800-346-9140 ORGANIC TOMATO

PRODUCTION
HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION GUIDE
Appropriate Technology TransferforRuralAreas

ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information center funded by the USDA’s Rural Business -- Cooperative Service.

Abstract: A market exists for organically grown, fresh- and processing-market tomatoes. Although information
on conventional tomato practices is available from many sources, comprehensive information on organic
cultivation practices is difficult to find. Organic tomato production differs from conventional production
primarily in soil fertility, weed, insect, and disease management. These are the focus of this publication, with
special emphasis on fresh market tomatoes.

By Steve Diver, George Kuepper,

and Holly Born Organic certification emerged as a marketing
NCAT Agriculture Specialists tool during the 1970s and 80s to ensure foods
October 1995, produced organically met specified standards of
Revised March 1999 production. The Organic Foods Production Act,
a section of the 1990 Farm Bill, enabled the
Organic Farming and Certification Programs USDA to develop a national program of
universal standards,
As defined by the USDA certification accreditation,
in 1980 (1), organic and food labeling. In early
farming is a system that 1998, the USDA released a
excludes the use of draft of the new standards for
synthetic fertilizers, public comment. Public
pesticides, and growth opposition to these proposed
regulators. Organic standards was vocal, sending
farmers rely heavily on a message to the USDA that
crop rotations, crop more work was necessary.
residues, animal While revisions to the draft
manures, legumes, green are underway, it may take
manures, organic wastes, another year or two before
and mineral-bearing the national program actually
rocks to feed the soil and materializes.
supply plant nutrients.
Insects, weeds, and other pests are managed by A new definition of "Organic
mechanical cultivation and cultural, biological, agriculture," as proposed by the National
and biorational controls. Organic Standards Board, is:
Table of Contents
Organic Farming & Certification Programs..........................1 A Comparison of Tomato Training Systems ...........................9
Tomato Acreage Yields, Economics & Harvest..................2 Managing Insect Pests & Diseases .........................................10
Variety Selection.......................................................................3 Insects .............................................................................................10
Crop Rotation.............................................................................4 Diseases.........................................................................................11
Soil Fertility..................................................................................4 Resources.......................................................................................13
Research & Field Experience in Fertility ...............................5 References .....................................................................................13
Weed Management.................................................................6 Appendix ........................................................................................17
Research & Field Experience in Weed Management.......7 Enclosure ........................................................................................22
Tomato Training Systems........................................................8

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 1

 Organic agriculture is an ecological The Cooperative Extension Service at the
production management system that University of Massachusetts developed IPM
promotes and enhances biodiversity, standards for tomatoes. The standards are based
biological cycles and soil biological activity. on a set of best management practices that
It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs emphasize sound nutrient management, crop
and management practices that restore, rotation, legume cover cropping, sanitation
maintain and enhance ecological harmony. procedures, field scouting, pesticide record
Organic is a labeling term which denotes keeping, and so on. Growers earn a set number
products produced under the requirements of of points for each practice utilized in their
the Organic Foods Production Act. production program. To be certified, each field
must accumulate 311 out of a possible 445 IPM
The primary goal of Organic agriculture is Practice Points70% of the total (2).
to optimize the health and productivity of
interdependent communities of soil life, Tomato Acreages, Yields, Economics, and
plants, animals and people. The principal Harvest
guidelines for organic production are to use
materials and practices that enhance the The tomato is one of the most commonly grown
ecological balance of natural systems and fresh market vegetables. Yet, since tomatoes are
that integrate the parts of the farming both high yielding and labor intensive, 1/4-acre,
system into an ecological whole. Organic 1/2-acre, and 1-acre production units are common
agriculture practices cannot ensure that with market gardeners. In Massachusetts, for
products are completely free of residues; example, there are approximately 500 acres of
however, methods are used to minimize tomatoes, and approximately 500 vegetable farms.
pollution from the air, soil and water. Since some of the larger farms produce 10−15 acres
Organic food handlers, processors and of tomatoes, quite a few farms grow less than one
retailers adhere to standards that maintain acre (3).
the integrity of Organic agriculture
products. Tomato yields of 650 to 850 boxes (30 pounds
each) per acre are common in the South Central
Growers choose organic methods for a variety of U.S. (e.g., Oklahoma) (4). This is equivalent to
reasons. One of the attractions of organic 19,000 to 25,000 pounds or about 10 to 13 tons per
produce is that it sometimes brings a 10−30% acre. Comparable fresh market yields of 23,000 to
premium in the marketplace. As organically- 27,000 pounds per acre are listed in Knott's
grown produce becomes commonplace, however, Handbook for Vegetable Growers (5). In 1990, the
these premiums may be the exception rather than average fresh market tomato yield nationwide
the rule, and motivation beyond market was 25,100 pounds per acre (6).
premiums should be considered. Incentives may
include the possibility of reduced input costs, Production and marketing costs for intensively
improved farm safety, reduced environmental cultured tomatoes can be over $4,000 per acre
impact, and a better-functioning agroecosystem. with an expected gross return of $4,000 to $8,000
per acre (7). Gross returns of $18,000 are not
In addition to organic production, IPM uncommon (8). One organic farmer in New
certification has emerged as a marketing tool for Jersey netted $10,000 an acre, with 10 acres in
growers for whom organic production is production (9).
impractical or otherwise unsuitable. Though
such programs do not restrict pesticide use, Efficient harvesting, handling, and marketing
produce is raised within a comprehensive IPM techniques are extremely important in the
framework, and total pesticide usage is often production of this highly perishable crop.
reduced. For example, Responsible Choice is an Harvesting tomatoes is very labor intensive. One
IPM-label for apples raised in a growers’ source (10) estimates 350 hours for each staked
cooperative in Washington State. acre. For storage and shipping, fruit can first be

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picked at the "breaker" stage of maturity, when the In general, the tomato market fluctuates with the
blossom end turns pink. Post-harvest temperature growing season, starting high and dropping as
management is critical to maintain quality. the summer season progresses. That is why
Tomatoes may become damaged when stored plasticulture and hoop house production 
below 55°F. The optimum temperature range for techniques which increase earliness or extend the
longest shelf life is between 55°F and 70°F (5). season  have become popular.

Figure 1. 1997 Seasonal Price Variation, Organic Fresh-Market Tomatoes*

1.80

1.60

1.40

1.20

1.00
Lo/lb
Hi/lb
Mean/lb
0.80

0.60

0.40

0.20

0.00
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

* Prices are average of each month’s weekly prices from the Organic Food and Business News
Weekly Fax Bulletin. Note that prices are farmgate and represent only West and East Coast
markets.

Variety Selection stands, and U-pick sales. In these cases, local

consumer preference dictates which varieties to
Factors influencing selection of tomato varieties choose and may provide opportunities for
include market demands, disease resistance, specialty tomatoes (e.g., yellow, pink, low-acid,
suitability to production systems, and regional cherry, pear-shaped, and heirloom varieties).
adaptability.
Disease resistance: Diseases are the Achilles heel
Market demands: Wholesale markets that of organic tomato production. The use of
involve handling and packaging of the fruit resistant and tolerant varieties can give the
require firm varieties suitable for shipping. This farmer a "leg up" on pest management. Consider
is less critical in farmers' markets, roadside varieties such as the Mountain series developed

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at North Carolina State University (e.g., weeds, retain soil moisture, and finally, ensure
Mountain Pride, Supreme, Gold, Fresh, and produce quality.
Belle), which are tolerant to early blight.
The organic fertility system revolves around a
Suitability to production systems: Tomatoes have combination of practices such as crop rotation;
growth habits ranging from determinate (bush) forage legumes, cover crops, and green manures;
to indeterminate (vining). Growth habit affects livestock manures (preferably composted); lime,
staking methods, pruning, length of harvest rock phosphate, and other rock minerals; and
season, and other aspects of management. lastly, supplemental organic fertilizers.

