Tomato is the most widespread crop in the world. According to statistics, over the past 3 years, global tomato production has reached 150-160 million tons and does not fall below this level. Tomato pastes, juices, ketchups, salads, snacks - an unlimited range of uses for this healthy vegetable. Tomato is so rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements that it is included in the top ten products in the world that are irreplaceable for the human body. In our article, we will consider an interesting Roma variety and give its characteristics and description.
Breeding history
The work of breeders around the world makes it possible to create varieties of various crops with a universal or, conversely, with a specific focus.
Roma tomatoes are a group of tomato varieties bred by American breeders. They have such universal qualities that they can be used in the range from whole fruit canning to making thick tomato paste and ketchup.
Tomatoes Roma F1 and Roma VF were bred back in the 50s and are widespread in the USA, Mexico, Australia, Great Britain.
In Russia, Dutch varieties are usually cultivated, so they are less popular here, but in all respects, the variety deserves the close attention of gardeners.
Description of the variety and characteristics of the tomato Roma
Roma tomato bushes - determinate, powerful, medium-sized - reaches height 60-70 cm... The best yield can be achieved when a bush of 1-2 stems is formed.
Roma - mid-season hybrid, the period of full ripening of fruits from the moment of germination to the achievement of technical ripeness by the fruits - 120-125 days... In the warm climate of the southern regions at normal temperatures, the crop has time to ripen in open ground or under a temporary film cover, in other regions - in greenhouses.
The fruits of the Roma variety are cylindrical plum-shaped (cream) with a pronounced sharp tip, red. The pulp is firm, fleshy, good taste. Fruits are perfectly transported, retain their taste for a long time, do not crack during canning, retain their taste and shape.
According to the reviews of the gardeners who grew this tomato, it is suitable for canning, long-term storage, freezing. Abroad, Roma tomatoes are used to produce delicious and varied pastes, sauces and ketchups, since this particular variety is very suitable for this.
The mass of fruits grown in the open field varies from 60 to 90g, in greenhouses reaches 110g... The productivity of the bush is quite high, but different sources give different indicators: from 6-8kg to 13-15kg per square meter.
Tomatoes of this variety react very badly to high humidity: flowering plants are practically not pollinated, and the risk of fungal diseases increases dramatically.
At high humidity, it is advisable to carry out artificial pollination and prophylaxis against fungi.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
So, to summarize all of the above. The obvious positive qualities of tomatoes Roma F1 and Roma VF include:
- determinant variety of bushes;
- long-term fruiting;
- high yield;
- versatility of the fruit;
- good preservation for a long time;
- resistance to a certain number of diseases.
Of the shortcomings, only:
- intolerance to high humidity and temperature changes;
- susceptibility to fungal diseases and late blight.
Agricultural technology: features of growing Roma tomatoes
The general agrotechnical scheme for growing tomatoes of this variety is no different from any other varieties of mid-season tomatoes.
The best option is to grow seedlings and transfer them to open ground or to greenhouses to a permanent place of growth.
Preparation and sowing of seeds for seedlings produce in the second decade of March, two months before planting ready-made seedlings in the ground.
The seeds are treated with a manganese solution, then wrapped in a damp cloth and hardened for 2-3 days in the refrigerator (t + 2). Without drying, they are embedded in a previously prepared fertilized soil to a depth of 1-1.5 cm, slightly moistened, covered with a film and placed in a warm, well-lit place until the first shoots appear.
Diving and pincer seedlings produce after the appearance of 2 real leaves... During the growth of seedlings, you need to monitor the maintenance of normal humidity, good and long-term illumination (14 hours a day). You can carry out 1-2 dressings with an interval of 10-15 days with complex fertilizers, boric acid solution.
A week before planting in open ground, seedlings temper - for several hours every day they are taken out into the street or into a cold room.
The soil for seedlings is prepared in advance; it should be well fertilized and consist of 50% soil and 50% humus or peat.
Transplantation into open ground is carried out when the seedlings reach two months of age (for all mid-season varieties), at least 20-25cm high and 8-10 true sheets, following the 70x40cm scheme. After about 10 days, when the seedlings take root, the first feeding can be done.
Since the bushes are of a determinant type, they need form in 1-2 stems, be sure to tie to vertical trellis for stability, high yield.
Throughout their growth, the bushes form many lateral shoots, which also need to be pinned. Watering Roma tomatoes should be regular, not too abundant and always warm water.
Diseases and prevention
Plants are highly resistant to typical diseases such as fusarium and verticillium wilting.
Highly easily become infected with late blight and, as already mentioned, fungal bacteria. An excellent prevention of these diseases is spraying the stems, leaves and ovary with a solution of boric acid or other means.
Tomatoes of varieties Roma F1 and Roma VF have a lot of advantages: good taste, keeping quality, unpretentiousness, high yield, very beautiful aesthetic appearance of the fruit. The harvest of culture will certainly delight and reward for the trouble.