"This year, the Calegari commercial farm started cultivating plum tomatoes in their 1,500 square metres covered in greenhouses," explained Barbara Calegari, owner of the family business together with her father.
Cherry tomatoes at Calegari
The company chose a variety from Gautier Sementi, "as we were already collaborating with it for lettuce." Most of the tomato production is dedicated to the Capriccio cherry variety, "though we are also carrying out tests on Apeticio and Bellacio miniplums." The company is also growing Cyro F.1 midiplums, yet another Gautier variety for which the company is studying a special packaging.
The crop is cultivated using the hydroponic method on Grodan slabs and the greenhouse never reaches a temperature over 30°C thanks to a spraying system. The same goes for humidity, which must always remain between 35 and 75%. A shading system is activated above 1,800 joule and water is analysed every 15-20 days to dose nutrients."
Barbara Calegari
"We have not used chemical treatments since 2008, we only use resistance inducers. The only problem could be caused by grey mould, and that is why we use phosphorous and potassium to strengthen the plants. The we use traps against Tuta absoluta, which may cause drops, and Miridae against red mite and white fly. We have been using the integrated control method for 20 years."
Gautier tomatoes are transplanted in February and production continues until November. Operators harvest the bunches at the bottom of plants, lowering the structure and thinnig plants every week.
Gautier plum tomatoes.
"The whole bunch ripens at the same time and has a very geometrical shape. The sugar level is approximately 9° Brix. I am usually worried about blossom-end rot, but there has been no sign of it so far."
Gautier plum tomatoes.
"The whole bunch ripens at the same time and has a very geometrical shape. The sugar level is approximately 9° Brix. I am usually worried about blossom-end rot, but there has been no sign of it so far."
"Production is looking good, but bunch tomatoes require quite a lot of labour despite the low yields. If round vine tomato bunches can reach a weight of 1 kg, plum tomato bunches reach half a kg."
Harvesting time.
But why chose these types of tomatoes then? "Retailers seem to prefer date tomatoes lately, even price-wise. Vine tomatoes are quoted at 90 cents per kg (not always though), but these varieties can reach even €4/kg."
Harvesting time.
But why chose these types of tomatoes then? "Retailers seem to prefer date tomatoes lately, even price-wise. Vine tomatoes are quoted at 90 cents per kg (not always though), but these varieties can reach even €4/kg."
These tomatoes can also be sold in punnets.
As regards the three Gautier varieties, "we are talking about a produce that is best sold in punnets." So much so that, after harvesting, the company sorts the tomatoes and places them in 250 g plastic glasses sold under the Pellerossa brand.
Plum tomatoes in 250 g glasses with the Pellerossa label.
"We have tried our best to promote our product," concludes Barbara, reporting also how so far they have received positive feedback from customers.
Contacts:
Società Agricola Calegari Alessandro & Enrico ss
Via Cerlacchia, 1
40054 Bagnarola di Budrio (BO) – Italia
Email: [email protected]
Gautier Sementi Italia
Via Pola, 17-19
47521 Cesena (FC) – Italia
Tel.: (+39) 0547 20966(+39) 0547 20966
Fax: (+39) 0547 20963
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.gautiersemences.com
