that meets the nutritional requirements of the consumer, as well as the profitability and efficiency of the grower. In addition to these five characteristics, tomato growers should consider crop rotation, in which different varieties of tomatoes are alternated to obtain higher yields. This practice also favors soil conservation, avoiding excessive deterioration and bringing greater absorption and nutrient supply to the substrate.

Likewise, care is more important in the production of healthy tomatoes, the maintenance of proper irrigation is key to ensure good crop development, as well as the control of biological infestations with roots, weeds or fungal diseases, fungi and parasites.

It is important to keep in mind that growers can also apply different post-harvest strategies to extend the shelf life of produce, such as proper storage, dry harvesting, proper transportation and temperature management. All of these practices are designed to ensure safe and sustainable production of healthy tomatoes for the consumer.

Tomatoes can be subject to abnormalities caused by factors such as genetics, environmental changes, nutritional deficiencies and diseases. These abnormalities can affect many aspects such as size, shape, color and yield.  Genetics play an important role in the size and shape of tomatoes. Inheritance of genetic traits can cause deviations in tomato size or shape. Inherited tomatoes may be larger or smaller than average, or have unusual shapes.

Nutritional deficiencies can also cause abnormalities in tomatoes. A crop with nutritional deficiencies may have tomatoes that are folded, distorted, and smaller than normal in size. These abnormalities may be due to low levels of nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium.