SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  16
Télécharger pour lire hors ligne
ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO
                                                       RGANIC             OMATO
                                                              PRODUCTION
                                                                    HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION GUIDE
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER   FOR   RURAL AREAS
          www.attra.ncat.org


 Abstract: This publication offers an overview of organic greenhouse tomato production. To be successful, the small-scale
 producer needs to do thorough production and marketing research, find or create a niche market, and produce a consis-
 tently healthy crop. Maintaining optimum fertilization and moisture levels, practicing rigorous pest management, and
 ensuring good pollination can increase crop yields. Information in this publication includes organic management
 methods for major diseases and insect pests; organic fertilization recommendations; a list of organic fertilizer suppliers;
 and a directory of further resources available on the Internet.


By Mardi Dodson,                                                       Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth M. Lamb, Vegetable
Janet Bachmann,                                                        Extension Specialist, University of Florida Institute
and Paul Williams                                                      of Food and Agricultural Sciences, for reviewing this
March 2002                                                             publication.


                                                                       INTRODUCTION
                        Table of Contents
                                                                       Tomatoes are the leading greenhouse vegetable
                                                                       crop in the United States and Canada. In the
   INTRODUCTION ............................................ 1         U.S., the total acreage in greenhouse tomato
   EDUCATION IS KEY ..................................... 1            production increased by 40 percent between
   MARKETING ................................................ 2        1996 and 1999. Statistics for 1999 show that
   SCHEDULING THE CROP .............................. 2                the U.S. had about 800 acres in greenhouse
   SOIL AND SOILLESS MEDIA ........................ 3                  vegetable production, with tomatoes accounting
   PEST MANAGEMENT ................................... 3               for 750 of those acres (1). The leading states in
   RESISTANT VARIETIES ................................. 5             greenhouse vegetable production are California,
                                                                       Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Ohio, Texas, and
   NUTRITION .................................................. 6
                                                                       Pennsylvania—each with more than one million
   GROWER PROFILE ....................................... 7            square feet in production (2). The vast majority
   POLLINATION .............................................. 8        of greenhouse tomatoes are produced in
   SUMMARY ................................................... 8       greenhouses using conventional production
   REFERENCES ................................................ 9       systems. Conventional and organic greenhouse
   RESOURCES ................................................. 9       production differ in the types of potting media,
     ORGANIC FERTILIZER                                                fertilization practices, and pest control methods
        DISTRIBUTORS ................................... 9             they use.
     INFORMATION ON THE WEB .................. 10
   APPENDIX ONE ................................... 12-13              EDUCATION IS KEY
   APPENDIX TWO ......................................... 14
                                                                       Education is the first step toward a successful
                                                                       greenhouse tomato crop, and there is a lot of


ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information center 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 (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.
information available on growing greenhouse           SCHEDULING      THE   CROP
tomatoes. Your local extension agent is an ex-
cellent source of information for your area.          Greenhouse tomatoes bring the highest price
Extension publications from all U.S. states are       from December
available on the Internet. Most publications can      through April, when                                  `
be downloaded and printed at no charge. Cali-                                  Days to Maturity:
                                                      it is too cool for lo-
fornia, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Geor-                               Very Early 45-50
                                                      cal field-grown to-
gia, and Mississippi all have excellent informa-                               Early 50-60
                                                      matoes. Winter
tion on growing greenhouse tomatoes. Dr. Mary                                  Midseason 70-80
                                                      growers         may
Peet’s Greenhouse Vegetable Production Website is     choose between a
an especially good resource with links to many        one- or two crop system. With the one crop
related websites (see the Web Resources section       system, plants are set in September and grow
for the website address). This website offers         through the winter and spring until late June.
valuable information on sustainable production        This system works best in the cooler and less
and integrated pest management, with specific         humid northern regions and is also used by most
information on individual crops. Mississippi          Florida growers. In a two-crop system, the fall
State Extension Service has many publications         crop is succeeded by a spring crop. Tomato
and articles on greenhouse tomato production          plants that have been growing since September
written by Dr. Rick Snyder (see the Web Re-           do not have the same vigor as the younger trans-
sources section for the website addresses). This      plants. The older plants tend to have a denser
website focuses mainly on conventional green-         growth by winter, which reduces airflow and
house production; however, much of the infor-         aggravates problems with humidity. Plants held
mation is valuable to both organic and conven-        over winter are more likely to be infected with
tional growers.                                       diseases that thrive on high humidity and cooler
                                                      temperatures, such as Gray Mold (caused by
MARKETING                                             Botrytis cinerea) and Leaf Mold (caused by Cla-
                                                      dosporium fulvum).
Sell your tomato crop before you plant it. It is
important for small growers to explore niche          In a two crop system, the fall crop is seeded be-
markets such as selling directly to the public via    tween July and September. Check with your
roadside stands or at farmers’ markets. Mar-          local extension agent for planting times in your
keting your products as “locally grown” is a          area. If the crop is planted too early, high sum-
possible strategy to explore. It may also be fea-     mer heat can stunt the young plants and delay
sible to wholesale your product directly to local     harvest. For premium prices, try to schedule
and regional retailers that sell organic produce.     the first harvest to coincide with the first frost
                                                      in your area. In some southern states, first frost
Direct market sales are affected by competition       may come as late as mid-November to early De-
among local greenhouses and by cut-rate whole-        cember.
sale organic produce. The market can change
rapidly, and greenhouse producers must be             Seed the spring crop in mid- to late November.
adaptable to change. The popular press and            If possible, the seedlings should be started in a
advertising can have a powerful influence on          separate house, in case there is a disease or in-
consumers. Niche markets can fade overnight           sect problem with the fall crop. The seedlings
with the arrival of large wholesale operations        will be ready to transplant about six weeks af-
or simply by a change in consumer demand (3).         ter seeding. Expect to see the first harvest in
For more information, request the ATTRA pub-          late March or early April. The spring crop is
lications Direct Marketing and Organic Market-        usually grown until the summer crop of field
ing Resources.                                        tomatoes is ready to harvest.




PAGE 2                                               //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
SOIL AND SOILLESS MEDIA                              Once a pest problem has set in, there are few
                                                     options available to organic greenhouse produc-
Greenhouse tomatoes can be grown in soil or in       ers. For detailed information on specific green-
soilless media. In soil culture, crops are grown     house tomato pests and controls, see Appendix
at ground level or in raised beds. The soil is       One. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a
usually amended with approved compost and            strategy that can be used in organic production
other approved organic additives. The poten-         as well as in conventional production systems.
tial for disease and nematode build up in or-
ganic soil-based greenhouses is quite high in        IPM promotes a variety of tactics, including the
many areas. Tomatoes, in particular, are vul-        use of pest resistant varieties and biological,
nerable to many soil-borne diseases, including       cultural, and physical controls. Pesticides are a
Verticillium and Fusarium wilts. Nematodes that      control tactic used in IPM, but they are used
can cause root knot galling can also be a prob-      only when needed. Pesticide use is thus mini-
lem in some soils. Many growers go to the added      mized without jeopardizing crop quality or
expense of grafting onto disease and nematode        yield. Organic production systems use all of
resistant rootstock. (Additional information         these, with the exception of chemical pesticides.
about grafting is available at http://               Other pesticides, such as insecticidal soaps,
www.agnet.org/library/article/eb480.html#1 .)        biopesticides, botanicals, and mineral-based
Steam pasteurization and solarization in the         pesticides, are allowed. For more detailed in-
summer are approved pest control methods for         formation on greenhouse IPM, refer to the
nematodes, Verticilium, Fusarium, and other soil-    ATTRA publication, Integrated Pest Management
borne pathogens.                                     for Greenhouse Crops.

                                                               Cultural Control Methods

    For general information about green-             In a closed environment, some diseases can lit-
    house organics, see the ATTRA pub-               erally spread overnight. Pathogens come in con-
    lication Organic Greenhouse Vegetable            tact with the plants in many ways. Infested soil
    Production.                                      or plant debris, air movement, water, and con-
                                                     taminated hands, tools, or clothing can all
                                                     spread disease. Good ventilation and air circu-
                                                     lation, rigorous sanitation practices, and main-
Soilless cultivation methods—sometimes collec-       taining optimum temperatures and humidity
tively (and loosely) known as hydroponics—are        levels are effective methods of disease control
covered in the ATTRA publications Greenhouse         in the greenhouse.
and Hydroponic Vegetable Resources on the Internet
and Aquaponics: Integration of Hydroponics with                        Sanitation
Aquaculture.
                                                     Rigorous sanitation practices are essential for
PEST MANAGEMENT                                      healthy and productive crops. Before a crop is
                                                     planted, it is important to thoroughly inspect
One key to a successful organic greenhouse op-       the greenhouse. Screens, doors, and walls
eration is maintaining rigorous pest manage-         should be checked periodically for any tears or
ment. A pesticide-free greenhouse means that         other openings. Mulching around the plants
growers must practice good sanitation and pest       and using landscape fabric on walkways helps
management methods from the beginning.               to reduce weeds and soilborne pathogens. It is
Pathogens or insects can become epidemic in a        not advisable to store houseplants in vegetable
greenhouse environment in a very short time.         production greenhouses. A seemingly healthy




          //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION                                           PAGE 3
houseplant can be a vector for many diseases
that attack vegetable crops (4).                                Good (Green)housekeeping

During tomato production, debris and cull piles          [ Keep doors closed and make sure all
are a prime source of many plant diseases.                 screens are in good working order.
Promptly remove all plant debris from the                [ Make sure all plant debris and cull
greenhouse areas before an infection can take              piles are removed promptly.
place. Work surfaces should be made of non-              [ Sanitize hands, tools, and machinery
porous material, such as stainless steel, and ster-        when moving from house to house.
ilized after each use. Laundry bleach is an ac-          [ Have a shoe wash at each entrance.
ceptable disinfectant, providing the residual            [ Wash clothing regularly in hot water.
chlorine levels in the bleach-water do not ex-           [ Do not store houseplants in
ceed those set by the Safe Drinking Water Act              production greenhouses.
(4 ppm).

Proper sterilization of hands, feet, and clothing
when moving from house to house greatly re-
duces cross-contamination. Before entering the
greenhouse, hands should be washed in hot                 Ventilation, temperature control, and
soapy water. For tobacco users (both smokers                       humidity reduction
and chewers), a rinse of 1– 3% trisodium phos-
phate prior to washing in hot soapy water is           Temperature control and humidity reduction
recommended to avoid the introduction of To-           play a major role in maintaining greenhouse
bacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) into the greenhouse.          crop health. During the fall, winter, and spring,
Because TMV can survive on clothing for long           when the majority of greenhouse tomatoes are
periods of time (up to 3 years in a darkened           grown, high humidity and limited air circula-
closet), it is important that clothing and over-       tion give many diseases an ideal growing envi-
alls be changed daily and washed and dried at          ronment. Moisture condensation creates humid
high temperatures. A shoe wash with a disin-           conditions within the foliage, encouraging fun-
fectant-soaked mat at the entrance to the green-       gal and bacterial infection (6).
house will help eliminate pathogens brought in
on shoes. Adding a small enclosed entry porch          Good ventilation and proper temperature con-
to the greenhouse provides a place to decon-           trol are critical for reducing humidity and con-
taminate shoes, tools, and equipment, and also         trolling airborne fungal diseases. To ensure good
helps keep out pests. In situations where there        ventilation, allow several feet of airspace above
is a contagious disease such as bacterial canker,      the plants and use proper spacing between them.
all tools, machinery, and electromechanical pol-       Pruning the suckers just below the first fruit set
linators should be sterilized at the end of every      also helps to maintain good air circulation
row with ethanol or 0.5% sodium hypochlorite           within the canopy. To increase ventilation, Mike
(5).                                                   Collins of Old Athens Farm in Westminster,
                                                       Vermont, culls the bottom leaves once his plants
                                                       are four feet tall. Collins cuts the leaves off an
                                                       inch away from the stem and snaps off the stubs
                                                       at the next pruning to minimize Botrytis infec-
                                                       tion sites (7). Some greenhouse producers also
                                                       “lower” their crop—move the plants on their
                                                       supports, so the sections ready for harvest are
                                                       always at the same level, enjoying the same tem-
              ©2002www.arttoday.com
                                                       perature.