Regional adaptability: Cooperative Extension On soils managed biologically for several years,
Service publications and commercial seed tomatoes yield well from legume and compost
catalogs provide information on varieties treatments alone. While 5−10 tons/acre/year is a
adapted to local conditions. typical rate of compost application for vegetables,
organic growers in New Jersey have been scaling
Crop Rotation back on compost rates for tomatoes, especially on
established fields. Rates as low as 1−2
Crop rotation is a major component of organic tons/acre/year are performing well.
farming, affecting both soil conditions and pest
cycles. Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family Applications of well-rotted barnyard manures at
(Solanaceae), which includes potatoes, eggplant, 10−15 tons/acre/year have been recommended for
peppers, and garden huckleberry. Rotation to tomato production. These are typically soil-
non-solanaceous crops for three years is usually incorporated in fall or early spring before planting.
recommended to avoid pest problems common to Raw manures are restricted in organic certification.
this group of vegetables (11). They should be fall-applied, preferably to cover
crops, well in advance of the crop.
For market gardeners and farmers with limited
growing space, long rotations may be impractical. "Hot manures" such as poultry litter are often
In these instances, soil building practices such as limited to 4 tons/acre in the Ozark region; and
green manuring and composting  practices that less than 1 ton/acre in spring, well-incorporated
support abundant soil microflora  are doubly at least two weeks prior to transplanting.
important to create natural disease suppressive Research from Alabama suggests higher rates of
conditions. fall-applied poultry litter (9−18 tons/acre) can
also yield good results (12). Poultry litter may be
Sod crops preceding tomatoes  such as grass restricted in some organic certification programs.
pasture and small grains crops  often result in
heavy cutworm and/or wireworm damage to Soils with no history of organic management will
tomatoes. When soil building crops such as these probably need additional fertilization. Fertilizer
are grown in rotation to increase soil structure can be incorporated during field preparation and
and organic matter, they should be plowed down bedding operations, or banded to the side of the
several months in advance of planting. row at planting.

Soil Fertility Fresh market tomatoes require about 75 to 100

pounds of nitrogen (N) per acre. Most, if not all,
The foundation of organic farming is a can be supplied by legumes in rotation; composts
microbially active soil enriched with organic or manures can fill in the balance. Some farmers
matter and a balanced mineral diet. Humus provide additional supplemental nitrogen at
building practices and additions of rock minerals transplanting; a mixture of animal meal by-
not only supply plant nutrients, but increase products, rock phosphate, and kelp meal is
tolerance to insects and diseases, help control commonly used.

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If reliance is primarily on supplemental Research and Field Experience in Tomato
fertilizers, about 50 pounds of actual nitrogen Fertility
should be applied pre-plant, and the remainder
side-dressed when fruits are about nickel-size. • In an Alabama study, fall-applied
Old tomato publications recommended drilling broiler litter at 18 T/A (tons/acre)
or banding cottonseed meal, blood meal, or produced 20% higher yields of
similar medium-to-fast acting organics at the earlier and larger tomatoes than
time of planting (13). commercial fertilizers (12). The
litter was tilled in and rye was
Tomatoes need moderate to high levels of used as a winter cover crop.
phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). On deficient
soils, most needs can be met by advance • In Nigeria, tomatoes yielded 44
applications of rock powders such as rock and 42 T/A when swine manure
phosphate, colloidal phosphate, untreated or poultry manure was applied at
(mined) potassium sulfate, and sulfate of potash- 9 T/A. Tomatoes yielded 37 and
magnesia. Supplementary P and K may be 42 T/A on fields treated with
added as indicated by soil test results compared sewage sludge or rabbit manure
to guidelines provided by Cooperative Extension; applied at 18 T/A. Organic
for example, see Table 1 “Plant Nutrient manures performed better than
Recommendations Based on Soil Tests” from NPK treatments, which yielded
Rutgers University in the Appendix. only 31 T/A (15).

Tomatoes do best with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Liming • In a New Jersey tomato study,
to this range improves plant growth and soils well prepared with green
optimizes fertilizer efficiency. Unless a manures and compost showed no
deficiency of magnesium is noted, hi-calcium yield response over two years to
(non-dolomitic) lime is advised. applications of supplemental
blood meal and alfalfa meal at N
In addition to soil management practices, foliar rates as high as 200 lbs/A,
feeding with fish emulsion, seaweed, suggesting that organic growers
biostimulants, and compost or weed teas is can save money by not purchasing
frequently done. A specific foliar spray  the pricey inputs (16).
application of apple-cider vinegar at a ratio of
1:100 in the spray solution  may stimulate • In California, yields of processing
flowering if delayed by weather or soil tomatoes grown following winter
conditions (14). Field results of foliar legume cover crops (Austrian
fertilization are not consistent, however. Poor winter peas, bell beans, lana
performance is often the result of failure to wooly-pod vetch, berseem clover)
follow application procedures correctly. ATTRA were comparable to chemical N
has detailed information on foliar feeding fertilizer treatments. Legume
available on request. cover crops can provide N inputs
sufficient to support 40 to 45 T/A
Major factors that influence fertility decisions of tomatoes (17).
on an organic farm include: crop rotation; the
presence or absence of livestock on the farm; • The Siegfried Luebke family,
nearby manure sources; availability of which operates one of the best
equipment (compost turners, manure known organic farms in Austria,
spreaders, fertilizer drills); and the availability uses Controlled Microbial
and cost of commercial organic fertilizers in the Compost at 8 T/A for field and
region. greenhouse tomatoes alike (18).

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• Bob Hofstetter, formerly on-farm as rye or oats, may be used as an
researcher at the Rodale Institute alternative to the previously mentioned
Research Center, plows down crops but yields will be less than those
strawy manure and cover crops to for legumes. Whatever the rotation, the
produce tomatoes and peppers aim is to ensure the presence of an
(19). abundance of organic matter in the soil.
Adequate supplies of rotting or decaying
• Researchers in Georgia, South organic matter will increase crop yield
Carolina, and North Carolina and improve fruit quality (24).
investigated a vegetable
production system using winter Weed Management
cover crops and various rates of
Effective, non-chemical weed management
nitrogen over a four year period.
begins with planned, diverse crop rotations,
In all locations, cover crops
especially those including competitive cover
produced higher yields and better
(smother) crops. Attention is also given to careful
quality tomatoes and other
site selection and sanitation procedures that
vegetables than applied nitrogen
avoid the introduction of weed seeds and other
(20).
propagules.
• In Arkansas, researchers The critical weed-free period for tomatoes is
recommended 9-13 T/A of about 4−5 weeks after transplanting (or longer if
poultry manure applied in winter the crop is direct-seeded) (25). It is during this
(December) for spring (April) period that weed competition must be
tomato production (21). suppressed to avoid a reduction in yield.

• Australian researchers determined Weeds growing between crop rows are the easiest
that compost, inoculated with to control. They are usually handled either by
several species of beneficial fungi, shallow tillage or the use of a living mulch.
greatly enhanced the growth of Living mulches are cover crops (like white clover,
tomatoes (22). subclover, or ryegrass) established to suppress
weeds. Living mulches usually require some
• Treating organically grown tomato suppression alsoeither through partial-tillage
crops with kelp and fish powder or mowingto avoid competition with the crop.
sprays yielded inconclusive results in
a California study. The researchers There are several ways to control weeds within
concludedas had others tomato rows. The method(s) used will depend to a
before themthat the efficacy of large degree on whether the tomato crop is
foliar treatments is ultimately mulched or raised on bare ground. Additional
dependent on multiple plant, soil, factors include scale of production, equipment,
and environmental factors (23). materials, labor, and grower preference.

