Jones, Jr. Tomato Plant Culture

In the Field, Greenhouse, and Home Garden, Second Edition
2. Auflage 2007
ISBN: 978-1-4200-0739-8
Verlag: Taylor & Francis
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, 420 Seiten

While tomatoes continue to be one of the most widely grown plants, the production and distribution of tomato fruits have been changing worldwide. Smaller, flavorful tomatoes are becoming more popular than beefsteak tomatoes, greenhouse-grown tomatoes have entered the marketplace, and home gardeners are using the Internet to obtain information for growing tomatoes. Encompassing these changes, Tomato Plant Culture: In the Field, Greenhouse, and Home Garden, Second Edition clearly presents the characteristics, nutritional information, environmental requirements, and production aspects of tomato plants and fruits.

Authored by one of the foremost experts in hydroponics, the book outlines the history of the tomato plant and fruit and delves into the author's personal experiences with tomato plant cultivation. It discusses the characteristics and composition of the plant as well as seedling and seed production. The author elucidates the physical features of the fruit and the mineral nutrition of the plant. He also examines the physical and chemical characteristics of soils most desirable for plant growth, makes fertilizer recommendations, and explores the factors involved in greenhouse tomato production. In addition, the book looks at ways to identify and control plant diseases and insect pests.

With scientific data, trivia, and troubleshooting advice, this technical yet accessible book enables scientists, commercial growers, and home gardeners to cultivate a successful crop of tomatoes.

Zielgruppe

Professional growers, crop consultants, state/county agricultural extension agents, advanced home gardeners, crop scientists, and plant scientists.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Jones, Jr., J. Benton

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Sport | Tourismus | Freizeit Gartenbau

Inhaltsverzeichnis

INTRODUCTION
Historical Background
Tomato Trivia
Plant Characteristics
Scientific Classification
Common Names
Tomato Products
Tomato Yield Records
Production Statistics
Consumer Consumption and Preferences
Tomato Production in the United States
Greenhouse Tomato Production
Field- versus Greenhouse-Grown Fruit
Home Gardening
Personal General Observations
The Internet
Personal Experiences

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS AND PHYSIOLOGY
Introduction
Plant Forms
Days to Maturity
Photosynthetic Characteristics
Light Energy Level
Light Quality
Daylight Length
Carbon Dioxide Enrichment
Water Requirement
Plant Air Temperature Requirements
Root Temperature Effects
Consistency
Flower Characteristics
Flower Pollination
Fruit Characteristics
Cultural Systems
Field Production
Greenhouse Production

SEED AND SEEDLING PRODUCTION
Introduction
Seed Characteristics
Elemental Composition
Germination Testing Procedures
Germination Time and Temperature
Young Vegetative Plants
Seedling Production
Transplant Characteristics
Setting in the Soil
Grafting
Seed Production
Saving Seed from Mature Tomato Fruit
Catalog Descriptions
Days to Maturity
Seed Treatments
Disease Resistance Codes
Seed Sources
Heirloom Varieties

FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS
Introduction
Physical Characteristics
Size
Shape
Firmness
Color Classification
Fruit Ripening
Fruit Grades
Defects
Consumer Quality Factors
Flavor
pH
Storage
Packaging
Nutritional Content
Sun-Dried Fruit
Organically Grown and Pesticide Free
Useful Units

TOMATO PLANT NUTRITION
Introduction
Nomenclature
The Essential Elements
The Structural Elements
The Mineral Elements
Micronutrients
Nutrient Element Uptake Patterns with Time
The Beneficial Elements
Humic Acid
Plant Nutrient Element Management
Plant Analysis
Essential Element Levels in the Tomato Plant
Concentration Units
Tissue Testing
Tissue Testing Kits
Interpretation of Plant Analysis and Tissue Test Results
Visual Symptoms of Deficiency and Excess
Soil Testing
Soilless Rooting Medium Assay
Soil Testing Laboratories
Sensitivity to Salinity

FIELD PRODUCTION IN SOIL
Introduction
Soil Physical Characteristics
Subsoil Characteristics
Soil Fertility Requirements
Soil pH
Soil Salinity
Soil Preparation and Rotation
Irrigation Water Quality
Fertilizer Recommendations
Nutrient Content and Removal
Plant Population and Spacing
Fruit Yield
Home Garden Production Procedures
Home Garden Soil Properties
Plant Cultural Management
Organically Grown
Growing Tomatoes in Containers

GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
Introduction
Past Status
Current and Future Growth
Factors Affecting Greenhouse Production
The Tomato Greenhouse
Water Quality
Cropping Sequences and Climate
Culture Systems
Fruit Yield and Cost of Production
Organic Soilless Media Bag Culture
Hydroponic Growing
Hydroponic Growing Systems
Other Hydroponic Growing Systems
The Nutrient Solution
Organic Hydroponics
Greenhouse Cultivars/Varieties
Rootstocks
Crop/Growing System Monitoring
Personal Observations

PEST IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL
Introduction
Resistant Cultivars
Plant Diseases
Botrytis Gray Mold
Seedborne Diseases
Soilborne Diseases
Insects
Nematodes
How to Control Pests
Integrated Pest Management
Prophylactic Procedures
Nutrient Solution Disease Control
Weed Control
Professional Assistance
Worker Protection for Greenhouse Employees
Changing Label Recommendations and Restrictions
Greenhouse Decontamination and Cleaning
Home Gardener Pest Control

REFERENCES
APPENDICES
INDEX