PAGE 4                                                //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
Optimum air temperature for                            Table 1. Common Disease
        sustained tomato growth:                                       Abbreviations*.
                                                    Disease                                 Abbreviation
                 Day: 75–85°F
                                                    Bacterial Speck                              BSK-O
                Night: 60–70°F                      Early Blight (Alternaria)                     EB
                                                    Fusarium Crown & Root Rot FCRR or FrWi
                                                    Verticilium Wilt Race 1      V
                                                    Fusarium Wilt          Race 1                   F1
Temperature control can be maintained in
several ways. Polyethylene tubing works best                               Race 2                   F2
for maintaining even temperatures throughout                         Race 3                       F3
the greenhouse. With this system, fresh air         Leaf Mold (Cladosporium)                  C2, C5, C7
from the outside can be warmed with fan-type        Nematode                                        N
heaters to maintain optimum temperatures.
Fans inside the greenhouse, mounted above           Powdery Mildew (Oidium)                         Oi
the crop, help keep temperature uniform.            Gray Leaf Spot (Stemphylium)                   St
With a pad and fan system, the air can be too       Tobacco Mosaic Virus                          TMV
cool at the cooling-pad end and too warm at         Tomato Spotted Wilt                     TSW or TmSw
the fan end. Temperature differences of 10–
15ºF can occur within the same greenhouse,          Tomato Mosaic Virus                          ToMV
                                                    *These are examples of common abbreviations. Suppliers may
which can cause catfacing, uneven growth,
                                                    differ in abbreviation styles.
failures in fruit set, and devastating foliage
disease (6). And the higher the humidity, the       To indicate disease resistance, a series of abbre-
less efficient evaporative systems are. For even    viations is usually listed with the description of
heating from the ground up, heating pipes can       the cultivar. Each abbreviation stands for a spe-
be placed between alternating rows. The             cific pathogen. For instance, Tobacco Mosaic
heated air rises and pushes the cooler air to       Virus is TMV; Fusarium Wilt race 1 is F1, etc.
the floor, helping to maintain good airflow.        (8). Fusarium Crown and Root Rot may be
In hot climates, greenhouses need higher roofs      printed as FCRR or FrWi depending on the dis-
to keep hot air away from the plants.               tributor. See Table 1 for examples of major
                                                    greenhouse tomato diseases and their abbrevia-
RESISTANT VARIETIES                                 tions. See Table 2 for a list of resistant green-
                                                    house tomato varieties.
Using disease-resistant seeds and transplants
whenever possible is one of the organic green-      Once a variety of tomato has been selected, the
house producer’s best lines of defense. For         next task is to decide whether to grow trans-
best results, use good- quality seed from a repu-   plants from seed or to purchase plugs. Either
table source. Organic growers must use or-          way, all transplants must be grown using ap-
ganically grown seed if it is commercially          proved organic methods and inputs. The ad-
available, or untreated seed from a conven-         vantages of producing plugs in-house include
tional source if it is not. For a list of organic   an efficient use of greenhouse space and rapid
and untreated seed and transplant suppliers,        production. The disadvantages include extra
see ATTRA’s Suppliers of Organic and/or Non-        labor cost for seeding and transplant produc-
GE Seeds and Plants.                                tion and increased heating costs in winter (plugs




          //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION                                                    PAGE 5
Table 2. Disease-resistant Greenhouse Tomato Varieties*.

            Disease                                Resistant Varieties                                      Tolerant Varieties
  Fusarium Crown and Root Rot                      Trust
  Fusarium Wilt Race 1                             Caruso, Trust                                               Vendor
                Race 2                             Caruso, Trust                                               Vendor
                Race 3
  Leaf Mold (Cladosporium)                        Buffalo, Capello, Caruso (races
                                                  A thru E), Cobra, Dombito, Jumbo,
                                                  Match, Pink KR15 and Pink CR-864
                                                  with gene Cf-5, Trend, Trust (races
                                                  A thru E), Ultra Sweet & Ultra Pink
                                                  with Cf-7, Vision, Furon and
                                                  Vetomold with Cf-2
  Powdery Mildew (Oidium)                         DRW 4409, Belliro (DRW 4369)                                   Grace, Milano
  Gray Leaf Spot (Stemphylium)
  Tobacco Mosaic Virus                             Boa, Caruso, Cobra, Trust                                    Vendor
  Tomato Spotted Wilt                              DRW 5719
               *Remember, you must use organically grown seed if it is available commercially, or untreated seed if it is not.




are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations).                     NUTRITION
There are many issues to consider when decid-
ing whether to use seed or transplants. The size                     A well-fed plant is a healthy plant. Maintain-
of the operation, available labor, and cost of                       ing optimum nutrient, light, and moisture lev
production are just a few considerations. Ac-                        els will result in healthier plants that are better
cording to Kessler and Behe (9):                                     able to fend off diseases and insect pests. To-
                                                                     matoes are heavy feeders because of their rapid
   The decision should be based partially on                         growth and long production season. Tomatoes
   market considerations, labor availability and                     need 75 to 100 pounds of nitrogen (N) per acre
   expertise, the number of plants to be pro-                        and moderate to high levels of phosphorus (P)
   duced, the cost per plug, and the special-
                                                                     and potassium (K) for maximum yields. Soil
   ized equipment and facilities required. This
                                                                     tests can establish what nutrients soil needs.
   investment is often not economically practi-
   cal unless production is large or plugs are                       Some growers add a mixture of animal meal by-
   marketed to other growers. For most small                         products, rock phosphate, and kelp meal to pro-
   to medium sized growers, especially [begin-                       vide needed nutrients. Fertilizer efficiency is
   ners], it is often more economical to                             highest at a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. To help maintain
   purchase…plugs from specialized growers                           proper nutrition and pH levels, a pH meter is a
   and concentrate on producing finished con-                        handy tool. For more information on organic
   tainers. The issue of grow versus purchase                        fertilizers and the nutritional needs of tomatoes,
   should be reviewed periodically as the needs                      see the ATTRA publication, Organic Tomato Pro-
   and facilities of the grower change.                              duction.

For more-detailed information on plug produc-                        According to the National Organic Standards,
tion, see the ATTRA publication Organic Plug                         it appears that organic greenhouse crops may
and Transplant Production.                                           be grown either in soil or in soilless media. Build-




PAGE 6                                                             //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
ing nutrient-rich soil in a greenhouse environ-       even reach a remarkable 25 to 30% after sev-
ment takes extra time and effort, but the results     eral years. For more information on large-scale
are well worth it. Compost is the main nutrient       composting, see ATTRA’s Farm-Scale Composting
ingredient used in soil beds. One grower in           Resource List.
Canada applies compost at a rate of one or two
cubic meters per 100 square meters of bed space       Soilless technology shows promise for increas-
(1.2 to 2.4 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet).       ing yields and reducing economic losses to soil-
The beds are then covered with straw mulch.           borne diseases. Dr. Mary Peet and Janet Miles
Five to six applications were added to the beds       of North Carolina State University have recently
at five- to six-week intervals in the first year.     concluded a study to develop organic fertiliza-
The compost was applied in smaller amounts            tion regimes specifically for greenhouse toma-
and less frequently through the fourth year. A        toes using soilless media. See Appendix Two
rich, healthy soil was the result. Soil organic       for a copy of the article, “Recommended Fertili-
matter usually ranges from 10 to 12% and can          zation Practices for Producing Organic Green-


  GROWER PROFILE
  Six years ago, Mike Duda, a market gardener from Victor, Montana, was just sick about his
  tomatoes: The high winds and cool nights around Victor were costing him two-thirds of his
  crop. That was when he decided to try greenhouse production. He bought a 30’ x 90’ metal-
  frame greenhouse kit, erected it himself, and installed an inflateable poly cover. A second-hand
  oil-fired funace supplied the heat. An old attic fan furnished ventilation exhaust, and some
  used house fans moved air around inside the greenhouse. And not much has changed since
  then, except that Mike’s tomato harvest has tripled.

  Duda grows in soil, on raised beds. As he describes it: “We live in cattle country, so manure is
  easy to find. I use aged (three years) cow manure about two inches deep, dolimite lime, rock
  phosphate, and a little homemade wood ash. I use a soil test to gauge the amounts and hand-
  dig the beds. . . . I also fertilize with seabird guano every couple of weeks. I use drip tape for
  irrigation and tie the tomatoes to twine attached to the greenhouse for support.

  “I start the tomatoes from seed on December 26. . . . Harvest starts the last week in May and
  continues through October. It peaks mid-June to mid-August, when we get 250 pounds a week.

  “I use garden variety tomatoes, not greenhouse varieties. They’re bred for shipping, not taste. I
  use Brandywine with good results, Oregon Spring with excellent results (they don’t need pol-
  lination), and Sungold with excellent results (they produce until Thanksgiving).

  “I spray with kelp weekly until the fruit set. It works well. You eventually get some disease, but
  it’s near the end of the crop, so you tolerate it as long as you can, then remove [the diseased
  plants]. We do see a few aphids. I use soap spray when they get too bad. This year I’m going to
  try some beneficial insects; it’s hard to spray effectively when the plants are big.

  “We sell all of our tomatoes at the farmers’ market, all at retail prices. It’s good for us, and the
  customers love fresh tomatoes. This will be our sixth year for greenhouse tomatoes, and I can’t
  imagine not having them. It’s fun to be able to start gardening in the middle of winter, and
  tomatoes always sell well.”




         //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION                                              PAGE 7
house Tomatoes” by Janet Miles. This article         the bees begin to die out and the process starts
includes detailed recipes for each stage of ma-      over again. However, due to breakthroughs in
turity.                                              bumblebee breeding, full-strength colonies of
                                                     bumblebees are now available year round.
POLLINATION
                                                     For commercial production, the bees are shipped
Tomato plants have both male and female re-          by airfreight and placed in the greenhouse as
productive organs on the same flower, so with        the first flowers begin to open. Stocking rate
a little help, each flower can self-pollinate. In    varies from one hive for a small greenhouse to
the natural environment, wind and insects pol-       two to four hives per acre for larger facilities.
linate tomatoes. In a greenhouse environment,        The hives are usually replaced every 8 to 12
more attention must be paid to the pollination       weeks as the colony begins to die out. There
process to ensure maximum fruit set. Today,          are two primary species of bees produced in
tomatoes are pollinated in greenhouses either        Canada and the United States: Bombus
by bumblebees or by mechanical pollinators.          occidentalis for the west and B. impatiens for the
                                                     east. According to the USDA and AgCanada,
Mechanical pollination is done with a battery-       the dividing line is at the 100th meridian, which
powered, hand-held pollinator or by electric         runs through the middle of Texas, Oklahoma,
vibrating benches. The hand-held pollinators         Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. To avoid
are labor-intensive. Workers have to hand pol-       confusion, the USDA has classified these states
linate each plant two or three days each week        as “eastern” states in the case of bees. Bees
during flowering. Vibration benches work on          West, Inc., supplies western species, and
an automatic timer and do not require much           Koppert Biological Systems, Inc., supplies east-
labor after installation, but they are expensive     ern species (10).
and not cost-effective for small- to medium-scale
growers.                                             SUMMARY
Mechanical pollination of tomatoes was pre-          A successful organic greenhouse tomato opera-
dominant in U.S. and Canadian greenhouses            tion will require research into all aspects of the
until the mid-90s, when the use of bumblebees        business. Before planting the first seed, it is im-
was adopted from European growers. Today,            portant to locate a niche market in your area
most greenhouse tomato growers in North              and schedule harvests to coincide with times of
America are using bumblebees, which work             high market value. Soil systems have many
every day of the week, selecting only the flow-      advantages compared to soilless systems; how-
ers that are ready to pollinate. Bumblebees can      ever, they can be sources for soil-borne diseases
pollinate up to 30 flowers a minute. It is not       such as Verticilium and Fusarium wilts. Main-
unusual to have 100% pollination, which results      taining rigorous pest control is key to maintain-
in higher yields than are achieved with me-          ing a healthy, productive greenhouse operation.
chanical methods (10).                               Successful pest control includes incorporating
                                                     Integrated Pest Management practices, includ-
Bumblebees are mild-mannered and easy to             ing cultural control methods, and the planting
work with; they rarely sting without provoca-        of disease resistant varieties. Organically grown
tion. They start a new colony each year, with        seed must be used if available. If not, commer-
only a single queen hibernating over the win-        cially available untreated seed may be used. All
ter. This queen then starts a new colony in the      transplants, whether purchased or grown on
spring. By mid-summer the colony can num-            the farm, must be grown using approved or-
ber in the hundreds. At the end of the summer        ganic methods and inputs. Maintaining proper




PAGE 8                                              //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
pH and fertilization levels improves disease re-           bama Cooperative Extension.
sistance and increases yields. Using bumblebees            <http://www.aces.edu/department/
for pollination can also increase yields and re-           extcomm/publications/anr/anr-596/
duce labor costs.                                          anr-596.htm>. 16 p.

                                                   10)     Kueneman, Tom. 1995. The pollinator.
REFERENCES
                                                           Greenhouse Product News. Vol. 5, No.
                                                           9. p. 8, 10.
1)     Snyder, Richard G. 1995. Greenhouse
       Tomatoes—The Basics of Successful
       Production. Proceedings of the Green-       RESOURCES
       house Tomato Seminar. August 3-4,
       1995. Montreal, Quebec, Canada.             Organic Fertilizer Distributors

2)     Census of Agriculture. 1997. U.S. Cen-      Agri-Growth International, Inc.
       sus of Horticulture Specialties. Bureau     http://www.agriorganics.com
       of the Census, U.S. Department of Com-          Agri-Growth International, Inc. is a manufac-
       merce, Washington, D.C.                         turer of organic plant nutrients and stimula-
                                                       tors. This website offers information on their
3)     Snyder, Rick. No date. Greenhouse               products.Send e-mail to herb@agriorganics.com,
       Tomato Handbook. Mississippi State Ex-          or contact them at 1-780-484-0102 for a dis-
       tension Service.                                tributor listing in your area.
       <http://msucares.com/pubs/
       pub1828.htm>.                               Alternative Garden Supply
                                                   http://www.alternativegarden.com/
4)     Dr. Craig Anderson, Horticulture Exten-        Alternative Garden Supply offers a complete
       sion Specialist, University of Arkansas,       online store and a listing of retailers in your area.
       Personal communication, June 2001.             They carry a variety of liquid organic fertilizers
                                                      such as Earth Juice, Fox Farm, Pure Blend,
5)     Jarvis, William R. 1992. Managing Dis-         Maxicrop, and Age Old Organics.
       eases in Greenhouse Crops. The Ameri-
       can Phytopathological Society, St. Paul,    Atlantis Hydroponics
       Minnesota. p. 148–149.                      1035 Baxter Street
                                                   Athens, GA 30603
6)     Wittwer, S. and S. Honma. 1979. Green-      (706) 543-9980
       house Tomatoes, Lettuce & Cucumbers.        Toll Free: (888) 305-4450
       Michigan State University Press, East       Fax: (706) 543-9919
       Lansing. p. 72.                             info@atlantishydroponics.com
                                                   http://www.atlantishydroponics.com
7)     Grubinger, Vernon P. 1999. Sustainable          Atlantis Hydroponics offers a wide range of or-
       Vegetable Production from Start-up to           ganic fertilizers and stimulants: Alaska Start-
       Market. NARES. New York, New York.              up, Earth Juice, Fox Farm, Neptune’s Harvest,
       p. 229–233.                                     Pure Blend, and others.