• Well-rotted manures applied in the In-row mulches control weeds by excluding light
spring or fresh manure applied in and forming a physical barrier to growth. These
the fall tends to enhance production can be either organic mulches or some form of
beyond what the use of only plastic sheeting.
commercial fertilizers can achieve.
The best tomato crops follow crops Opaque plastic mulches (black and infrared
of clover, sweet clover or alfalfa in a transmittingIRT) increase earliness and overall
three- or four- year rotation. Non- yields, and have become a standard practice in
legume green manuring crops, such modern tomato production. Plastic mulch

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 6

systems are popular with entry level growers liberate plant food for the tomato crop. Hilling
because production on plastic mulch is reliable. the soil towards the plant row (using rolling
However, a few organic certification programs cultivators or disc hillers) has at least three
restrict the use of plastics. Plasticulture is rarely benefits:
done without supplemental irrigation; drip is
most commonly used but flood irrigation works, 1) small weeds close to the plant row
too. Fertigation, the injection of soluble fertilizers are smothered;
through drip lines, is feasible with specially 2) tomato plants develop roots
formulated organic fertilizers. farther up the stem; and
3) surplus moisture does not collect
Further information and resources on under tomato plants where it
plasticulture can be found in the ATTRA encourages disease, but instead
publication Season Extension Techniques for Market runs away from the plants and
Gardeners < http://www.attra.org/attra- collects between the rows (27).
pub/seasext.html>.
The first cultivation may be done fairly close to
Organic mulches are an ideal organic treatment newly established plants; later cultivations
because they add nutrients and feed soil should be shallower and farther from the stems
organisms as they decompose. They also to avoid plant damage and reduced yields. Non-
enhance the presence of predatory beetles and chemical weed control is further enhanced
spiders. Mulches containing weed or grass seeds, through the use of crop rotation, especially when
rhizomes and other propagules should be competitive cover crops (smother crops) are
avoided to prevent the introduction of further included.
weed problems. Straw-bale
spreaderscommonly used in strawberry Research and Field Experience in Tomato
productionare available to mechanize organic Weed Management
mulching operations. Forage wagons, like those
used on dairy farms, are sometimes used to • USDA researchers in Beltsville,
deliver freshly cut pasture-mulch. MD, using hairy vetch as a no-till
mulch crop for tomatoes, obtained
No-till cover crop mulches, which suppress yields averaging more than 45
weeds both within and between the rows, work tons/acre. This was trailed by
well in some locations. One such system, devised yields of 35 tons using plastic
by USDA researchers (26), employs a winter mulch, and 34 tons using paper
cover crop of hairy vetch. The vetch is killed mulch. Control plots with no
with a flail mower leaving a 1−2 inch stubble and mulch averaged 19 tons/acre (28-
the cut vegetation as a surface mulch. Tomatoes 29).
 transplanted into the residue  benefit from
excellent weed suppression, soil moisture • Ohio State researchers designed
retention, and the slow-release of nitrogen as the an implement that mechanically
vetch decomposes. undercuts and kills cover crops,
thus providing a no-till surface
On large acreages, mechanical cultivation is a mulch for tomatoes and other
common method of weed control within and crops. Undercutting suppressed
between rows. Shallow cultivation, 1−2 inches weeds better than either a flail
deep, controls weeds and loosens soil that has mower or sicklebar mower. When
crusted or become compacted. Loosening the soil not mowed into little pieces, the
helps in the absorption of rainfall and supplies mulch is thicker and its ability to
soil microorganisms with oxygen. In turn, prevent light from penetrating to
microorganisms decompose organic matter and the soil surface is enhanced. The

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 7

 residue also remains on the soil twice as much as unmulched plots. The
surface longer (30). researchers also noted reduced incidence
of anthracnose, early blight, blossom end
• USDA researchers in Mississippi rot, and weeds on mulched plots (34).
set disc coulters at an angle to
mechanically kill hairy vetcha • The use of colored plastic and paper
technique known as "rolling." mulches is a recent development in
They learned that the most vegetable production. Different colors
effective time to do this operation affect the wavelengths of light reflected
was when the legume reached back up into the crop canopy. This affects
seed formation, or when stem the amount of heat available to the crop
lengths along the ground and appears to have repellent effects on
exceeded 15 inches (31). some insect pests. Mike Orzolek, of Penn
State University, believes red is the most
• In Ohio, researchers compared effective mulch color for tomatoes (35). In
yields of tomatoes and sweet corn a Florida tomato study (36), where foliar
on plots with no mulch to those in horticultural oil sprays were also applied
plots with 4−6" of straw or 6−8" of as part of the experiment, the largest
newspaper mulch. Highest yields number of whiteflies and the greatest
for both crops were found on plots incidence of virus symptoms were
receiving shredded newspaper. observed on white and yellow-mulched
Both mulches suppressed annual plots. Plants were tallest on aluminum
weeds but gave poor control of and yellow plus oil-sprayed plots. Fruit
perennial weeds like Canada size and marketable yields were best on
thistle and yellow nutsedge (32). plots with yellow mulch plus oil
treatment.
• In Virginia, on-farm researchers
compared the efficacy of plastic, hay, Tomato Training Systems
and oiled paper plus hay mulch. The Several training systems are used in tomato
paper mulch was 40−lb recycled kraft culture. These include unsupported on bare
paper, similar in color, texture, and ground; unsupported on plastic or organic
thickness to paper shopping bags. mulch; and supported (staked) by wire cages,
Oiled paper was prepared by stake and weave, or trelliseseither on bare
submerging rolls of kraft paper in ground or plastic mulch.
waste cooking oil for 12 hours. The
two organic mulch treatments had Staked Culture Systems
lower summer soil temperatures,
higher summer moisture, and higher The two systems in widespread commercial use
earthworm populations than the are: stake and weave, and cage culture. A third
plastic mulch. Early marketable system, more common in market gardens than in
yields were higher on plastic, but field-scale production, is the trellis system.
total marketable yields were not
significantly different. Spreading Staked on plastic mulch: This is typically
hay on top of the paper mulch, or use accompanied by drip irrigation and tensiometers
of a heavier 65−lb kraft paper, gave to monitor soil moisture. Floating row covers
better weed control than 40−lb kraft and tunnels are used in some instances to
paper alone (33). provide frost protection and to enhance early
production. Production costs associated with
• In New York State, wheat straw-mulched such intensive culture systems are high, but yield
plots of ‘Sunrise’ tomatoes yielded almost and quality are excellent.

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 8

Staked on organic mulch: This is similar to the Sprawl culture on plastic mulch: Transplanting
system described above, but instead of plastic, an tomatoes through plastic mulch and allowing
organic mulch is used. Organic growers may them to sprawl on the plastic is an alternative to
prefer the soil-enhancing benefits of an organic ground culture. Plastic mulch reduces soil
mulch over plastic, but there are still costs splashing onto the leaves and fruit, thus reducing
associated with materials and labor. diseases. Either determinate or indeterminate
types can be grown this way.
Unsupported Culture Systems
Sprawl culture on organic mulch: Similar to
Sprawl culture: Raising plants on bare soil and plastic sprawl culture but organic mulches are
allowing them to sprawlalso known as ground used. Laying a thick mulch with farm equipment
cultureis still a commercial method in some prior to setting out transplants is the easiest way
regions. Low input costs are the chief advantage. to mulch a large area. Unlike plastic mulches
Lower yields, lower fruit quality, and a higher which warm the soil, organic mulches cool the
incidence of fruit and foliage diseases may be soil. This results in slower plant growth in the
expected when compared to supported systems. early part of the season. However, later in the
However, with lower establishment and labor season, when temperatures are higher, organic
costs, economic returns to the grower may be mulches have an advantage over plastics.
quite satisfactory.

