Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables and the pride of many gardeners in North Carolina. As many of have discovered, pests and diseases can make growing a bountiful tomato crop in North Carolina challenging.
To help identify tomato varieties that are less problem-prone, N.C. State Extension Master Gardener volunteers are trying out three new disease-resistant varieties developed by N.C. State plant breeders.
The tomato varieties under evaluation were bred and selected by Dilip Panthee, Reza Shekasteband, and Randolph Gardener, N.C. State Fresh Market Tomato Breeding Program team members. The three new varieties are:
- “Mountain Regina,” with an indeterminate growth habit and large, red fruit;
- “Mountain Heritage,” another indeterminate variety with large, pink fruit similar in shape to “Cherokee Purple.”
- “NC1012,” determinate variety with large red fruit.
“Cherokee Purple,” an heirloom variety with indeterminate growth and large, purple fruit, is also included in the trial. “Cherokee Purple” has little disease resistance and is grown mainly for its superior flavor. The performance and taste of the new disease-resistant varieties will be compared to this long-time favorite.
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