8)     Sanders, Doug. 1999. The Perfect Vari-      Greenfire
       ety. American Vegetable Grower. Vol.        347 Nord Ave. #1
       47, No. 12. p. 47-48.                       Chico, CA 95926
                                                   (916) 895-8301
9)     Kessler, J. and Bridget Behe. 1998. Pro-    Fax: (916) 895-8317
       duction and Marketing. ANR-596. Ala-        http://www.greenfire.net/



         //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION                                                PAGE 9
Greenfire offers a wide range of organic fertiliz-     Commercial Greenhouse Tomato Production
    ers for both soil and soilless media. Greenfire        Colorado State University; Cooperative Exten-
    is an Earth Juice distributor.                         sion Service
                                                           http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/gar-
Growlight.com                                              den/07606.pdf
sales@growlight.com
http://www.growlight.com/                                  Dr. Mary Peet’s Greenhouse Vegetable Pro-
    Online catalog with a distributor list for retail-     duction Website
    ers in your area. Organic products include             North Carolina State University
    B’Cuzz Growth, Root, and Bloom Stimulators;            http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/
    Nitrozime; and Age Old Organics Liquid Grow,           greenhouse_veg/resources/
    Bloom, and Kelp.                                           Resource page with links to conversion tools,
                                                               print information, and related Websites.
Harvest Moon Hydroponics
http://www.hmoonhydro.com/                                 Environmental Control for Greenhouse
    Harvest Moon Hydroponics offers a complete             Tomatoes
    online store with a wide range of organic fertil-      Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten-
    izers and stimulants: including B’Cuzz, Earth          sion Service
    Juice, Pure Blend, Superthrive, Nitron A-35,           http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1879.htm
    Grow Big, and Big Bloom. The website includes
    a list of Harvest Moon retailers in your area.         Florida Greenhouse Design
                                                           University of Florida, Cooperative Extension
Home Harvest® Garden Supply, Inc.                          Service
3807 Bank Street                                           http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/scripts/
Baltimore, Maryland 21224                                  htmlgen.exe?DOCUMENT_AE016
1-800-348-4769
Voice: (410) 327-8403                                      Grafting, De Ruiter Seeds Inc.
Fax: (410) 327-8411                                        http://www.deruiterusa.com/guide.html
ugrow@homeharvest.com                                          (Guidelines for Grafting)
http://homeharvest.com/storeinfo.htm                       http://www.deruiterusa.com/root.html
    Earth Juice, Fox Farm, and others.                         (Rootstock Germination)

HydroMall™                                                 Greenhouse Tomato Handbook
http://www.hydromall.com/infocart/                         Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten-
Organic_Fertilizer/                                        sion Service
    HydroMall™ offers organic fertilizers from             http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1828.htm
    Agri-Growth International, Inc., such as:
    Myco-Net Biological Inoculum, Nutri-Max, and           Greenhouse Tomato Production
    others. Order online from HydroMall™ or see            Oregon State University, College of Agricultural
    their Stores Directory for a retail store near you.    Sciences
                                                           http://www.orst.edu/Dept/NWREC/
Information on the Web                                     tomatogh.html

Budget for Greenhouse Tomatoes                             Growing Hydroponic Tomatoes
Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten-           The University of Arizona, College of Agricul-
sion Service                                               ture
http://msucares.com/pubs/p2257.html                        http://ag.arizona.edu/hydroponictomatoes/
                                                           index.htm




PAGE 10                                                   //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
Insect and Disease Problems of Tomato                   By Mardi Dodson, Janet Bachmann,
Texas A&M University, Aggie Horticulture                and Paul Williams
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/                     NCAT Agriculture Specialists
imagemap/mgmaps/mgprob.html
                                                        Edited by Richard Earles
North Carolina State’s Greenhouse Food Pro-             Formatted by Cynthia Arnold
duction Website
North Carolina State University                         March 2002
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/
greenhouse_veg/index.htm                                IP 190
    Topics include culltural control, biological con-
    trol, and organic production.

Single Truss Tomato Production System
Bioresource Engineering Department
Rutgers University - Cook College, New Jersey
http://nj-nscort.rutgers.edu/visitor/tps/
index.html

Starting A Greenhouse Business
Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten-
sion Service
http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1957.htm

Starting Vegetable Transplants
Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten-
sion Service
http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1995.htm

Texas Greenhouse Management Handbook
Texas A&M University, Aggie Horticulture
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/green-
house/guides/green/green.html

Tomato Plant Problems FAQ, by Kay Klier
http://is.rice.edu/~shel/tomato.html
   An overview of tomato plant problems and or-
   ganic cures.




                          The electronic version of Organic Greenhouse Tomato
                          Production is located at:
                          HTML
                          http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/ghtomato.html
                          PDF
                          http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/PDF/ghtomato.pdf




          //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION                                       PAGE 11
APPENDIX ONE
                                       PROBLEMS IN THE GREENHOUSE
                                       PROBLEMS IN THE GREENHOUSE

                                  1. Major Fungal Diseases of Greenhouse Tomatoes

Name                               Damage                                    Control

                                                                             Use resistant cultivar; Sanitation at
                                   Leaves have brown spots with
Early blight                                                                 season end; Mulching; Air circulation;
                                   concentric rings and yellow "halos";
Alternaria solani                                                            Avoid water on leaves; Rotation;
                                   Increases in warm, humid weather.
                                                                             Copper spray.

                                   Tops of plants wilt; Dark brown
Fusarium Crown & Root Rot          colored root rot at soil level; Stems     Use resistant varieties; Transplant when
Fusarium oxysporum sp. radicis-    may have red-brown vascular               soil or media is 680F or above; Remove
lycopersici                        discoloration; Symptoms appear just       first fruit to allow plant to recover.
                                   before first pick.

                                   Clearing of veins and chlorosis of
                                                                             Use resistant varieties; Sterilize seed;
                                   lower leaves; Wilting leaves and
                                                                             Use of soilless media or hydroponics
                                   stems; Marginal necrosis of leaves and
Fusarium Wilt Fusarium                                                       reduces incidence of disease; Use good
                                   eventual defoliation; Roots may be
oxysporum sp. lycopersici                                                    sanitation practices; Avoid excessive
                                   stunted; Stems may have borwon
                                                                             warming of cultivation beds (keep
                                   discoloration; Prefers warm
                                                                             below 820F).
                                   greenhouses.

                                   Older leaves affected first. Small        Use resistant varieties; Reduce
Gray Leaf Spot Stemphylium         brown to black spots on leaves,           humidity and increase air circulation;
solani                             enlarging to gray centers that drop out   Keep canopy dry; Avoid water on
                                   to make several tiny holes in leaf.       leaves; Destroy infected plant material.

                                                                             Keep canopy dry; Avoid water on
                                   Gray, velvety coating of spores on
                                                                             leaves; Reduce humidity (below 85%);
Gray Mold                          fruit, stems, and petioles. Thrives at
                                                                             Increase temperature and air
Botrytis cinerea                   temperatures below 650F. Begins on
                                                                             circulation; Ventilate at night if
                                   flowers and spreads to fruit.
                                                                             possible.

                                                                             Good sanitation practices; Use resistant
                                   Chlorotic (yellow-green) spots on
                                                                             varieties; Proper row and plant
                                   upper surface of older leaves;
                                                                             spacing; Avoid excessive Nitrogen;
                                   Undersurface may have olive green
Leaf Mold                                                                    Reduce humidity (below 85%) and
                                   spores; Spots merge to affect entire
Fulvia Fulva                                                                 increase air circulation (heated air);
                                   leaf; Prefers poorly ventilated, cool,
(syn. Cladosporium fulvum)                                                   Avoid water on leaves; Burn or bury
                                   humid conditions; Spreads by air,
                                                                             infected plant material; At season's end,
                                   water, workers and insects; Affects
                                                                             remove and destroy all crop residue
                                   soil or hydroponics.
                                                                             and sanitize greenhouse.

                                                                             Avoid water on leaves; Humidity
                                   Leaves develop irregular, bright          control; Sulfur sprays; Biofungicide
Powdery Mildew
                                   yellow blotches; Severe infections can    AQ10 (Ampelomyces quisqualis); Baking
Oidium lycopersicum
                                   kill leaves; Sunscald from leaf loss.     Soda (see ATTRA pub Use of Baking
                                                                             Soda as a Fungicide); Copper sprays.

                                   Numerous small brown water-soaked
                                   spots on leaves, petioles & stems with    Rotation; Avoid water on leaves; Burn
                                   gray or black centers; Leaves turn        or bury infected plant material;
Septoria Leaf Spot                 yellow and drop; Sunscald may             Maintain optimum temperatures and
Septoria lycopersici               occur; Spreads by wind, water, hands,     humidity control; Aphid control (see
                                   tools & aphids; Favors warm, dry          ATTRA's Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable
                                   days and damp nights (85%-100%            Aphid Control); Copper sprays.
                                   relative humidity).




PAGE 12                                                      //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
2. Major Bacterial Diseases of Greenhouse Tomatoes

Name                      Damage                                              Control

                                                                              Use disease-free seed or sterilize
                          Very contagious; Wilting lower
                                                                              seed in 1300F water for 25 minutes;
                          leaflets; Older leaflets curl upwards
                                                                              Use drip irrigation to reduce splash;
                          and die from margin inward; Cankers
                                                                              Reduce humidity and increase air
Bacterial Canker          may form on stems; Brown, dry,
                                                                              circulation; Maintain optimum
Clavibacter               mealy pith in later stages; Small,
                                                                              temperatures; Use sterilized soil or
michiganensis pv.         raised white "bird's eye spots" on fruit;
                                                                              potting mixes; Disinfect benches,
michiganensis             Spreads from infected seed (systemic)
                                                                              hoses, tools, etc. between crops;
                          or tools, hands, insects, or splashing
                                                                              Sterilize or discard wooden stakes;
                          water (local); Infection is favored by
                                                                              Destroy infected plant material;
                          warm, wet conditions.
                                                                              Copper sprays.

                                                                    Use resistant cultivar; Use disease-
                                                                    free seed or sterilize seed in 1300F
                          Most severe in 3-5 leaf stage; Small,
                                                                    water for 25 minutes; Reduce
                          dark lesions with yellow rings on
Bacterial Speck                                                     humidity and increase air circulation;
                          leaves; Superficial, brown, rough spots
                                                                    Maintain optimum temperatures
Pseudomonas syringae      on fruit; Retards growth and delays
                                                                    (Bacterial Speck disappears with
pv. tomato                fruit maturity; Spread by sprinkler
                                                                    warmer temperatures); Use drip
                          irrigation; Infection is favored by cool,
                                                                    irrigation or mulch to reduce splash;
                          wet conditions.
                                                                    Remove and destroy infested plants
                                                                    if severe; Copper sprays.