A Comparison of Tomato Training Systems

Researchers at Oklahoma State University examined the economics and performance of tomato training
systems (37). They compare four different tomato training systems in the table below.

Comparison of Tomato Training Systems

Factor Ground1 Cage2 Stake & Weave3 Trellis4

Earliness 3rd 4th 2nd Best

Fruit Size 4th 3rd 2nd Largest

Marketable Yld 4th Largest 2nd 3rd

Fruit Cracking 3rd 4th 2nd Worst

Fruit Rotting Worst 2nd 2nd 2nd

Fruit Quality Worst 2nd 2nd 2nd

Fruit Sunburn Worst 4th 3rd 2nd

Cost/Acre 4th 2nd Largest 3rd

Pest Control 4th 3rd 2nd Best

1 Ground

No support system
2 Cage

2 foot tall wire cage 14 inches in diameter made from No. 10 mesh on 6"x 6" spacing
3 Stake and weave
Stake is driven between every other plant and twine woven between and around stakes 4−6 times. All suckers but one
below the first fruit cluster are removed. No other suckers are removed above the first cluster.
4 Trellis

Posts support No. 10 wire. Strings are dropped from wire and tied to base of plant. Plants are twined around string. The
main stem and one sucker are allowed to develop and all other suckers are removed as they develop.

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 9

Ultimately, the vulnerability of tomatoes to Strip cropping and interplanting are other forms
disease, and the limited efficacy of organically- of farmscaping. Sweet corn attracts the tomato
certified materials to control them, especially in fruitworm (also known as corn earworm) and
humid climates, weighs heavily in favor of may be an effective trap crop for this pest (41).
supported culture systems for organic Likewise, when field corn and tomatoes are
production. grown in the same production area, fruitworm
infestations on tomatoes are reduced (42).
A Rutgers study, for example, determined that
fruit grown on staked plants suffers less post- Adjacent vegetation can also worsen pest
harvest fruit rot (10%) than do ground-cultured problems, however. Bull nettle and other weedy
fruit (34%) (38). An Oklahoma study found that a nightshades may harbor diseases and insects of
stake and weave trellis system delayed early blight tomato, especially flea beetles. Weedy
by about seven days and decreased rate of nightshades, jimsonweed, and plantain also
infection, thus reducing disease incidence and harbor tobacco mosaic virus, a common viral
severity at the end of the growing period (39). disease of tomatoes.
Results from a study in Massachusetts  where
stake and weave trellising is encouraged for Prevention and sanitation procedures are also
organic production due to reduced incidence of important. These include post-season destruction
disease  were similar to those in Oklahoma (40). of vines via tillage, burning, or composting;
removal of diseased tomato plants and
Managing Insect Pests And Diseases: Basic solanaceous weeds; sterilization of plant stakes
Concepts prior to re-use; prohibiting tobacco use in the
field; and frequent cleaning of tools and
It is a long-held principle of organiculture that implements to prevent transporting problems
insect pests and diseases strike primarily at weak between fields.
and improperly nourished plants. The objective
of organic methods, then, is to grow crops which Other cultural practices also play a role.
naturally resist the onslaught of pests. Orientation of rows to maximize air circulation
Management of soil tilth, moisture, and nutrient helps reduce fungal problems. Suspending field
status is the first step in effective pest activities when vegetation is wet with dew or
management. rain limits the spread of disease (27), as does
mulching to reduce direct soil contact and rain
Crop rotations, planted with the intention of splash. Drip irrigation is preferred over sprinkler
breaking life cycles of insects and diseases, is a irrigation to reduce moisture and splash onto
traditional means of pest control. leaves and thus foliar disease occurrence.

Complementary to crop rotations is the layout of Solarization, or heating soils by tarping with clear
fields with selected cover crops and flowering plastic prior to planting, is a non-chemical soil
plants to attract beneficial insects, a technique treatment for suppression of diseases, nematodes,
known as farmscaping. Natural enemies of crop and other pests. As a practical matter, however,
pests (e.g., ladybird beetles, lacewings, syrphid its use is limited to small-scale operations.
flies, and Trichogramma wasps) need shelter,
pollen, nectar, and food prey to survive. Plants Insects
especially useful as refuge for beneficials include
most legumes, mints, buckwheat, and members Control of tomato insect pests requires careful
of the umbelliferae and compositae families. monitoring and integration of cultural practices
ATTRA’s Farmscaping to Enhance Biological and biological controls. A wide range of
Control <http://www.attra.org/attra- biorational pesticides are available to keep pests
pub/farmscape.html> publication provides below damaging levels. The table entitled "Major
extensive resources and seed sources for Insect Pests of Tomatoes" in the Appendix
establishing beneficial insect habitats. summarizes tomato insect pests and control

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 10

options. See the ATTRA publications titled are the only labeled fungicides allowed in
Sustainable Vegetable Production and Integrated Pest certification programs. Coppers are labeled for
Management <http://www.attra.org/attra- anthracnose, bacterial speck, bacterial spot, early
pub/ipm.html>for further concepts and practices and late blight, gray leaf mold, and septoria leaf
associated with insect pest management. spot. Sulfur is labeled for control of powdery
mildew.
Diseases
Sulfur by itself is a minor fungicide in tomato
Despite good management practices, diseases production. Sulfur can easily burn the plant as
usually occur, presenting one of the greatest air temperatures rise. It also has mild insecticidal
challenges to organic tomato growers. The and miticidal properties which may reduce the
degree of occurrence is regionally based and predator/parasite complex keeping pest insects
largely dependent on environmental conditions. in check.

Tomatoes are injured by pathogenic diseases Application of copper is a routine disease control
caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses, as well as practice in organic tomato production in the
abiotic diseases, such as catfacing and blossom eastern United States. Copper functions both as a
end rot, which are caused by environmental and fungicide and bactericide. Most formulations are
physiological disorders. Pathogenic diseases allowable in organic certification. These include
develop through soil-borne and above-ground bordeaux, basic sulfates, hydroxides,
infections and, in some instances, are transmitted oxychlorides, and oxides.
through insect feeding.
Commercial products like Kocide 101 are used
Major tomato diseases include those that attack in both conventional and organic tomato
the root system (fusarium wilt, verticillium wilt, production for the control of septoria leaf spot,
bacterial wilt, nematodes, rhizoctonia), above- bacterial spot, bacterial speck, anthracnose, and
ground stems and foliage (early blight, septoria early blight. The efficacy of copper in the control
leaf spot, bacterial canker, late blight), and fruit of early blight is limited, though, especially when
(bacterial spot, bacterial speck, anthracnose). disease pressure is high. Since applications are
Thus, a disease control program is important at made on a 7−10 day schedule, the result may be
each stage of growth. Early blight, one of the 8−12 sprays per growing season.
most damaging diseases in the eastern United
States, is the focus of many control programs. The use of copper fungicides in organic
production is somewhat controversial. It is
Organic tomato disease control programs are directly toxic at applied rates to some beneficial
based on a combination of organic soil organisms, particularly earthworms and some
management practices, IPM practices, natural soil microbes such as blue-green algae  an
remedies, and limited fungicide use. important nitrogen-fixer in many soils. Excessive
use can also result in the buildup to phytotoxic
Application of composts, crop rotations including (crop damaging) levels of copper in the soil.
legumes, and supplemental fertilization with Thus, organic growers often monitor soil copper
organic materials and rock powders are soil levels through regular soil testing.
management practices that form the basis of
biological disease control of soil-borne pathogens Disease forecasting is an IPM practice used to
(43, 44). Indications of a systemic (whole plant) predict the probability of disease incidence.
response to composts that are disease Weather monitoring instruments are placed in
suppressive have been reported for several the field to collect data on canopy temperature,
vegetables (45, 46). leaf wetness periods, and other factors that affect
the likelihood of disease occurrence. The data
Fungicide options are limited in organic collected from these monitoring stations are used
production; copper- and sulfur-based products to time fungicidal sprays for their optimum

