Plasticulture Trials in Southwest Michigan
MSU scouted the performance of 19 tomato cultivars in 2015
Summary
The best overall performing fresh market tomato entries as measured by high total and number one yield, low number two and cull yield and high fruit weight were Volante, Mountain Majesty and Red Morning. The best overall performing red saladette entry as measured by high total and number one yield and low number two and cull yield and a relatively large average fruit size was Plum Regal. For growers with a market for orange fruit, Orange Roma had decent yield performance but was relatively small in fruit size.
Methods
Planting
On 17 April, 2015, seed of the 25 cultivars was planted into 72 cell transplant trays and placed into a commercial greenhouse. Transplants were set to the field into a plasticulture system 28 May as separate saladette or fresh market trials. Beds were six-inches high with a spacing of 5.5 feet between beds and 18 inches between plants in the row (5,280 plants/acre). A drip irrigation line was inserted in the bed at the time of bed shaping and plastic mulch application. Plants were pruned and trained to a stake and weave system. Trials were planted and analyzed as a completely randomized design with four replications and eight plants/plot.
Fertilizer
Prior to bed shaping, 44-0-0, 0-0-64, sulfur and Granubor were broadcast and incorporated at a rate of 75, 330, 27 and 7 pounds per acre, respectively. After planting, liquid 28-0-0 and 0-0-30 were applied through the drip system once a week at a rate of 1 pound nitrogen and 2 pounds potassium/acre/day. Drip fertilization began the week of 22 June and ended the week of 17 August for a post-plant total of 63 and 126 pounds per acre nitrogen and potassium, respectively.
Pest control
Weeds between rows were controlled when they were small with Gramoxone applied using a backpack sprayer. Diseases and insects were controlled using commercially recommended practices.
Harvest and data collection
Plots were harvested six times; 12, 19 and 27 August and 2, 16 and 28 September. Fruit was graded into number 1, number 2, and culls. Number of number one fruit was counted so average number one fruit weight could be determined. Data from the two trials was analyzed separately.
Click here to read the full results at MSU Extension