                            3. Major Insect Pests of Greenhouse Tomatoes


Name                                    Damage                                      Control

                                        Sucks sap; Vectors disease;
                                        Creates honeydew which                      Insecticidal soap; Beneficial
                                        attracts sooty mold;                        insects (ladybugs, lacewings,
                                        Misshapen foliage, flowers,                 etc.) Beauvaria bassiana;
Aphid                                   and fruit                                   Pyrethrum; Rotenone

                                                                                    Destroy infested fruit; Bt; Row
*Fruitworm                              Feeds on foliage, flower, fruit             covers; Neem; Ryania

                                                                                    Destroy infested fruit; Till at
                                        Fruit has narrow black                      season end to prevent
*Pinworm                                tunnels                                     overwintering; Sabadilla

                                                                                    Insecticidal soap; Yellow
                                        Distorted, yellow leaves;                   sticky traps; Beneficial insects;
                                        Honeydew which attracts                     Garlic oil; Pyrethrum;
Whitefly                                sooty mold                                  Rotenone; Beauveria bassiana
                       *Affects mostly field tomato crops but has also been known to infest greenhouse crops




         //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION                                                                PAGE 13
APPENDIX TWO                           Transplant Production:

                                                      1) Seeds: 4-7 days until first true leaves
    RECOMMENDED FERTILIZATION                            appear
  PRACTICES FOR PRODUCING ORGANIC                        a) sow in sterile seedling mix
       GREENHOUSE TOMATOES                               b) Place seed trays in a mist bed
                                                            with bottom heat
                                                                i) Temperature: 75-80°F
               BY JANET MILES                                  ii) 16 hours fluorescent light

Janet Miles developed these recommendations           2) Transplant Seedlings: 4-6 weeks depend-
as part of an M.S. thesis under the supervision          ing on Fall or Spring crop
of Dr. Mary Peet. The thesis is entitled: Organic,       a) 4” pots with peat or coir-based
Biorational and Conventional Growing Systems                 substrate
for Greenhouse Tomatoes, 2000, North Caro-                   *note: We used a special mix
lina State University, Raleigh, NC.                          provided by Faford which is equivalent
                                                             to their commercial 4-P, but without
For more information on this study and on or                 the starter nutrient charge or wetting
ganic production, visit the North Carolina                   agent, which would not be acceptable
Greenhouse Food Production website:                          for organic certification. (See Substrate
<http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/greenhouse_veg/>.                   Recipe in the Greenhouse Production
                                                             section).
These recommendations were devised from                   b) Nutrients:
studies performed on ‘Grace’ tomatoes—a vari-                    i) Constant feed of fertilizer/water
ety bred specifically for greenhouse production,                     solution
grown in 5 gallon upright plastic bags with soil-               ii) Earth Juice™ brand: This
less substrates in polyethylene greenhouses.                         product is comprised of three
                                                                     different formulations. They
For current requirements for organically certi-                      also have a source of K2O and a
fied greenhouse vegetable production, consult                        source of micronutrients.
the National Organic Program website <http:/                         Grow: analysis 2-1-1. Ingredi-
/www.ams.usda.gov/nop/>. Draft recom-                                ents: bat guano, Norwegian
mendations for greenhouses are available at:                         Sea Kelp, natural sulfate of
<http:/www.ams.usda.gov/nop/nop2000/                                 potash, feather meal, oat bran,
nosb/recommedations/Crops recommenda-                                blood meal, and steamed bone
tions/greenhouse.pdf>. For additional com-                           meal.
mercial materials which may be allowable for                         Bloom: analysis 0-3-1. Ingredi
organic growers, consult the Organic Material                        ents: bat guano, Chilean sea
Review Institute website<http://www.omri.org/>.                      bird guano, Norwegian Sea
A list of suppliers of organic fertilizers and hor-                  Kelp, natural sulfate of potash,
ticultural substrates is available from ATTRA                        steamed bone meal, oat bran,
<http://www.attra.org/>.                                             and rock phosphate.
                                                                     Catalyst: analysis 0.03-0.01-
This study was begun in 1998, before the initia-                     0.10. Ingredients: oat bran,
tion of national standards and with few poten-                       kelp, wheat malt, molasses,
tially certifiable materials available. It can be                    and yeast.
used as a guideline for selecting and using or-                          Earth Juice Recipe
ganic fertilizers for greenhouse tomato produc-                      Mixed in 2 gal. water for direct
tion, but growers are advised to check the                           fertilization:
ATTRA and OMRI sites for new materials and                           (Not concentrated for injectors)
with their certifying agency to see if particular                    3 tbsp. Bloom
materials are allowable.
PAGE 14                                               //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
3 tbsp. Catalyst                                 • 85% Fafard’s Special Organic
               5 tbsp. Grow                                       Mix1: Ingredients: Canadian
               2 tbsp. K2O                                        sphagnum peat moss,
               * To provide 90 ppm N, 45 ppm                      vermiculite, perlite, gypsum,
               P, and 195 ppm K.                                  dolomitic lime, pine bark
          iii) Magna Gro™ brand:                                • 15% Vermicycle (commercial
               HydroponicBase Mix analysis                        worm compost)
               2-3-6. Ingredi ents: poultry                     • J.H. Biotech2 “Natural Wet” 2T./
               compost tea, pasteurized blood                     gal.
               meal, calcium phosphate, and                     • 1.25 lbs./cu.yd. each, blood meal,
               seaweed. This also contains                        bone meal, and potassium sulfate
               trace minerals with                              • ½ lb/cu. yd. elemental sulfur
               fermented molasses in the
               form of Zn SO4, Mg SO4, and                  Several commercial organic mixes are now
               Fe SO4. 19% N from                           available, but were not tested in this project.
               poultry compost tea and                      Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc., has a retail and
               pasteurized blood meal. K-9:                 professional line of soilless mixes which is
               9% K2O from seaweed. Or-                     OMRI approved. They can be used for trans-
               ganic forms of trace minerals                planting or in containers. Sun Gro produces
               supplied as 6% B, 6% Fe, 6%                  retail potting mixes under the Sunshine and
               Mg, and 6% Ca.                               other brands (Phone 888-896-1222). McEnroe
                   Magna Gro Recipe                         Organic Farm, 194 Coleman Station Road,
               Mixed in 2 gal. water for direct             Millertown, NY 12546 (518-789-3252) offers
               fertilization:                               both a light growing mix and a potting soil,
               (Not concentrated for injectors)             which they suggest combining with vermicu-
                2 tbsp. Hydroponic Base Mix                 lite for a seed starting mix. You can also search
                1/8 tsp. 19% N                              for organic and OMRI-certified supplies at
                1/3 tsp. 9% K                               Peaceful Valley Farm Supply (http://
               *To provide 90 ppm N, 45 ppm                 www.groworganic.com/).
               P, and 195 ppm K.
                                                            3) Nutrition:
Greenhouse Production:                                         *Note—Stage 1 = From transplant to the
                                                               first fruit set
1) Transplant when seedlings have 5-7                          Stage 2 = From first fruit set to
   true leaves—BEFORE any flowers                              “topping” the plants—when they
   have opened.                                                are about 6’ tall
2) 5 gal. plastic “grow bags” filled with                      Stage 3 = From topping to the end
   peat or coir-based substrate that has                       of the crop
   not been amended with a starter                             a) Fertigation using ½ gph emitters is
   nutrient charge or wetting agent, as                             ideal:
   these products are most likely from                              Stage 1: 6 minutes/cycle, 4 cycles/
   inorganic sources and not acceptable                             day, to supply 0.89 liters/plant/day
   for use in organic production. We                                Stage 2: 8 minutes/cycle, 4 cycles/
   blended our own mix from                                         day, to supply 1.20 liters/plant/day
   commercial blend specially formulated                            Stage 3: 13 minutes/cycle, 4 cycles/
   to omit the wetting agent and starter                            day to supply 1.77 liters/plant/day
   charge.                                                     b) Commercial fertilizers should be for-

1
  Fafard’s Special Organic Mixture: Contact Hugh Poole, Fafard, 6406 Carmel Road, Suite 30, Charlotte, NC 28226, SC
 29622 Phone: 1-800-845-1664 or 1-800-722-7645 email: sales@fafard.com; http://www.Fafard.com/
2
 Wetting agent: Harold Uradomo, 805-650-8942, J.H. Biotech, Inc., 4951 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, California 93003


          //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION                                                         PAGE 15
mulated to provide the following            Recipe for Magna Gro™: Stage 2
              N-P-K concentrations:                       To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at
       Stage 1      Stage 2        Stage 3                a rate of 50:1
       90 ppm N     125 ppm N 165 ppm N                                  1 qt. + ¼ c. Hydroponic
       45 ppm P     45 ppm P       45 ppm P                              Base Mix (HBM)
       195 ppm K    195 ppm K      310 ppm K                             1/3 c.        19% N
                                                                         ¼ c.           9% K
  i)   Earth Juice™. In addition to products
       listed under the Organic Transplant Pro-           Recipe for Magna Gro™: Stage 3
       duction section, they also have a pro-             To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected
       duct called:                                       at a rate of 50:1
       “Microburst Three”—derived from sul-                               1 qt. + ¼ c. Hydroponic
       fates of Magnesium, Cupric, Ferrous                                Base Mix (HBM)
       Manganese, Zinc, Borate, and Kelp to                               1 c.          19% N
       provide micronutrients. K2O is a 10% K                             2 c.           9% K
       source.
                                                     c)   The start-up nutrient charge that was
       Recipe—Earth Juice™: Stage 1                       added to the growing medium will pro-
       To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at          vide enough nutrients to last 2-3 weeks
        a rate of 50:1                                    after transplanting. At this time, plants
                       1 qt. Grow                         will probably have progressed to Stage
                       1 qt. Catalyst                     2 of development.
                       2 c. Bloom
                       1½ c. 10% K2O

       Recipe—Earth Juice™: Stage 2
       To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at
       a rate of 50:1
                      1 qt. + 1¼ c. Grow
                      1 qt. + 1¼ c. Catalyst
                      1¼ c.          Bloom
                      1¼ c.          10% K2O
                      ½ c.     Microburst Three
       Recipe—Earth Juice™: Stage 3
       To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at
       a rate of 50:1
                      1 qt. + 3 c. Grow
                      1 qt. + 3 c. Catalyst
                      ¾ c.         Bloom
                      2¼ c.        10% K2O
                      ½ c.     Microburst Three

 ii)   Magna Gro™
       Recipe for Magna Gro™: Stage 1
       To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at
       a rate of 50:1
                      1 qt. + ¼ c. Hydroponic
                      Base Mix (HBM)
                      ½ Tbsp.      19% N
                      ¼ c.          9% K


PAGE 16                                            //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Introduction)
Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Introduction)Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Introduction)
Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Introduction)pramodrai30
 
Weed Management for Organic Farmers
Weed Management for Organic FarmersWeed Management for Organic Farmers
Weed Management for Organic Farmersx3G9
 
Organic weed management: proven and new approaches
Organic weed management: proven and new approachesOrganic weed management: proven and new approaches
Organic weed management: proven and new approachesjbgruver
 
Systems strategies for organic weed management
Systems strategies for organic weed managementSystems strategies for organic weed management
Systems strategies for organic weed managementjbgruver
 
Recent techniques in vegetable production in India
Recent techniques in vegetable production in IndiaRecent techniques in vegetable production in India
Recent techniques in vegetable production in IndiaNikhil Ambish Mehta
 
Pest Management Approaches Under Protected Cultivation
Pest Management Approaches Under Protected CultivationPest Management Approaches Under Protected Cultivation
Pest Management Approaches Under Protected CultivationSharan C V Gowda
 
Intercultural operations in vegetable crops
 Intercultural operations in vegetable crops Intercultural operations in vegetable crops
Intercultural operations in vegetable cropsDr Manish Singh
 
Weeds management in Wheat Crop
Weeds management in Wheat CropWeeds management in Wheat Crop
Weeds management in Wheat CropHassanAwan25
 
Propagation of cardamom
Propagation of cardamomPropagation of cardamom
Propagation of cardamomVishnu Mishra
 
Organic agriculture scope and problems for conservation
Organic agriculture scope and problems for conservation Organic agriculture scope and problems for conservation
Organic agriculture scope and problems for conservation Saleman Sultani
 
seed production of potato
seed production of potatoseed production of potato
seed production of potatoDev Hingra
 

Tendances (20)

Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Introduction)
Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Introduction)Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Introduction)
Protected Cultivation and Secondary Agriculture (Introduction)
 
What is Organic Farming - The Basics !
What is Organic Farming - The Basics !What is Organic Farming - The Basics !
What is Organic Farming - The Basics !
 
Weed Management for Organic Farmers
Weed Management for Organic FarmersWeed Management for Organic Farmers
Weed Management for Organic Farmers
 
Organic weed management: proven and new approaches
Organic weed management: proven and new approachesOrganic weed management: proven and new approaches
Organic weed management: proven and new approaches
 
Systems strategies for organic weed management
Systems strategies for organic weed managementSystems strategies for organic weed management
Systems strategies for organic weed management
 
Recent techniques in vegetable production in India
Recent techniques in vegetable production in IndiaRecent techniques in vegetable production in India
Recent techniques in vegetable production in India
 
Pest Management Approaches Under Protected Cultivation
Pest Management Approaches Under Protected CultivationPest Management Approaches Under Protected Cultivation
Pest Management Approaches Under Protected Cultivation
 
Weed Control in Organic Production
Weed Control in Organic ProductionWeed Control in Organic Production
Weed Control in Organic Production
 
Organic Weed Management
Organic Weed ManagementOrganic Weed Management
Organic Weed Management
 
Overview of basic seed production at iita in 2017
Overview of basic seed production at iita in 2017Overview of basic seed production at iita in 2017
Overview of basic seed production at iita in 2017
 
Intercultural operations in vegetable crops
 Intercultural operations in vegetable crops Intercultural operations in vegetable crops
Intercultural operations in vegetable crops
 
Weeds management in Wheat Crop
Weeds management in Wheat CropWeeds management in Wheat Crop
Weeds management in Wheat Crop
 
Propagation of cardamom
Propagation of cardamomPropagation of cardamom
Propagation of cardamom
 
Cover Crops for Pest Management and Weed Suppression - Plumer
Cover Crops for Pest Management and Weed Suppression - PlumerCover Crops for Pest Management and Weed Suppression - Plumer
Cover Crops for Pest Management and Weed Suppression - Plumer
 
Summer Vegetables Cultivation
Summer Vegetables CultivationSummer Vegetables Cultivation
Summer Vegetables Cultivation
 
Off Season Cultivation of Cucurbits under Low Tunnel - A Cost Effective Techn...
Off Season Cultivation of Cucurbits under Low Tunnel - A Cost Effective Techn...Off Season Cultivation of Cucurbits under Low Tunnel - A Cost Effective Techn...
Off Season Cultivation of Cucurbits under Low Tunnel - A Cost Effective Techn...
 