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 11

effect, generally resulting in fewer spray 4. Growers can purchase agriculture
applications each growing season. weather data from a commercial vendor
like SkyBit. SkyBit offers an agriculture
TOM-CAST, CU-FAST, and FAST are three of weather service for $50 a month. Contact
several different disease forecasting systems SkyBit at 1-800-454-2266 for more
developed for processing tomatoes (47). In Ohio, information.
100% of the tomato paste and ketchup industry,
and about two-thirds of the whole-pack industry Any of the three latter systems can be used in
have adopted the TOM-CAST system (48). A combination with TOM-CAST. For detailed
recent expansion of TOMCAST services in this information on how to use the TOM-CAST
region now includes BLITECAST, a related disease severity index, contact Jim Jasinski at
program used to predict late blight (49). Ohio State University or view the TOM-CAST
website at: <http://www.ag.ohio-
Researchers are now looking at TOM-CAST as a state.edu/~vegnet/tomcats/tomfrm.htm.>
tool for fresh market tomato production. Contact:
Whereas the standard schedule for conventional
fresh market tomatoes includes 8−12 sprays per Jim Jasinski, Tom-Cast Coordinator
growing season, TOM-CAST users have reported SW District Agent, IPM
reductions in fungicide applications of 25−30% in 303 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 208
Ohio (48), and up to 70−80% in New York (50). Vandalia, OH 45377
513-454-5002
There are four ways that tomato growers can gain 513-454-1237 Fax
access to weather data and/or TOM-CAST [email protected]
forecasts:
Several natural remedies may be employed by
1. Growers in the Midwest can call the organic farmers for foliar disease management.
TOM-CAST hotline and hear a recording These include a wide range of products and
of the latest disease severity index. The practices including: compost watery extracts;
forecast is provided by Ohio State hydrogen peroxide; sodium bicarbonate; foliar
University and is updated six days a fertilizers; plant extracts (fermented nettle tea,
week. Weather data is collected from equisetum tea, comfrey tea); and biostimulants
several monitoring sites in the Ohio- (seaweed, humates). The precise mode of action
Indiana-Michigan region. The phone for many of these materials remains to be
number is 1-800-228-2905. discovered.

2. Growers can purchase and install weather Of these, compost watery extracts and hydrogen
monitoring equipment on their own farm. peroxide look promising for the control of tomato
As an example, one vendor sells field diseases like early blight. Compost extracts have
weather monitoring equipment as a tool proven effective for several vegetable diseases,
for use in IPM programs for $1,200−3,000. including late blight of tomatoes (51). See the
Several growers, or a growers' ATTRA publication Compost Teas for Plant Disease
cooperative, may need to band together to Control <http://www.attra.org/attra-
split the cost. pub/comptea.html> for references and resources.

3. Growers can obtain data from state-wide Little information is available on the use and
agriculture weather systems. A few states efficacy of hydrogen peroxide. Growers in New
operate web-based agricultural weather Jersey are using 35% hydrogen peroxide and
sites (e.g., MesoNet in Oklahoma, AWIS diluting it to a 0.5%−1% foliar spray solution,
in Alabama-Florida-Georgia, PAWS in though lower rates are also common. Rates of 2%
Washington, Texas A&M Meteorology). and 4% are being used as a post-harvest wash. A

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 12

1% solution is equivalent to 3.7 oz in 124.3 oz of 3) Ruth Hazzard, personal communication.
water, while a 0.5% solution is equivalent to 1.8 Vegetable IPM Specialist, University of
oz in 126.2 oz of water (52). Massachusetts.

4) McCraw, Dean, Jim Motes, and

Biological fungicides are a relatively new tool
Raymond Joe Schatzer. 1987.
available to organic growers. Biological Commercial Production of Fresh
fungicides contain beneficial bacteria or fungi Market Tomatoes. OSU Extension
(microbial antagonists) which help suppress Facts No. 6019. Cooperative
pathogens that cause plant disease. For example, Extension Service, Oklahoma State
F-Stop, registered as a seed treatment for University. 8 p.
tomatoes, contains a biocontrol agent called
Trichoderma viride sensu. T-22G Biological Plant 5) Lorenz, Oscar A., and Donald N.
Protectant Granules, registered as an in-furrow Maynard. 1988. Knott's Handbook
for Vegetable Growers. 3rd ed.
soil treatment on tomatoes and other vegetables,
Wiley-Interscience, John Wiley &
contains Trichoderma harzianum, strain KRL-AG2. Sons, New York, NY. 455 p.

See the Microbial Pesticides table in Appendix A 6) USDA. 1992. U.S. Tomato Statistics,
of theATTRA publication Integrated Pest 1960−1990. U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Management Washington, D.C.
<http://www.attra.org/attra-
pub/ipm.html#appendixa>for a comprehensive 7) McCraw, Dean, Jim Motes, and
summary of microbial pesticides used for insect Raymond Joe Schatzer. 1987.
and disease control. Commercial Production of Fresh
Market Tomatoes. OSU Extension
Facts No. 6019. Cooperative
See the USDA web site Commercial Biocontrol
Extension Service, Oklahoma State
Products for Use Against Soilborne Crop Diseases University. 8 p.
<http://www.barc.usda.gov/psi/bpdl/bioprod.
htm> for a comprehensive list of biocontrols for 8) Davis, Jeannine. 1989. Review your tomato
soilborne plant pathogen. cultural practices. American Vegetable
Grower. August. p. 36.
Resources
9) Helen Atthowe, personal communication.
For standard information on tomato production Organic tomato grower, formerly of Medford,
(planting, staking and pruning, variety New Jersey.
recommendations, irrigation, harvest, and
10) Konsler, T.R., and D.B. Shoemaker (ed). 1980.
marketing), we suggest the excellent resources
Growing Trellised Tomatoes In Western
already compiled by the Cooperative Extension North Carolina. AG-60. North Carolina
Service. See the attached resource list titled Agricultural Extension Service. Greensboro,
Tomato Web Links for a listing of tomato literature. NC. 44 p.

11) Porte, William S. and J. Wilcox. 1963.

References: Commercial Production of Tomatoes.
USDA Farmers' Bulletin No. 2045.
1) USDA. 1980. Report and Recommendations U.S. Department of Agriculture,
on Organic Farming. USDA Study Team on Washington, D.C. 48 p.
Organic Farming. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Washington D.C. 94 p. 12) Brown, James E., et al. 1995. Comparison of
broiler litter and commercial fertilizer on
2) Anon. 1995. Massachusetts Integrated Pest production of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum.
Management Standards for Tomatoes. IPM Journal of Vegetable Crop Production. Vol. 1,
Program, University of Massachusetts, No. 1. p. 53−62.
Amhurst, MA.

