Off-season Cultivation of Tomato
a) About plastic tunnel
- The structure of tunnel is made up of bamboo sticks and wooden poles if 1-inch diameter
- A transparent plastic sheet of 300-500 gauge is placed on the structure to allow sunlight
- Plastic house of 5 m wide and 20 m length is considered suitable for constructing plastic tunnels.
- This is generally done to protect from rainfall to protect from disease infestations as wet soil is the cause for fungal infections.
b) Seed production
Self pollinated crop
- Isolation distance- 50m (Foundation seed) and 25m (Certified seed)
- Best time for planting the seed crop is Jan-mid Feb as it is not affected by the viruses due to low temp.
- Regular inspection at least thrice is required during growth period
- First- Before flowering on the basis of growth characters- Remove off type plant
- Second- at the time of flowering on the basis of flower characteristics
- Third- at the time of fruit ripening on the basis of fruit character
c) Method of seed preparation
- Harvest complete ripened fruits
- Crush under feet in wooden boxes and allow to ferment for 24-48 hrs
- In winter it may require more hrs. (up to 72)
- Wash the seeds in a sieve and dry in the sun
- HCl can be used for fermentation @1lit/quintals
- About 150-200 fruits required to produce 1 kg seed