R4D Review Issue No. 6 (March 2011)
R4D Review Issue No. 6 (March 2011)R4D Review Issue No. 6 (March 2011)
R4D Review Issue No. 6 (March 2011)
 
Organic agriculture scope and problems for conservation
Organic agriculture scope and problems for conservation Organic agriculture scope and problems for conservation
Organic agriculture scope and problems for conservation
 
seed production of potato
seed production of potatoseed production of potato
seed production of potato
 
Bio-Organic Farm Inputs Technology
Bio-Organic Farm Inputs Technology Bio-Organic Farm Inputs Technology
Bio-Organic Farm Inputs Technology
 

En vedette

Van hoa ung xu phan ii chia se
Van hoa ung xu phan  ii chia seVan hoa ung xu phan  ii chia se
Van hoa ung xu phan ii chia se01686694995
 
Production of greenhouse tomatoes in Morocco
Production of greenhouse tomatoes in MoroccoProduction of greenhouse tomatoes in Morocco
Production of greenhouse tomatoes in MoroccoGreen Smile
 
Report on Cabbage Cluster Worms
Report on Cabbage Cluster WormsReport on Cabbage Cluster Worms
Report on Cabbage Cluster WormsJimae Magnaye
 
Fq.com-polyhouse cultivation-tomatoes.
Fq.com-polyhouse cultivation-tomatoes.Fq.com-polyhouse cultivation-tomatoes.
Fq.com-polyhouse cultivation-tomatoes.Srikanth. S
 
Organic Tomato Production
Organic Tomato ProductionOrganic Tomato Production
Organic Tomato ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Tomato - Greenhouse Production
Tomato - Greenhouse ProductionTomato - Greenhouse Production
Tomato - Greenhouse ProductionYourAgri
 
Protected cultivation of vegetable crops BY HARMANJEET
Protected cultivation of vegetable crops BY HARMANJEETProtected cultivation of vegetable crops BY HARMANJEET
Protected cultivation of vegetable crops BY HARMANJEETStudent
 
Farm tools and implement
Farm tools and implementFarm tools and implement
Farm tools and implementOharra Tee
 

En vedette (11)

Organic Greenhouse Tomato ~ University of Vermont
Organic Greenhouse Tomato ~ University of VermontOrganic Greenhouse Tomato ~ University of Vermont
Organic Greenhouse Tomato ~ University of Vermont
 
Van hoa ung xu phan ii chia se
Van hoa ung xu phan  ii chia seVan hoa ung xu phan  ii chia se
Van hoa ung xu phan ii chia se
 
Production of greenhouse tomatoes in Morocco
Production of greenhouse tomatoes in MoroccoProduction of greenhouse tomatoes in Morocco
Production of greenhouse tomatoes in Morocco
 
Report on Cabbage Cluster Worms
Report on Cabbage Cluster WormsReport on Cabbage Cluster Worms
Report on Cabbage Cluster Worms
 
Fq.com-polyhouse cultivation-tomatoes.
Fq.com-polyhouse cultivation-tomatoes.Fq.com-polyhouse cultivation-tomatoes.
Fq.com-polyhouse cultivation-tomatoes.
 
Tomato
TomatoTomato
Tomato
 
Organic Tomato Production
Organic Tomato ProductionOrganic Tomato Production
Organic Tomato Production
 
Tomato - Greenhouse Production
Tomato - Greenhouse ProductionTomato - Greenhouse Production
Tomato - Greenhouse Production
 
Protected cultivation of vegetable crops BY HARMANJEET
Protected cultivation of vegetable crops BY HARMANJEETProtected cultivation of vegetable crops BY HARMANJEET
Protected cultivation of vegetable crops BY HARMANJEET
 
K to 12 Crop Production Learning Modules
K to 12 Crop Production Learning ModulesK to 12 Crop Production Learning Modules
K to 12 Crop Production Learning Modules
 
Farm tools and implement
Farm tools and implementFarm tools and implement
Farm tools and implement
 

Similaire à Organic Greenhouse Tomato Production

Organic Greenhouse Tomato Production
Organic Greenhouse Tomato ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Tomato Production
Organic Greenhouse Tomato ProductionGardening
 
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionGardening
 
Organic Tomato Production
Organic Tomato ProductionOrganic Tomato Production
Organic Tomato ProductionGardening
 
Strawberries: Organic Production
Strawberries: Organic ProductionStrawberries: Organic Production
Strawberries: Organic ProductionGardening
 
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionHerbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionGardening
 
Herb Production in Organic Systems
Herb Production in Organic SystemsHerb Production in Organic Systems
Herb Production in Organic SystemsGardening
 
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionHerbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionHerbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Urban Vegetable Gardening For the Texas High Plains and Surrounding Regions
Urban Vegetable Gardening For the Texas High Plains and Surrounding RegionsUrban Vegetable Gardening For the Texas High Plains and Surrounding Regions
Urban Vegetable Gardening For the Texas High Plains and Surrounding RegionsFrida85y
 
Edamame: Vegetable Soybean
Edamame: Vegetable SoybeanEdamame: Vegetable Soybean
Edamame: Vegetable SoybeanGardening
 
Blueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic ProductionBlueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Blueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic ProductionBlueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Considerations in Organic Apple Production
Considerations in Organic Apple ProductionConsiderations in Organic Apple Production
Considerations in Organic Apple ProductionGardening
 
Wheatgrass Production
Wheatgrass ProductionWheatgrass Production
Wheatgrass ProductionGardening
 

Similaire à Organic Greenhouse Tomato Production (20)

Organic Greenhouse Tomato Production
Organic Greenhouse Tomato ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Tomato Production
Organic Greenhouse Tomato Production
 
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
 
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
 
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production; Gardening Guidebook
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production; Gardening Guidebook Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production; Gardening Guidebook
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production; Gardening Guidebook
 
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
 
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable ProductionOrganic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production
 
Organic Tomato Production
Organic Tomato ProductionOrganic Tomato Production
Organic Tomato Production
 
Strawberries: Organic Production
Strawberries: Organic ProductionStrawberries: Organic Production
Strawberries: Organic Production
 
Ghtomatoes
GhtomatoesGhtomatoes
Ghtomatoes
 
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionHerbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
 
Herb Production in Organic Systems
Herb Production in Organic SystemsHerb Production in Organic Systems
Herb Production in Organic Systems
 
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionHerbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
 
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse ProductionHerbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production
 
Urban Vegetable Gardening For the Texas High Plains and Surrounding Regions
Urban Vegetable Gardening For the Texas High Plains and Surrounding RegionsUrban Vegetable Gardening For the Texas High Plains and Surrounding Regions
Urban Vegetable Gardening For the Texas High Plains and Surrounding Regions
 
Edamame: Vegetable Soybean
Edamame: Vegetable SoybeanEdamame: Vegetable Soybean
Edamame: Vegetable Soybean
 
Organic Garlic Gardening
Organic Garlic GardeningOrganic Garlic Gardening
Organic Garlic Gardening
 
Blueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic ProductionBlueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic Production
 
Blueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic ProductionBlueberries: Organic Production
Blueberries: Organic Production
 
Considerations in Organic Apple Production
Considerations in Organic Apple ProductionConsiderations in Organic Apple Production
Considerations in Organic Apple Production
 
Wheatgrass Production
Wheatgrass ProductionWheatgrass Production
Wheatgrass Production
 

Plus de ElisaMendelsohn

Beef Farm Sustainability Checksheet
Beef Farm Sustainability ChecksheetBeef Farm Sustainability Checksheet
Beef Farm Sustainability ChecksheetElisaMendelsohn
 
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVD
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVDGarden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVD
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVDElisaMendelsohn
 
Sistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a Pastura
Sistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a PasturaSistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a Pastura
Sistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a PasturaElisaMendelsohn
 
Producción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para Ensalada
Producción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para EnsaladaProducción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para Ensalada
Producción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para EnsaladaElisaMendelsohn
 
Procesamiento de Aves a Pequeña Escala
Procesamiento de Aves a Pequeña EscalaProcesamiento de Aves a Pequeña Escala
Procesamiento de Aves a Pequeña EscalaElisaMendelsohn
 
Planeando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha Continua
Planeando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha ContinuaPlaneando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha Continua
Planeando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha ContinuaElisaMendelsohn
 
Nutrición para Rumiantes en Pastoreo
Nutrición para Rumiantes en PastoreoNutrición para Rumiantes en Pastoreo
Nutrición para Rumiantes en PastoreoElisaMendelsohn
 
Nutrición para Aves de Pastura
Nutrición para Aves de PasturaNutrición para Aves de Pastura
Nutrición para Aves de PasturaElisaMendelsohn
 
Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha (audio version)
Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha (audio version)Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha (audio version)
Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha (audio version)ElisaMendelsohn
 
Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...
Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...
Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...ElisaMendelsohn
 
Las Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase Orgánico
Las Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase OrgánicoLas Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase Orgánico
Las Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase OrgánicoElisaMendelsohn
 
La Certificación para Granjas Orgánicas y el Programa Orgánico Nacional
La Certificación para Granjas Orgánicas y el Programa Orgánico NacionalLa Certificación para Granjas Orgánicas y el Programa Orgánico Nacional
La Certificación para Granjas Orgánicas y el Programa Orgánico NacionalElisaMendelsohn
 
Jardinería Comercial: Consideraciones para Producción de Frutas y Verduras
Jardinería Comercial: Consideraciones para Producción de Frutas y VerdurasJardinería Comercial: Consideraciones para Producción de Frutas y Verduras
Jardinería Comercial: Consideraciones para Producción de Frutas y VerdurasElisaMendelsohn
 
Guía Ilustrada para la Producción de Ovinos y Caprinos
Guía Ilustrada para la Producción de Ovinos y CaprinosGuía Ilustrada para la Producción de Ovinos y Caprinos
Guía Ilustrada para la Producción de Ovinos y CaprinosElisaMendelsohn
 
Fresas: Producción Orgánica
Fresas: Producción OrgánicaFresas: Producción Orgánica
Fresas: Producción OrgánicaElisaMendelsohn
 
Equipo para Producción Aviar Alternativa
Equipo para Producción Aviar AlternativaEquipo para Producción Aviar Alternativa
Equipo para Producción Aviar AlternativaElisaMendelsohn
 
El Proceso de la Certificación Orgánica
El Proceso de la Certificación OrgánicaEl Proceso de la Certificación Orgánica
El Proceso de la Certificación OrgánicaElisaMendelsohn
 
El Manejo Sostenible de Suelos
El Manejo Sostenible de SuelosEl Manejo Sostenible de Suelos
El Manejo Sostenible de SuelosElisaMendelsohn
 
El Manejo de Gallineros para la Producción Alternativa
El Manejo de Gallineros para la Producción AlternativaEl Manejo de Gallineros para la Producción Alternativa
El Manejo de Gallineros para la Producción AlternativaElisaMendelsohn
 
Como Prepararse para la Inspección Orgánica
Como Prepararse para la Inspección OrgánicaComo Prepararse para la Inspección Orgánica
Como Prepararse para la Inspección OrgánicaElisaMendelsohn
 

Plus de ElisaMendelsohn (20)

Beef Farm Sustainability Checksheet
Beef Farm Sustainability ChecksheetBeef Farm Sustainability Checksheet
Beef Farm Sustainability Checksheet
 
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVD
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVDGarden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVD
Garden Therapy: Links to Articles, Books, Profession Groups, DVD
 
Sistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a Pastura
Sistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a PasturaSistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a Pastura
Sistemas Avícolas Alternativos con Acceso a Pastura
 
Producción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para Ensalada
Producción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para EnsaladaProducción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para Ensalada
Producción Orgánica de Lechugas de Especialidad y Verduras Para Ensalada
 
Procesamiento de Aves a Pequeña Escala
Procesamiento de Aves a Pequeña EscalaProcesamiento de Aves a Pequeña Escala
Procesamiento de Aves a Pequeña Escala
 
Planeando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha Continua
Planeando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha ContinuaPlaneando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha Continua
Planeando la Plantación de Vegetales para una Cosecha Continua
 
Nutrición para Rumiantes en Pastoreo
Nutrición para Rumiantes en PastoreoNutrición para Rumiantes en Pastoreo
Nutrición para Rumiantes en Pastoreo
 
Nutrición para Aves de Pastura
Nutrición para Aves de PasturaNutrición para Aves de Pastura
Nutrición para Aves de Pastura
 
Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha (audio version)
Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha (audio version)Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha (audio version)
Nuevos Mercados para Su Cosecha (audio version)
 
Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...
Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...
Los Escarabajos del Pepino: Manejo Integrado de Plagas — MIP Orgánico y Biora...
 