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 13

References: (continued) 24) Fresh-Market Tomato Production, Agdex
No. 257/20
13) Pellet, Frank C. and Melvin A. Pellet. 1930. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and
Practical Tomato Culture. A.T. De La Mare Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
Co., Inc., New York, NY. 154 p. http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/cr
ops/facts/94-019.htm
14) Skow, Dan. 1991. Growing quality tomatoes
with soil energy. Acres, U.S.A. September. p. 25) Monks, D. 1993. Veg-I-News. Cooperative
1, 6−7. Extension Service, North Carolina State
University. Vol. 12, No. 4.
15) Oikeh, S.O. and J.E. Asiegbu. 1993. Growth
and yield responses of tomatoes to sources 26) Abdul-Baki, Aref A. and John Teasdale. 1997.
and rates of organic manures in ferralitic soils. Sustainable Production of Fresh Market
Bioresource Technology. Volume 45. p. Tomatoes and Other Summer Vegetables with
21−25. Organic Mulches. Farmers' Bulletin No. 2279.
USDA-Agriculture Research Service,
16) Reiners, Stephen. 1995. Effect of Organic Washington, D.C. 23 p.
Nitrogen Amendments on the Yield of <http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/tomatoes.
Tomatoes. Production and Marketing html>
Report (submitted for publication). New
Jersey Cooperative Extension Service, 27) Gould, Wilbur A. 1992. Tomato
Rutgers University. 7 p. Production, Processing, and
Technology, 3rd ed. CTI Publications,
17) Stivers, Lydia J. and Carol Shennan. 1991. Inc., Baltimore, MD. 535 p.
Meeting the nitrogen needs of processing
tomatoes through winter cover cropping. 28) Stanley, Doris. 1991. More for less: a
Journal of Production Agriculture. Vol. 4, No. new way to grow tomatoes.
3. p. 330−335. Agricultural Research. October. p.
14.
18) Luebke, Uta. 1994. Humus Management
Seminar. Bird-In-Hand Village, PA. 29) Abdul-Baki, Aref A., J.R. Teasdale, R.
Korcak, D. Chitwood, and R. Huettle. 1995.
19) Hofstetter, Bob. 1988. Vine-ripened profits. Yield, earliness, and fruit weight of fresh-
The New Farm. May-June. p. 38−41. market tomatoes grown in synthetic and
organic mulches. HortScience. Vol. 30, No.
20) Batal, K.M., et al. 1995. Effects of winter cover 4. p. 806.
crops and N applications on vegetable crop
production systems. HortScience. Vol. 30, No. 30) Creamer, N.G., B. Plassman, M.A. Bennett,
3. p. 429. R.K. Wood, B.R. Stinner, and J. Cardina. 1995.
A Method For Mechanically Killing Cover
21) Morelock, T.E. and M.R. Hall. 1980. Use of Crops To Optimize Weed Suppression. Ohio
broiler litter on staked tomatoes. Proceedings Agriculture Research and Development
of the Annual Meetings of the Arkansas State Center, Ohio State University, Wooster, OH.
Horticultural Society. p. 38−39. In press.

22) Sivapalan, A. et al. 1997. Effect of inoculating 31) Dabney, S., N.W. Buehring, and D.B.
fungi into compost on growth of tomato and Reginelli. 1991. Mechanical control of
compost microflora. Sustainable Agriculture. legume cover crops. p. 146−147. In:
Winter. p. 8. W.L. Hargrove (ed.) Cover Crops for
Clean Water. Soil and Water
23) Tourte, Laura. 1997. Kelp extract and fish Conservation Society, Ankeny, IA.
powder sprays on organically grown
processing tomatoes. Organic Farming 32) Munn, D.A. 1992. Comparison of shredded
Research Foundation Information Bulletin. newspaper and wheat straw as crop mulches.
Spring. p. 6−7, 9. HortTechnology. Vol. 2. p. 361-366.

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 14

References: (continued) Agriculture (Selected Papers from the
Fourth International Conference of
33) Schonbeck, Mark. 1995. Mulching choices for IFOAM). Praeger Press, New York,
warm-season vegetables. The Virginia NY.
Biological Farmer. Spring. p. 16−18.
44) Hoitink, Harry A., and Peter C. Fahy.
34) Williams, Greg and Pat Williams. 1996. Great 1986. Basis for the control of soilborne
success with straw-mulched tomatoes in New plant pathogens with composts.
York. HortIdeas. August. p. 90. Annual Reviews of Phytopathology.
Vol. 24. p. 93−114.
35) Anon. 1995. Colored mulch improves yields.
Greenhouse Management & Production. 45) Logsdon, Gene. 1995. Using compost
November. p. 21. for plant disease control. p. 58−60. In:
Farm Scale Composting. BioCycle
36) Csizinszky, A.A., et al. 1995. Evaluation of magazine/The JG Press, Emmaus,
color mulches and oil sprays for yield and PA.
silverleaf whitefly control on tomatoes.
HortScience. July. p. 755. 46) Dr. Harry Hoitink, personal communication.
Plant Pathologist, Ohio State University.
37) Motes, James E. 1987. Tomato production
cost comparisons. p. 7−10. Proceedings of the 47) Gleason, M.L., et al. 1995. Disease-
6th Annual Oklahoma Horticultural Industries warning systems for processing
Show. Held Feb 17−18, Tulsa, OK. tomatoes in Eastern North America:
Are we there yet? Plant Disease. Vol.
38) Tietjen, W.H. et al. 1995. The effect of 79, No. 2. p. 113−121.
staking vs. ground culture on tomato
postharvest losses (abstract). 48) Dr. Mark Bennett, personal communication.
HortScience. Vol. 30, No. 4. p. 755. Extension Horticulturist, Ohio State
University.
39) Patterson, C.L. 1990. Cultural
management of tomato early blight 49) Anon. 1996. Tomato disease forecast system
epidemics. p. 143−146. Proceedings expanding services. The Great Lakes
of the 9th Annual Oklahoma Vegetable Growers News. June. p. 7.
Horticultural Industries Show. Held
January 5−6, Tulsa, OK. 50) Dr. Stephen Reiners, personal communication.
Vegetable Researcher, Cornell University.
40) Hazzard, Ruth and Robert Wick. 1996.
Management of early blight & septoria leaf 51) Weltzein, Heinrich C. 1989. Some
spot in fresh market tomatoes. The Natural effects of composted organic materials
Farmer. Fall. p. 12−13. on plant health. Agriculture,
Ecosystems and Environment. Vol.
41) Grossman, Joel. 1980. Sweetcorn in tomatoes 27. p. 439−446.
keeps the fruitworm at bay. Organic
Gardening. May-June. p. 78−79. 52) Rosen, Emily Brown. 1995. Dilution Rates for
Hydrogen Peroxide. Northeast Organic
42) Olkowski, Bill. 1995. Processing Farmers Association-New Jersey. 1 p.
tomatoes: Pesticide reduction
strategies. Farmer to Farmer. July-
August, Issue No. 10. p. 10−11. Appendix:

43) Lumsden, Robert D. et al. 1983. Table 1: Plant Nutrient Recommendations for
Effect of organic amendments on Tomatoes Based on Soil Tests
soilborne plant diseases and pathogen
antagonists. p. 51-70. In: Lockeretz, Table 2: Number of Plants per Acre at Several
William (ed.) Environmentally Sound Between-row and In-row Plant Spacings

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 15

Appendix: (continued) Enclosures:

Table 3: Major Insect Pests of Tomatoes ATTRA Resource List: Tomato Web Links

Table 4: Tomato Diseases

By Steve Diver, George Kuepper,
Table 5: Other Problems of Tomatoes and Holly Born
NCAT Agriculture Specialists

Revised March 1999

THE ATTRA PROJECT IS OPERATED BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY UNDER A GRANT
FROM THE RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. THESE
ORGANIZATIONS DO NOT RECOMMEND OR ENDORSE PRODUCTS, COMPANIES, OR INDIVIDUALS. ATTRA IS
LOCATED IN THE OZARK MOUNTAINS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS IN FAYETTEVILLE AT P.O. BOX 3657,
FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72702. ATTRA STAFF MEMBERS PREFER TO RECEIVE REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION ABOUT
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE VIA THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER 800-346-9140.

