Growers learn to match the right varieties at International Tomato Day
The main concept of the event was to show attendees how to match the right variety with the right technology to reach the most profitable level of production in specific environments. More than 60 varieties were featured focusing on different environments including heated soilless, unheated soil and open field, taking the requirements of the Central Eastern European market into consideration. With about 200 persons from 34 countries in attendance, the event was a great success.
One of the field stops showcased three main tomato rootstocks: Maxifort, Optifort and Beaufort - and their effects on the scions – like Foronti, Merlice or Komeett. One of the most popular highlights of the event was a presentation on the practice of the process of grafting. The open field portfolio and related technologies – complex fertigation, soil coverage, single row vs double row – were also discussed focusing on new varieties like: SV5215TD. Varieties from the beef and large loose segment like Yigido, Matias, Roque, Kiveli, were also showcased. At the station of the semi-determinate varieties Magnus & Corvinus were in focus grown on 1 - and on 2 stems. During this part of the route guests could listen a presentation about the positive effects of priming on the germination of the seed. The company’s fully populated pipeline was also on stage with around 270 varieties focusing on pink, beef, semi-determinate and large loose varieties.
During the event, guests were invited to hear additional presentations and take part in workshops. Presenters spoke about how to react to the changing global tomato market, long range purposes of breeding, effective control on various diseases, grafting, growing on different soil types and even consumer trends. The event concluded with external presenters from GreenQ, Koppert and Grodan.