Las Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase Orgánico
Las Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase OrgánicoLas Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase Orgánico
Las Crónicas Orgánicas No. 1: No Tenga Pánico Vuélvase Orgánico
 
La Certificación para Granjas Orgánicas y el Programa Orgánico Nacional
La Certificación para Granjas Orgánicas y el Programa Orgánico NacionalLa Certificación para Granjas Orgánicas y el Programa Orgánico Nacional
La Certificación para Granjas Orgánicas y el Programa Orgánico Nacional
 
Jardinería Comercial: Consideraciones para Producción de Frutas y Verduras
Jardinería Comercial: Consideraciones para Producción de Frutas y VerdurasJardinería Comercial: Consideraciones para Producción de Frutas y Verduras
Jardinería Comercial: Consideraciones para Producción de Frutas y Verduras
 
Guía Ilustrada para la Producción de Ovinos y Caprinos
Guía Ilustrada para la Producción de Ovinos y CaprinosGuía Ilustrada para la Producción de Ovinos y Caprinos
Guía Ilustrada para la Producción de Ovinos y Caprinos
 
Fresas: Producción Orgánica
Fresas: Producción OrgánicaFresas: Producción Orgánica
Fresas: Producción Orgánica
 
Equipo para Producción Aviar Alternativa
Equipo para Producción Aviar AlternativaEquipo para Producción Aviar Alternativa
Equipo para Producción Aviar Alternativa
 
El Proceso de la Certificación Orgánica
El Proceso de la Certificación OrgánicaEl Proceso de la Certificación Orgánica
El Proceso de la Certificación Orgánica
 
El Manejo Sostenible de Suelos
El Manejo Sostenible de SuelosEl Manejo Sostenible de Suelos
El Manejo Sostenible de Suelos
 
El Manejo de Gallineros para la Producción Alternativa
El Manejo de Gallineros para la Producción AlternativaEl Manejo de Gallineros para la Producción Alternativa
El Manejo de Gallineros para la Producción Alternativa
 
Como Prepararse para la Inspección Orgánica
Como Prepararse para la Inspección OrgánicaComo Prepararse para la Inspección Orgánica
Como Prepararse para la Inspección Orgánica
 

Dernier

Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxPrescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxraviapr7
 
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxCAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxSaurabhParmar42
 
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxPatterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxMYDA ANGELICA SUAN
 
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxEducation and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxraviapr7
 
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsThe Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsEugene Lysak
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxAditiChauhan701637
 
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17Celine George
 
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxPractical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxKatherine Villaluna
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRATanmoy Mishra
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxraviapr7
 
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...CaraSkikne1
 
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesHuman-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesMohammad Hassany
 
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.raviapr7
 
Quality Assurance_GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE
Quality Assurance_GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICEQuality Assurance_GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE
Quality Assurance_GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICESayali Powar
 
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptxSandy Millin
 
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfMaximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfTechSoup
 
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE
 

Dernier (20)

Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxPrescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
 
Personal Resilience in Project Management 2 - TV Edit 1a.pdf
Personal Resilience in Project Management 2 - TV Edit 1a.pdfPersonal Resilience in Project Management 2 - TV Edit 1a.pdf
Personal Resilience in Project Management 2 - TV Edit 1a.pdf
 
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptxCAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
CAULIFLOWER BREEDING 1 Parmar pptx
 
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxPatterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
 
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptxEducation and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
Education and training program in the hospital APR.pptx
 
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George WellsThe Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
The Stolen Bacillus by Herbert George Wells
 
Finals of Kant get Marx 2.0 : a general politics quiz
Finals of Kant get Marx 2.0 : a general politics quizFinals of Kant get Marx 2.0 : a general politics quiz
Finals of Kant get Marx 2.0 : a general politics quiz
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
 
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
How to Use api.constrains ( ) in Odoo 17
 
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
 
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptxPractical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
Practical Research 1: Lesson 8 Writing the Thesis Statement.pptx
 
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRADUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
DUST OF SNOW_BY ROBERT FROST_EDITED BY_ TANMOY MISHRA
 
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptxClinical Pharmacy  Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
Clinical Pharmacy Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Concept of clinical pptx
 
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
 
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming ClassesHuman-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
Human-AI Co-Creation of Worked Examples for Programming Classes
 
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
Drug Information Services- DIC and Sources.
 
Quality Assurance_GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE
Quality Assurance_GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICEQuality Assurance_GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE
Quality Assurance_GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE
 
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
 
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfMaximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
 