ATTRA // Organic Tomato Production Page 16

 Table 1

Plant Nutrient Recommendations for Tomatoes Based on Soil Tests

Crop and Application Method
N Soil Phosphorus Level Soil Potassium Level
Lbs/A
Low Med High V. High Low Med High V. High
Pounds P2O5 per Acre Pounds K2O per Acre
Fresh market tomatoes
Sandy loams and loamy sands

Total recommended 80-90 200 150 100 0 300 200 100 0

Broadcast and plow down 40-45 200 150 100 0 300 200 100 0

Sidedress when first fruits are set 40-45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Loams and silt loams

Total recommended 50-80 200 150 100 0 250 150 100 0

Broadcast and plow down 50 200 150 100 0 250 150 100 0

Sidedress at first fruit if needed 25-30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Processing tomatoes − transplants for multiple harvests
Sandy loams and loamy sands

Total recommended 130 250 150 100 0 300 200 100 0

Broadcast and disk in 50 250 150 100 0 300 200 100 0

Sidedress at first cultivation 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sidedress when 1st fruits 1" diam. 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Loams and silt loams

Total recommended 100-125 250 150 100 0 300 200 100 0

Broadcast and plow down 50-75 250 150 100 0 300 200 100 0

Sidedress when 1st fruits 1" diam. 25-50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Source: Rutgers University. 1998. 1998 Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations. Publication No. E001N-W2.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

ATTRA // ORGANIC TOMATO PRODUCTION Page 17

 Table 2

Number of Tomato Plants* per Acre at Several Between-row and In-row Spacings

Between Rows (feet) Between Plants in the Row (inches)

18 21 24

5 5,808 4,978 4,356

5½ 5,280 4,526 3,960

6 4,840 4,148 3,630

* Number of stakes required per acre is exactly half the number of plants
required, for any spacing.

Source: Neary, Philip E. 1992. Commercial Staked Tomato Production in New

Jersey. E-163. Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service, New Jersey
Agricultural Experiment Station. 7 p.

ATTRA // ORGANIC TOMATO PRODUCTION Page 18

 Table 3

Major Insect Pests of Tomatoes

Name Damage Control

Aphid Sucks sap; Vectors disease; Insecticidal soap; Beneficial insects
Creates honeydew which (ladybugs, lacewings, etc.);
attracts sooty mold; Misshapen Beauvaria bassiana; Pyrethrum;
foliage, flowers, and fruit Rotenone
Armyworm Feeds on foliage and fruit Beneficial insects; Bt on larvae;
Superior oil
Blister beetle Feeds on foliage and fruit Larvae are beneficial. For severe
infestations, use pyrethrum,
rotenone, or sabadilla
Colorado potato Feeds on foliage Bt on larvae; Encourage beneficials;
beetle Neem; Pyrethrum; Rotenone
Cutworm Cuts plant stem Apply parasitic nematodes to soil;
Wood ashes around stem; Moist
bran mixed with Bt scattered on
soil
Flea beetle Many small holes in foliage Row covers; Sanitation; Apply
parasitic nematodes to soil; Neem;
Pyrethrum; Rotenone; Sabadilla
Fruitworm Feeds on foliage, flower, fruit Destroy infested fruit; Bt; Row
covers; Neem; Ryania
Hornworm Feeds on foliage and fruit Bt; Pyrethrum if severe
Pinworm Fruit has narrow black tunnels Destroy infested fruit; Till at season
end to prevent overwintering;
Sabadilla
Stink bug Deformed fruit with whitish- Control weeds near plants; Trap
yellow spots crops; Planting late-maturing
varieties; Attract beneficials by
planting small-flowered plants;
Sabadilla
Whitefly Distorted, yellow leaves; Insecticidal soap; Yellow sticky
Honeydew which attracts sooty traps; Beneficial insects; Garlic oil;
mold Pyrethrum; Rotenone; Beauveria
bassiana

ATTRA // ORGANIC TOMATO PRODUCTION Page 19

 Table 4

Tomato Diseases

Name Damage Control

Early blight (Alternaria Leaves have brown spots Resistant cultivars*;
blight) with concentric rings and Sanitation at season end;
yellow "halos"; Incidence Mulching; Air circulation;
increases in warm, humid Avoid water on leaves;
weather Rotation; Copper.
Late blight Leaves have bluish-gray Resistant cultivars; Sanitation;
spots; Leaves turn brown and Avoid water on leaves; Grow
drop; Fruits have dark brown, in poly hoop houses; Copper
corky spots; Incidence
increases with wet weather,
warm days and cool nights
Leaf spot (Septoria leaf Numerous small brown spots Sanitation; Rotation; Avoid
spot) with gray or black centers; water on leaves; Anti-
Leaves turn yellow and drop transpirants; Copper
Anthracnose Fruit has small, slightly Resistant cultivars; Sanitation;
sunken circular spots that Rotation; Physical support of
spread and crack open plant; Copper; Sulfur;
Remove severely infected
plants

Tobacco Mosaic Virus Distorted, small leaves and Don't grow around tobacco;
(TMV) plants Don't handle if tobacco is
present on hands; Destroy
infested plants
Bacterial spot; Bacterial Small, dark spots on leaves; Copper; Remove and destroy
speck Brown, rough spots on fruit infested plants if severe
Bacterial canker Leaves have brown edges; Remove and destroy infested
Wilted leaves; Fruit has very plants
small, dark brown spots with
white edges

*The Mountain series (Mountain Pride, Mountain Supreme, Mountain Gold, Mountain Fresh, and
Mountain Belle) is early blight tolerant.

For Verticillium, Fusarium, and nematode resistance, cultivars labeled VFN should be used.

ATTRA // ORGANIC TOMATO PRODUCTION Page 20

 Table 5

Other Problems of Tomatoes

Name Cause Effect Control

Blossom end Lack of calcium Sunken spot on Resistant cultivars;
rot; blossom end of fruit; Add Ca to soil; Spray
Blackheart Blackheart is internal with seaweed extract;
condition Mulch to keep
moisture level
constant
Cracking Warm, rainy weather Fruits split open Resistant cultivars;
after dry spell Mulch to keep
moisture level
constant
Catfacing Cool weather Malformed fruit with Row covers
scars near blossom
end
Blossom Sudden temp. Blossoms fall off Resistant varieties
drop changes; Nights before pollination
below 55°F; Hot occurs
weather; Too little
light; Too much/Too
little water; Too much
fertilizer
Sunscald Overexposure to sun Yellowish-white Maintain plant vigor
caused by defoliation patches on fruit to avoid defoliation
by insects and disease
N deficiency Lack of nitrogen Yellowing of oldest Compost; Composted
leaves; Stunted manure; Soybean
growth meal; Dried blood;
Fish emulsion;
Legume cover crop
P deficiency Lack of phosphorus Reddish-purple Compost; Leaf mold;
leaves Bonemeal; Rock
phosphate
K deficiency Lack of potassium Bronze spots between Compost; Kelp meal;
veins of leaves; Granite dust;
Underdeveloped Greensand; Wood
roots ashes

ATTRA // ORGANIC TOMATO PRODUCTION Page 21

 800-346-9140
TOMATO WEB LINKS
HORTICULTURE RESOURCE LIST
Appropriate Technology TransferforRuralAreas

ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information center funded by the USDA’s Rural Business -- Cooperative Service.

