The Center for Integrated Training and Agrarian Experiences of Torre Pacheco has already obtained the first results from its experimental cultivation of local tomatoes in coconut fiber. The crops have been grown between January and July in unheated greenhouses, with a coconut fiber substrate that has made hydroponic cultivation possible. The objective is to boost the value of local tomato species and study their development and performance
The varieties tested come from the germplasm bank of IMIDA and the Cifea of Torre-Pacheco. The list includes cherry tomatoes (Huevo de Paloma Pequeño, Amarillo, Naranja and Cebralín), thick ribbed plum-shaped tomatoes (Muchamiel, Plum and Oxheart), smooth average-sized plum-shaped tomatoes (De la Vega), thick ribbed ones (Negro de Socovos, Muchamiel and Negro de Agramón) or dark smooth medium-sized ones (Bola Negra and Redondo). These and many others are all the product of selection processes carried out by producers for years, with their organoleptic qualities being the most determining factor.
First results
The first results reveal that the cherry and the dark smooth medium-sized ones are the most appreciated in terms of visual appearance and flavor, getting also the best scores in terms of hardness and consistency, which increases their chances of being appreciated by the consumer.
The Council will carry out promotional activities targeted at producers and technicians with the data collected this campaign, including a tasting. This initiative has been co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (Feader), the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Council of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
Source: agrodiario.com