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
 

Organic Greenhouse Tomato Production

  • 1. ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO RGANIC OMATO PRODUCTION HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION GUIDE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR RURAL AREAS www.attra.ncat.org Abstract: This publication offers an overview of organic greenhouse tomato production. To be successful, the small-scale producer needs to do thorough production and marketing research, find or create a niche market, and produce a consis- tently healthy crop. Maintaining optimum fertilization and moisture levels, practicing rigorous pest management, and ensuring good pollination can increase crop yields. Information in this publication includes organic management methods for major diseases and insect pests; organic fertilization recommendations; a list of organic fertilizer suppliers; and a directory of further resources available on the Internet. By Mardi Dodson, Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth M. Lamb, Vegetable Janet Bachmann, Extension Specialist, University of Florida Institute and Paul Williams of Food and Agricultural Sciences, for reviewing this March 2002 publication. INTRODUCTION Table of Contents Tomatoes are the leading greenhouse vegetable crop in the United States and Canada. In the INTRODUCTION ............................................ 1 U.S., the total acreage in greenhouse tomato EDUCATION IS KEY ..................................... 1 production increased by 40 percent between MARKETING ................................................ 2 1996 and 1999. Statistics for 1999 show that SCHEDULING THE CROP .............................. 2 the U.S. had about 800 acres in greenhouse SOIL AND SOILLESS MEDIA ........................ 3 vegetable production, with tomatoes accounting PEST MANAGEMENT ................................... 3 for 750 of those acres (1). The leading states in RESISTANT VARIETIES ................................. 5 greenhouse vegetable production are California, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Ohio, Texas, and NUTRITION .................................................. 6 Pennsylvania—each with more than one million GROWER PROFILE ....................................... 7 square feet in production (2). The vast majority POLLINATION .............................................. 8 of greenhouse tomatoes are produced in SUMMARY ................................................... 8 greenhouses using conventional production REFERENCES ................................................ 9 systems. Conventional and organic greenhouse RESOURCES ................................................. 9 production differ in the types of potting media, ORGANIC FERTILIZER fertilization practices, and pest control methods DISTRIBUTORS ................................... 9 they use. INFORMATION ON THE WEB .................. 10 APPENDIX ONE ................................... 12-13 EDUCATION IS KEY APPENDIX TWO ......................................... 14 Education is the first step toward a successful greenhouse tomato crop, and there is a lot of ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information center 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 (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.
  • 2. information available on growing greenhouse SCHEDULING THE CROP tomatoes. Your local extension agent is an ex- cellent source of information for your area. Greenhouse tomatoes bring the highest price Extension publications from all U.S. states are from December available on the Internet. Most publications can through April, when ` be downloaded and printed at no charge. Cali- Days to Maturity: it is too cool for lo- fornia, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Geor- Very Early 45-50 cal field-grown to- gia, and Mississippi all have excellent informa- Early 50-60 matoes. Winter tion on growing greenhouse tomatoes. Dr. Mary Midseason 70-80 growers may Peet’s Greenhouse Vegetable Production Website is choose between a an especially good resource with links to many one- or two crop system. With the one crop related websites (see the Web Resources section system, plants are set in September and grow for the website address). This website offers through the winter and spring until late June. valuable information on sustainable production This system works best in the cooler and less and integrated pest management, with specific humid northern regions and is also used by most information on individual crops. Mississippi Florida growers. In a two-crop system, the fall State Extension Service has many publications crop is succeeded by a spring crop. Tomato and articles on greenhouse tomato production plants that have been growing since September written by Dr. Rick Snyder (see the Web Re- do not have the same vigor as the younger trans- sources section for the website addresses). This plants. The older plants tend to have a denser website focuses mainly on conventional green- growth by winter, which reduces airflow and house production; however, much of the infor- aggravates problems with humidity. Plants held mation is valuable to both organic and conven- over winter are more likely to be infected with tional growers. diseases that thrive on high humidity and cooler temperatures, such as Gray Mold (caused by MARKETING Botrytis cinerea) and Leaf Mold (caused by Cla- dosporium fulvum). Sell your tomato crop before you plant it. It is important for small growers to explore niche In a two crop system, the fall crop is seeded be- markets such as selling directly to the public via tween July and September. Check with your roadside stands or at farmers’ markets. Mar- local extension agent for planting times in your keting your products as “locally grown” is a area. If the crop is planted too early, high sum- possible strategy to explore. It may also be fea- mer heat can stunt the young plants and delay sible to wholesale your product directly to local harvest. For premium prices, try to schedule and regional retailers that sell organic produce. the first harvest to coincide with the first frost in your area. In some southern states, first frost Direct market sales are affected by competition may come as late as mid-November to early De- among local greenhouses and by cut-rate whole- cember. sale organic produce. The market can change rapidly, and greenhouse producers must be Seed the spring crop in mid- to late November. adaptable to change. The popular press and If possible, the seedlings should be started in a advertising can have a powerful influence on separate house, in case there is a disease or in- consumers. Niche markets can fade overnight sect problem with the fall crop. The seedlings with the arrival of large wholesale operations will be ready to transplant about six weeks af- or simply by a change in consumer demand (3). ter seeding. Expect to see the first harvest in For more information, request the ATTRA pub- late March or early April. The spring crop is lications Direct Marketing and Organic Market- usually grown until the summer crop of field ing Resources. tomatoes is ready to harvest. PAGE 2 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
  • 3. SOIL AND SOILLESS MEDIA Once a pest problem has set in, there are few options available to organic greenhouse produc- Greenhouse tomatoes can be grown in soil or in ers. For detailed information on specific green- soilless media. In soil culture, crops are grown house tomato pests and controls, see Appendix at ground level or in raised beds. The soil is One. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a usually amended with approved compost and strategy that can be used in organic production other approved organic additives. The poten- as well as in conventional production systems. tial for disease and nematode build up in or- ganic soil-based greenhouses is quite high in IPM promotes a variety of tactics, including the many areas. Tomatoes, in particular, are vul- use of pest resistant varieties and biological, nerable to many soil-borne diseases, including cultural, and physical controls. Pesticides are a Verticillium and Fusarium wilts. Nematodes that control tactic used in IPM, but they are used can cause root knot galling can also be a prob- only when needed. Pesticide use is thus mini- lem in some soils. Many growers go to the added mized without jeopardizing crop quality or expense of grafting onto disease and nematode yield. Organic production systems use all of resistant rootstock. (Additional information these, with the exception of chemical pesticides. about grafting is available at http:// Other pesticides, such as insecticidal soaps, www.agnet.org/library/article/eb480.html#1 .) biopesticides, botanicals, and mineral-based Steam pasteurization and solarization in the pesticides, are allowed. For more detailed in- summer are approved pest control methods for formation on greenhouse IPM, refer to the nematodes, Verticilium, Fusarium, and other soil- ATTRA publication, Integrated Pest Management borne pathogens. for Greenhouse Crops. Cultural Control Methods For general information about green- In a closed environment, some diseases can lit- house organics, see the ATTRA pub- erally spread overnight. Pathogens come in con- lication Organic Greenhouse Vegetable tact with the plants in many ways. Infested soil Production. or plant debris, air movement, water, and con- taminated hands, tools, or clothing can all spread disease. Good ventilation and air circu- lation, rigorous sanitation practices, and main- Soilless cultivation methods—sometimes collec- taining optimum temperatures and humidity tively (and loosely) known as hydroponics—are levels are effective methods of disease control covered in the ATTRA publications Greenhouse in the greenhouse. and Hydroponic Vegetable Resources on the Internet and Aquaponics: Integration of Hydroponics with Sanitation Aquaculture. Rigorous sanitation practices are essential for PEST MANAGEMENT healthy and productive crops. Before a crop is planted, it is important to thoroughly inspect One key to a successful organic greenhouse op- the greenhouse. Screens, doors, and walls eration is maintaining rigorous pest manage- should be checked periodically for any tears or ment. A pesticide-free greenhouse means that other openings. Mulching around the plants growers must practice good sanitation and pest and using landscape fabric on walkways helps management methods from the beginning. to reduce weeds and soilborne pathogens. It is Pathogens or insects can become epidemic in a not advisable to store houseplants in vegetable greenhouse environment in a very short time. production greenhouses. A seemingly healthy //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION PAGE 3
  • 4. houseplant can be a vector for many diseases that attack vegetable crops (4). Good (Green)housekeeping During tomato production, debris and cull piles [ Keep doors closed and make sure all are a prime source of many plant diseases. screens are in good working order. Promptly remove all plant debris from the [ Make sure all plant debris and cull greenhouse areas before an infection can take piles are removed promptly. place. Work surfaces should be made of non- [ Sanitize hands, tools, and machinery porous material, such as stainless steel, and ster- when moving from house to house. ilized after each use. Laundry bleach is an ac- [ Have a shoe wash at each entrance. ceptable disinfectant, providing the residual [ Wash clothing regularly in hot water. chlorine levels in the bleach-water do not ex- [ Do not store houseplants in ceed those set by the Safe Drinking Water Act production greenhouses. (4 ppm). Proper sterilization of hands, feet, and clothing when moving from house to house greatly re- duces cross-contamination. Before entering the greenhouse, hands should be washed in hot Ventilation, temperature control, and soapy water. For tobacco users (both smokers humidity reduction and chewers), a rinse of 1– 3% trisodium phos- phate prior to washing in hot soapy water is Temperature control and humidity reduction recommended to avoid the introduction of To- play a major role in maintaining greenhouse bacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) into the greenhouse. crop health. During the fall, winter, and spring, Because TMV can survive on clothing for long when the majority of greenhouse tomatoes are periods of time (up to 3 years in a darkened grown, high humidity and limited air circula- closet), it is important that clothing and over- tion give many diseases an ideal growing envi- alls be changed daily and washed and dried at ronment. Moisture condensation creates humid high temperatures. A shoe wash with a disin- conditions within the foliage, encouraging fun- fectant-soaked mat at the entrance to the green- gal and bacterial infection (6). house will help eliminate pathogens brought in on shoes. Adding a small enclosed entry porch Good ventilation and proper temperature con- to the greenhouse provides a place to decon- trol are critical for reducing humidity and con- taminate shoes, tools, and equipment, and also trolling airborne fungal diseases. To ensure good helps keep out pests. In situations where there ventilation, allow several feet of airspace above is a contagious disease such as bacterial canker, the plants and use proper spacing between them. all tools, machinery, and electromechanical pol- Pruning the suckers just below the first fruit set linators should be sterilized at the end of every also helps to maintain good air circulation row with ethanol or 0.5% sodium hypochlorite within the canopy. To increase ventilation, Mike (5). Collins of Old Athens Farm in Westminster, Vermont, culls the bottom leaves once his plants are four feet tall. Collins cuts the leaves off an inch away from the stem and snaps off the stubs at the next pruning to minimize Botrytis infec- tion sites (7). Some greenhouse producers also “lower” their crop—move the plants on their supports, so the sections ready for harvest are always at the same level, enjoying the same tem- ©2002www.arttoday.com perature. PAGE 4 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
  • 5. Optimum air temperature for Table 1. Common Disease sustained tomato growth: Abbreviations*. Disease Abbreviation Day: 75–85°F Bacterial Speck BSK-O Night: 60–70°F Early Blight (Alternaria) EB Fusarium Crown & Root Rot FCRR or FrWi Verticilium Wilt Race 1 V Fusarium Wilt Race 1 F1 Temperature control can be maintained in several ways. Polyethylene tubing works best Race 2 F2 for maintaining even temperatures throughout Race 3 F3 the greenhouse. With this system, fresh air Leaf Mold (Cladosporium) C2, C5, C7 from the outside can be warmed with fan-type Nematode N heaters to maintain optimum temperatures. Fans inside the greenhouse, mounted above Powdery Mildew (Oidium) Oi the crop, help keep temperature uniform. Gray Leaf Spot (Stemphylium) St With a pad and fan system, the air can be too Tobacco Mosaic Virus TMV cool at the cooling-pad end and too warm at Tomato Spotted Wilt TSW or TmSw the fan end. Temperature differences of 10– 15ºF can occur within the same greenhouse, Tomato Mosaic Virus ToMV *These are examples of common abbreviations. Suppliers may which can cause catfacing, uneven growth, differ in abbreviation styles. failures in fruit set, and devastating foliage disease (6). And the higher the humidity, the To indicate disease resistance, a series of abbre- less efficient evaporative systems are. For even viations is usually listed with the description of heating from the ground up, heating pipes can the cultivar. Each abbreviation stands for a spe- be placed between alternating rows. The cific pathogen. For instance, Tobacco Mosaic heated air rises and pushes the cooler air to Virus is TMV; Fusarium Wilt race 1 is F1, etc. the floor, helping to maintain good airflow. (8). Fusarium Crown and Root Rot may be In hot climates, greenhouses need higher roofs printed as FCRR or FrWi depending on the dis- to keep hot air away from the plants. tributor. See Table 1 for examples of major greenhouse tomato diseases and their abbrevia- RESISTANT VARIETIES tions. See Table 2 for a list of resistant green- house tomato varieties. Using disease-resistant seeds and transplants whenever possible is one of the organic green- Once a variety of tomato has been selected, the house producer’s best lines of defense. For next task is to decide whether to grow trans- best results, use good- quality seed from a repu- plants from seed or to purchase plugs. Either table source. Organic growers must use or- way, all transplants must be grown using ap- ganically grown seed if it is commercially proved organic methods and inputs. The ad- available, or untreated seed from a conven- vantages of producing plugs in-house include tional source if it is not. For a list of organic an efficient use of greenhouse space and rapid and untreated seed and transplant suppliers, production. The disadvantages include extra see ATTRA’s Suppliers of Organic and/or Non- labor cost for seeding and transplant produc- GE Seeds and Plants. tion and increased heating costs in winter (plugs //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION PAGE 5
  • 6. Table 2. Disease-resistant Greenhouse Tomato Varieties*. Disease Resistant Varieties Tolerant Varieties Fusarium Crown and Root Rot Trust Fusarium Wilt Race 1 Caruso, Trust Vendor Race 2 Caruso, Trust Vendor Race 3 Leaf Mold (Cladosporium) Buffalo, Capello, Caruso (races A thru E), Cobra, Dombito, Jumbo, Match, Pink KR15 and Pink CR-864 with gene Cf-5, Trend, Trust (races A thru E), Ultra Sweet & Ultra Pink with Cf-7, Vision, Furon and Vetomold with Cf-2 Powdery Mildew (Oidium) DRW 4409, Belliro (DRW 4369) Grace, Milano Gray Leaf Spot (Stemphylium) Tobacco Mosaic Virus Boa, Caruso, Cobra, Trust Vendor Tomato Spotted Wilt DRW 5719 *Remember, you must use organically grown seed if it is available commercially, or untreated seed if it is not. are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations). NUTRITION There are many issues to consider when decid- ing whether to use seed or transplants. The size A well-fed plant is a healthy plant. Maintain- of the operation, available labor, and cost of ing optimum nutrient, light, and moisture lev production are just a few considerations. Ac- els will result in healthier plants that are better cording to Kessler and Behe (9): able to fend off diseases and insect pests. To- matoes are heavy feeders because of their rapid The decision should be based partially on growth and long production season. Tomatoes market considerations, labor availability and need 75 to 100 pounds of nitrogen (N) per acre expertise, the number of plants to be pro- and moderate to high levels of phosphorus (P) duced, the cost per plug, and the special- and potassium (K) for maximum yields. Soil ized equipment and facilities required. This tests can establish what nutrients soil needs. investment is often not economically practi- cal unless production is large or plugs are Some growers add a mixture of animal meal by- marketed to other growers. For most small products, rock phosphate, and kelp meal to pro- to medium sized growers, especially [begin- vide needed nutrients. Fertilizer efficiency is ners], it is often more economical to highest at a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. To help maintain purchase…plugs from specialized growers proper nutrition and pH levels, a pH meter is a and concentrate on producing finished con- handy tool. For more information on organic tainers. The issue of grow versus purchase fertilizers and the nutritional needs of tomatoes, should be reviewed periodically as the needs see the ATTRA publication, Organic Tomato Pro- and facilities of the grower change. duction. For more-detailed information on plug produc- According to the National Organic Standards, tion, see the ATTRA publication Organic Plug it appears that organic greenhouse crops may and Transplant Production. be grown either in soil or in soilless media. Build- PAGE 6 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
