Question
Dear George,
I bought the V3 F1 tomato variety. I’d like information about how to care and harvest this variety.
Jamshidbek
George
Hi Jamshidbek,
In order to give you specific information, I need more facts about your growing region and
conditions. Meanwhile, I will give you general information.
First of all, V3 is TYLCV resistant (not fully resistant). If your region is infected with Bemisia
Tabacci, you must control the Bemisia and keep the tomato plant healthy and strong.
The optimum density for V3 is 2.2-2 plants per square meter. The plant must be balanced from
the beginning to the end of the season – not too vigorous and not too weak, especially the top of
the plant – to ensure good fruit set. Because of hot days, don’t leave the top of the plant too
high, since the heat will cause the flowers to drop before fruit set.
As for irrigation & fertilization: the plant should never be thirsty at any stage, but beware of too
much watering. The daily irrigation quantity and intervals between irrigations depend on the
growing stage, soil structure (heavy to sandy). For sandy soil, irrigation can be daily or once
every 3 to 5 days.
The plant’s fertilization needs are mainly N:P:K + Micro elements. Fertilization should begin one
week after transplanting, with about 1 Kg/day/Hectare of each one of the balanced fertilizers
N.P.K. + ME. The quantity should be increased as the plant grows. We usually continue to apply
this fertilizer until the second cluster fruit set, and then switch to the poly feed fertilizer N:P:K at
a rate of 2:1:3 N:P:K. The quantity should be increased up to 4-4.5 kg of pure N, 2kg of pure P,
6-7 kg of pure K daily/Ha at the fruit picking stage. This will result in high yields of high quality
fruit.
In order to keep the plant healthy, it is important to avoid exposing the fruit to direct radiation
and to be careful not to remove leaves which will reveal the fruit (green shoulders). Also, before
transplanting, be sure that the soil is rich with organic manure.
Best of luck
George Arraf – Agro Technical Support Specialist