Extension Fact Sheets on Tomato Production and Handling

Tomato Production in Florida

Florida Cooperative Extension Service
http://hammock.ifas.ufl.edu/txt/fairs/CV137

Tomato Production Guide for Florida

Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida
http://hammock.ifas.ufl.edu./txt/fairs/56332

Processing Tomato Production in California

Cooperative Extension Service, University of California
http://vric.ucdavis.edu/vrichome/html/selectnewcrop.tomproc.htm

Mature-Green Tomatoes (Bush Grown)

Cooperative Extension Service, University of California
http://vric.ucdavis.edu/vrichome/html/veginfo/commodity/tomato/matgrtomatoprod.html

Tomatoes (Fresh Market) San Diego County

Cooperative Extension Service, University of California
http://vric.ucdavis.edu/vrichome/html/veginfo/commodity/tomato/sdtomatoprod.html

Fresh-Market Tomato Production

Ontario Agriculture, Agdex 257/20
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/facts/94-019.htm

Commercial Production of Fresh Market Tomatoes

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University
http://www.okstate.edu/OSU_Ag/agedcm4h/pearl/hort/vegetble/f-6019.pdf

Agricultural Alternatives: Tomatoes

Pennsylvania Cooperative Extension Service, Pennsylvania State University
http://agalternatives.cas.psu.edu/tomato.html

Commercial Production of Tomatoes in Mississippi

Mississippi State Extension Service, Mississippi State University
http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/is1514.htm

Pruning and Training Tomatoes

University of Missouri Extension Service
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06460.htm

ATTRA // ORGANIC TOMATO PRODUCTION Page 22

Fresh Market Tomatoes
University of Missouri Extension Service
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06370.htm

Commercial Vegetable Production: Tomatoes

Kansas Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas State University
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/_library/HORT2/MF1124.pdf

Tomatoes
Oregon State University Cooperative Extension Service
http://www.orst.edu/Dept/NWREC/tomato.html

Postharvest Cooling and Handling of Field- and Greenhouse-Grown Tomatoes

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
http://www1.ncsu.edu/bae/programs/extension/publicat/postharvest.html

Crop Budgets, Economics, and Marketing for Tomatoes

1994, University of California Cooperative Extension Sample Costs to Produce Organic Processing
Tomatoes in the Sacramento Valley
http://vric.ucdavis.edu/vrichome/html/veginfo/topics/prodcosts/organictom.html

Table 77: Costs of Production for Fresh Market Tomato, Per Acre Organic Production Practices
Northeastern United States, 1996. Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
http://aesop.rutgers.edu:80/~farmmgmt/ne-budgets/organic/Tomatoes-FreshMarket.html

Table 78: Costs of Production for Processing Tomato, Per Acre Organic Production Practices
Northeastern United States, 1996. Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
http://aesop.rutgers.edu:80/~farmmgmt/ne-budgets/organic/Tomatoes-Processing.html

Processor Tomato Projected Production Costs, 1994-1995

Cooperative Extension Service , University of California
http://vric.ucdavis.edu/vrichome/html/veginfo/commodity/tomato/proctomatocosts.html

Mature Green Tomatoes, Bush Grown Projected Production Costs, 1994-1995

Cooperative Extension Service , University of California
http://vric.ucdavis.edu/vrichome/html/veginfo/commodity/tomato/grtomatocosts.html

Mature Green Tomatoes, Bush Grown Drip Irrigated Projected Production Costs, 1995-1995
Cooperative Extension Service, University of California
http://vric.ucdavis.edu/vrichome/html/veginfo/commodity/tomato/grtomatodripcosts.html

USDA-Economic Research Service: Fresh Market Tomato Production Statistics

http://www.econ.ag.gov/briefing/tomato/

Tomatoes: Fresh Market and Processing

1998 Ohio Vegetable Production Guide Bulletin 672
http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/b672/b672_31.html

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Statewide Statistics on Processing Tomato Acreage and Tonnage
California Tomato Growers Association, Inc.
http://www.ctga.org/by%20state.htm

Staked Tomatoes: Green Pack Budget

Ohio Cooperative Extension Service, Ohio State University
http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/hcs/EM/budget/tom-gren.pdf

Processing Tomatoes: Machine Harvest Budget

Ohio Cooperative Extension Service, Ohio State University
http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/hcs/EM/budget/tom-mach.pdf

Processing Tomatoes: Hand Harvest Budget

Ohio Cooperative Extension Service, Ohio State University
http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/hcs/EM/budget/tom-hand.pdf

United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Tomatoes

USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service
http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/tomatfrh.pdf

The Farmer's Bookshelf: Tomato

University of Hawaii  College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
http://Agrss.sherman.Hawaii.Edu/bookshelf/tomato2/tomato2.htm
This has a link to download a Tomato Cost Analysis spreadsheet for Lotus 1-2-3

Sustainable Production Practices for Tomatoes and Vegetables

Sustainable Practices for Vegetable Production in the South

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/sustainable/peet/

A No-Tillage Tomato Production System Using Hairy Vetch and Subterranean Clover Mulches
UC-SAREP, University of California
http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/sarep/newsltr/v7n1/sa-11.htm

Role of Legume Cover Crops in Sustainable Tomato Production

Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, Georgia)
http://agschool.fvsc.peachnet.edu/html/Research/Projects/0164671.htm
Abstract: The third year of yield experiments was conducted during 1996-97 to compare the
efficacy of winter cover cropping with legumes for replacing synthetic N fertilization in tomato
production. Legumes supplied significantly greater amounts of mineralized N to the soil during
the tomato growing season than rye or control. There was no significant difference in plant dry
weight and fruit yields between fertilizer and legume N sources. Both fertilizer and legume
winter cover resulted in higher plant dry weight and tomato yields than control.

Current Research − Legume Cover Crops and Tomato Yields

Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, Georgia)
http://agschool.fvsc.peachnet.edu/html/Publications/CommoditySheets/fvsu014.htm
Abstract: Alternative methods of tomato production is the focus of ongoing research at the Fort

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 Valley State University Agricultural Research Station. For the past three years, the overall
tomato research objective has been the comparison of fall/winter cover crops (Abruzi Rye, Hairy
Vetch, and Crimson Clover) to different rates of commercial nitrogen for a possible nitrogen
fertilizer substitute. The study did not use raised beds, plastic mulch, or drip irrigation. The
state's median yield for tomato production on raised mulched beds is 20 tons/acre and 12.5
tons/acre for bare ground. Average tomato yield over three years in the station study were:
Zero Nitrogen=19.0 tons/acre, Abruzi rye=18.1 tons/acre, Hairy Vetch=28.7 tons/acre, Crimson
Clover=27.5 tons/acre, Full Nitrogen=28.2 tons/acre, and Half Nitrogen=29.9 tons/acre. In
general, it appears that Vetch and Clover are comparable to nitrogen fertilizer.

IPM for Tomatoes

Fact Sheets Related to Tomato Diseases and TOMCAST

Ohio State University
http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~vegnet/tomcats/tomfrm.htm

Crop Knowledge Master: Tomato IPM

University of Hawaii  College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/crops/tomato.htm

UC Pest Management Guidelines: Pests of Tomatoes

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/selectnewpest.tomatoes.html

Northeast Greenhouse IPM Notes (Field and Greenhouse Horticultural Crops)

Cornell & Rutgers Cooperative Extension
http://www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/greenhouse-notes/

Miscellaneous Web Links

Using Cold Frames in Eastern Oklahoma (Tomato Crop)

The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture Newsletter, November/December 1996 -- Vol. 22, No. 6
http://www.kerrcenter.com/nwsltr/news22-6.htm#Article 5

Sustainable Agriculture for Vegetable Production in Mississippi: Conventional, Transitional, and

Organic Tomato Production Systems.
Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences. Volume 41, Number 3. July 1996
http://www.msstate.edu/Org/MAS/jmas2.html

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