  • 7. ing nutrient-rich soil in a greenhouse environ- even reach a remarkable 25 to 30% after sev- ment takes extra time and effort, but the results eral years. For more information on large-scale are well worth it. Compost is the main nutrient composting, see ATTRA’s Farm-Scale Composting ingredient used in soil beds. One grower in Resource List. Canada applies compost at a rate of one or two cubic meters per 100 square meters of bed space Soilless technology shows promise for increas- (1.2 to 2.4 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet). ing yields and reducing economic losses to soil- The beds are then covered with straw mulch. borne diseases. Dr. Mary Peet and Janet Miles Five to six applications were added to the beds of North Carolina State University have recently at five- to six-week intervals in the first year. concluded a study to develop organic fertiliza- The compost was applied in smaller amounts tion regimes specifically for greenhouse toma- and less frequently through the fourth year. A toes using soilless media. See Appendix Two rich, healthy soil was the result. Soil organic for a copy of the article, “Recommended Fertili- matter usually ranges from 10 to 12% and can zation Practices for Producing Organic Green- GROWER PROFILE Six years ago, Mike Duda, a market gardener from Victor, Montana, was just sick about his tomatoes: The high winds and cool nights around Victor were costing him two-thirds of his crop. That was when he decided to try greenhouse production. He bought a 30’ x 90’ metal- frame greenhouse kit, erected it himself, and installed an inflateable poly cover. A second-hand oil-fired funace supplied the heat. An old attic fan furnished ventilation exhaust, and some used house fans moved air around inside the greenhouse. And not much has changed since then, except that Mike’s tomato harvest has tripled. Duda grows in soil, on raised beds. As he describes it: “We live in cattle country, so manure is easy to find. I use aged (three years) cow manure about two inches deep, dolimite lime, rock phosphate, and a little homemade wood ash. I use a soil test to gauge the amounts and hand- dig the beds. . . . I also fertilize with seabird guano every couple of weeks. I use drip tape for irrigation and tie the tomatoes to twine attached to the greenhouse for support. “I start the tomatoes from seed on December 26. . . . Harvest starts the last week in May and continues through October. It peaks mid-June to mid-August, when we get 250 pounds a week. “I use garden variety tomatoes, not greenhouse varieties. They’re bred for shipping, not taste. I use Brandywine with good results, Oregon Spring with excellent results (they don’t need pol- lination), and Sungold with excellent results (they produce until Thanksgiving). “I spray with kelp weekly until the fruit set. It works well. You eventually get some disease, but it’s near the end of the crop, so you tolerate it as long as you can, then remove [the diseased plants]. We do see a few aphids. I use soap spray when they get too bad. This year I’m going to try some beneficial insects; it’s hard to spray effectively when the plants are big. “We sell all of our tomatoes at the farmers’ market, all at retail prices. It’s good for us, and the customers love fresh tomatoes. This will be our sixth year for greenhouse tomatoes, and I can’t imagine not having them. It’s fun to be able to start gardening in the middle of winter, and tomatoes always sell well.” //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION PAGE 7
  • 8. house Tomatoes” by Janet Miles. This article the bees begin to die out and the process starts includes detailed recipes for each stage of ma- over again. However, due to breakthroughs in turity. bumblebee breeding, full-strength colonies of bumblebees are now available year round. POLLINATION For commercial production, the bees are shipped Tomato plants have both male and female re- by airfreight and placed in the greenhouse as productive organs on the same flower, so with the first flowers begin to open. Stocking rate a little help, each flower can self-pollinate. In varies from one hive for a small greenhouse to the natural environment, wind and insects pol- two to four hives per acre for larger facilities. linate tomatoes. In a greenhouse environment, The hives are usually replaced every 8 to 12 more attention must be paid to the pollination weeks as the colony begins to die out. There process to ensure maximum fruit set. Today, are two primary species of bees produced in tomatoes are pollinated in greenhouses either Canada and the United States: Bombus by bumblebees or by mechanical pollinators. occidentalis for the west and B. impatiens for the east. According to the USDA and AgCanada, Mechanical pollination is done with a battery- the dividing line is at the 100th meridian, which powered, hand-held pollinator or by electric runs through the middle of Texas, Oklahoma, vibrating benches. The hand-held pollinators Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. To avoid are labor-intensive. Workers have to hand pol- confusion, the USDA has classified these states linate each plant two or three days each week as “eastern” states in the case of bees. Bees during flowering. Vibration benches work on West, Inc., supplies western species, and an automatic timer and do not require much Koppert Biological Systems, Inc., supplies east- labor after installation, but they are expensive ern species (10). and not cost-effective for small- to medium-scale growers. SUMMARY Mechanical pollination of tomatoes was pre- A successful organic greenhouse tomato opera- dominant in U.S. and Canadian greenhouses tion will require research into all aspects of the until the mid-90s, when the use of bumblebees business. Before planting the first seed, it is im- was adopted from European growers. Today, portant to locate a niche market in your area most greenhouse tomato growers in North and schedule harvests to coincide with times of America are using bumblebees, which work high market value. Soil systems have many every day of the week, selecting only the flow- advantages compared to soilless systems; how- ers that are ready to pollinate. Bumblebees can ever, they can be sources for soil-borne diseases pollinate up to 30 flowers a minute. It is not such as Verticilium and Fusarium wilts. Main- unusual to have 100% pollination, which results taining rigorous pest control is key to maintain- in higher yields than are achieved with me- ing a healthy, productive greenhouse operation. chanical methods (10). Successful pest control includes incorporating Integrated Pest Management practices, includ- Bumblebees are mild-mannered and easy to ing cultural control methods, and the planting work with; they rarely sting without provoca- of disease resistant varieties. Organically grown tion. They start a new colony each year, with seed must be used if available. If not, commer- only a single queen hibernating over the win- cially available untreated seed may be used. All ter. This queen then starts a new colony in the transplants, whether purchased or grown on spring. By mid-summer the colony can num- the farm, must be grown using approved or- ber in the hundreds. At the end of the summer ganic methods and inputs. Maintaining proper PAGE 8 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
  • 9. pH and fertilization levels improves disease re- bama Cooperative Extension. sistance and increases yields. Using bumblebees <http://www.aces.edu/department/ for pollination can also increase yields and re- extcomm/publications/anr/anr-596/ duce labor costs. anr-596.htm>. 16 p. 10) Kueneman, Tom. 1995. The pollinator. REFERENCES Greenhouse Product News. Vol. 5, No. 9. p. 8, 10. 1) Snyder, Richard G. 1995. Greenhouse Tomatoes—The Basics of Successful Production. Proceedings of the Green- RESOURCES house Tomato Seminar. August 3-4, 1995. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Organic Fertilizer Distributors 2) Census of Agriculture. 1997. U.S. Cen- Agri-Growth International, Inc. sus of Horticulture Specialties. Bureau http://www.agriorganics.com of the Census, U.S. Department of Com- Agri-Growth International, Inc. is a manufac- merce, Washington, D.C. turer of organic plant nutrients and stimula- tors. This website offers information on their 3) Snyder, Rick. No date. Greenhouse products.Send e-mail to herb@agriorganics.com, Tomato Handbook. Mississippi State Ex- or contact them at 1-780-484-0102 for a dis- tension Service. tributor listing in your area. <http://msucares.com/pubs/ pub1828.htm>. Alternative Garden Supply http://www.alternativegarden.com/ 4) Dr. Craig Anderson, Horticulture Exten- Alternative Garden Supply offers a complete sion Specialist, University of Arkansas, online store and a listing of retailers in your area. Personal communication, June 2001. They carry a variety of liquid organic fertilizers such as Earth Juice, Fox Farm, Pure Blend, 5) Jarvis, William R. 1992. Managing Dis- Maxicrop, and Age Old Organics. eases in Greenhouse Crops. The Ameri- can Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, Atlantis Hydroponics Minnesota. p. 148–149. 1035 Baxter Street Athens, GA 30603 6) Wittwer, S. and S. Honma. 1979. Green- (706) 543-9980 house Tomatoes, Lettuce & Cucumbers. Toll Free: (888) 305-4450 Michigan State University Press, East Fax: (706) 543-9919 Lansing. p. 72. info@atlantishydroponics.com http://www.atlantishydroponics.com 7) Grubinger, Vernon P. 1999. Sustainable Atlantis Hydroponics offers a wide range of or- Vegetable Production from Start-up to ganic fertilizers and stimulants: Alaska Start- Market. NARES. New York, New York. up, Earth Juice, Fox Farm, Neptune’s Harvest, p. 229–233. Pure Blend, and others. 8) Sanders, Doug. 1999. The Perfect Vari- Greenfire ety. American Vegetable Grower. Vol. 347 Nord Ave. #1 47, No. 12. p. 47-48. Chico, CA 95926 (916) 895-8301 9) Kessler, J. and Bridget Behe. 1998. Pro- Fax: (916) 895-8317 duction and Marketing. ANR-596. Ala- http://www.greenfire.net/ //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION PAGE 9
  • 10. Greenfire offers a wide range of organic fertiliz- Commercial Greenhouse Tomato Production ers for both soil and soilless media. Greenfire Colorado State University; Cooperative Exten- is an Earth Juice distributor. sion Service http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/gar- Growlight.com den/07606.pdf sales@growlight.com http://www.growlight.com/ Dr. Mary Peet’s Greenhouse Vegetable Pro- Online catalog with a distributor list for retail- duction Website ers in your area. Organic products include North Carolina State University B’Cuzz Growth, Root, and Bloom Stimulators; http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/ Nitrozime; and Age Old Organics Liquid Grow, greenhouse_veg/resources/ Bloom, and Kelp. Resource page with links to conversion tools, print information, and related Websites. Harvest Moon Hydroponics http://www.hmoonhydro.com/ Environmental Control for Greenhouse Harvest Moon Hydroponics offers a complete Tomatoes online store with a wide range of organic fertil- Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten- izers and stimulants: including B’Cuzz, Earth sion Service Juice, Pure Blend, Superthrive, Nitron A-35, http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1879.htm Grow Big, and Big Bloom. The website includes a list of Harvest Moon retailers in your area. Florida Greenhouse Design University of Florida, Cooperative Extension Home Harvest® Garden Supply, Inc. Service 3807 Bank Street http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/scripts/ Baltimore, Maryland 21224 htmlgen.exe?DOCUMENT_AE016 1-800-348-4769 Voice: (410) 327-8403 Grafting, De Ruiter Seeds Inc. Fax: (410) 327-8411 http://www.deruiterusa.com/guide.html ugrow@homeharvest.com (Guidelines for Grafting) http://homeharvest.com/storeinfo.htm http://www.deruiterusa.com/root.html Earth Juice, Fox Farm, and others. (Rootstock Germination) HydroMall™ Greenhouse Tomato Handbook http://www.hydromall.com/infocart/ Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten- Organic_Fertilizer/ sion Service HydroMall™ offers organic fertilizers from http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1828.htm Agri-Growth International, Inc., such as: Myco-Net Biological Inoculum, Nutri-Max, and Greenhouse Tomato Production others. Order online from HydroMall™ or see Oregon State University, College of Agricultural their Stores Directory for a retail store near you. Sciences http://www.orst.edu/Dept/NWREC/ Information on the Web tomatogh.html Budget for Greenhouse Tomatoes Growing Hydroponic Tomatoes Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten- The University of Arizona, College of Agricul- sion Service ture http://msucares.com/pubs/p2257.html http://ag.arizona.edu/hydroponictomatoes/ index.htm PAGE 10 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
  • 11. Insect and Disease Problems of Tomato By Mardi Dodson, Janet Bachmann, Texas A&M University, Aggie Horticulture and Paul Williams http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ NCAT Agriculture Specialists imagemap/mgmaps/mgprob.html Edited by Richard Earles North Carolina State’s Greenhouse Food Pro- Formatted by Cynthia Arnold duction Website North Carolina State University March 2002 http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/ greenhouse_veg/index.htm IP 190 Topics include culltural control, biological con- trol, and organic production. Single Truss Tomato Production System Bioresource Engineering Department Rutgers University - Cook College, New Jersey http://nj-nscort.rutgers.edu/visitor/tps/ index.html Starting A Greenhouse Business Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten- sion Service http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1957.htm Starting Vegetable Transplants Mississippi State University, Cooperative Exten- sion Service http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1995.htm Texas Greenhouse Management Handbook Texas A&M University, Aggie Horticulture http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/green- house/guides/green/green.html Tomato Plant Problems FAQ, by Kay Klier http://is.rice.edu/~shel/tomato.html An overview of tomato plant problems and or- ganic cures. The electronic version of Organic Greenhouse Tomato Production is located at: HTML http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/ghtomato.html PDF http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/PDF/ghtomato.pdf //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION PAGE 11
  • 12. APPENDIX ONE PROBLEMS IN THE GREENHOUSE PROBLEMS IN THE GREENHOUSE 1. Major Fungal Diseases of Greenhouse Tomatoes Name Damage Control Use resistant cultivar; Sanitation at Leaves have brown spots with Early blight season end; Mulching; Air circulation; concentric rings and yellow "halos"; Alternaria solani Avoid water on leaves; Rotation; Increases in warm, humid weather. Copper spray. Tops of plants wilt; Dark brown Fusarium Crown & Root Rot colored root rot at soil level; Stems Use resistant varieties; Transplant when Fusarium oxysporum sp. radicis- may have red-brown vascular soil or media is 680F or above; Remove lycopersici discoloration; Symptoms appear just first fruit to allow plant to recover. before first pick. Clearing of veins and chlorosis of Use resistant varieties; Sterilize seed; lower leaves; Wilting leaves and Use of soilless media or hydroponics stems; Marginal necrosis of leaves and Fusarium Wilt Fusarium reduces incidence of disease; Use good eventual defoliation; Roots may be oxysporum sp. lycopersici sanitation practices; Avoid excessive stunted; Stems may have borwon warming of cultivation beds (keep discoloration; Prefers warm below 820F). greenhouses. Older leaves affected first. Small Use resistant varieties; Reduce Gray Leaf Spot Stemphylium brown to black spots on leaves, humidity and increase air circulation; solani enlarging to gray centers that drop out Keep canopy dry; Avoid water on to make several tiny holes in leaf. leaves; Destroy infected plant material. Keep canopy dry; Avoid water on Gray, velvety coating of spores on leaves; Reduce humidity (below 85%); Gray Mold fruit, stems, and petioles. Thrives at Increase temperature and air Botrytis cinerea temperatures below 650F. Begins on circulation; Ventilate at night if flowers and spreads to fruit. possible. Good sanitation practices; Use resistant Chlorotic (yellow-green) spots on varieties; Proper row and plant upper surface of older leaves; spacing; Avoid excessive Nitrogen; Undersurface may have olive green Leaf Mold Reduce humidity (below 85%) and spores; Spots merge to affect entire Fulvia Fulva increase air circulation (heated air); leaf; Prefers poorly ventilated, cool, (syn. Cladosporium fulvum) Avoid water on leaves; Burn or bury humid conditions; Spreads by air, infected plant material; At season's end, water, workers and insects; Affects remove and destroy all crop residue soil or hydroponics. and sanitize greenhouse. Avoid water on leaves; Humidity Leaves develop irregular, bright control; Sulfur sprays; Biofungicide Powdery Mildew yellow blotches; Severe infections can AQ10 (Ampelomyces quisqualis); Baking Oidium lycopersicum kill leaves; Sunscald from leaf loss. Soda (see ATTRA pub Use of Baking Soda as a Fungicide); Copper sprays. Numerous small brown water-soaked spots on leaves, petioles & stems with Rotation; Avoid water on leaves; Burn gray or black centers; Leaves turn or bury infected plant material; Septoria Leaf Spot yellow and drop; Sunscald may Maintain optimum temperatures and Septoria lycopersici occur; Spreads by wind, water, hands, humidity control; Aphid control (see tools & aphids; Favors warm, dry ATTRA's Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable days and damp nights (85%-100% Aphid Control); Copper sprays. relative humidity). PAGE 12 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
  • 13. 2. Major Bacterial Diseases of Greenhouse Tomatoes Name Damage Control Use disease-free seed or sterilize Very contagious; Wilting lower seed in 1300F water for 25 minutes; leaflets; Older leaflets curl upwards Use drip irrigation to reduce splash; and die from margin inward; Cankers Reduce humidity and increase air Bacterial Canker may form on stems; Brown, dry, circulation; Maintain optimum Clavibacter mealy pith in later stages; Small, temperatures; Use sterilized soil or michiganensis pv. raised white "bird's eye spots" on fruit; potting mixes; Disinfect benches, michiganensis Spreads from infected seed (systemic) hoses, tools, etc. between crops; or tools, hands, insects, or splashing Sterilize or discard wooden stakes; water (local); Infection is favored by Destroy infected plant material; warm, wet conditions. Copper sprays. Use resistant cultivar; Use disease- free seed or sterilize seed in 1300F Most severe in 3-5 leaf stage; Small, water for 25 minutes; Reduce dark lesions with yellow rings on Bacterial Speck humidity and increase air circulation; leaves; Superficial, brown, rough spots Maintain optimum temperatures Pseudomonas syringae on fruit; Retards growth and delays (Bacterial Speck disappears with pv. tomato fruit maturity; Spread by sprinkler warmer temperatures); Use drip irrigation; Infection is favored by cool, irrigation or mulch to reduce splash; wet conditions. Remove and destroy infested plants if severe; Copper sprays. 3. Major Insect Pests of Greenhouse Tomatoes Name Damage Control Sucks sap; Vectors disease; Creates honeydew which Insecticidal soap; Beneficial attracts sooty mold; insects (ladybugs, lacewings, Misshapen foliage, flowers, etc.) Beauvaria bassiana; Aphid and fruit Pyrethrum; Rotenone Destroy infested fruit; Bt; Row *Fruitworm Feeds on foliage, flower, fruit covers; Neem; Ryania Destroy infested fruit; Till at Fruit has narrow black season end to prevent *Pinworm tunnels overwintering; Sabadilla Insecticidal soap; Yellow Distorted, yellow leaves; sticky traps; Beneficial insects; Honeydew which attracts Garlic oil; Pyrethrum; Whitefly sooty mold Rotenone; Beauveria bassiana *Affects mostly field tomato crops but has also been known to infest greenhouse crops //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION PAGE 13
  • 14. APPENDIX TWO Transplant Production: 1) Seeds: 4-7 days until first true leaves RECOMMENDED FERTILIZATION appear PRACTICES FOR PRODUCING ORGANIC a) sow in sterile seedling mix GREENHOUSE TOMATOES b) Place seed trays in a mist bed with bottom heat i) Temperature: 75-80°F BY JANET MILES ii) 16 hours fluorescent light Janet Miles developed these recommendations 2) Transplant Seedlings: 4-6 weeks depend- as part of an M.S. thesis under the supervision ing on Fall or Spring crop of Dr. Mary Peet. The thesis is entitled: Organic, a) 4” pots with peat or coir-based Biorational and Conventional Growing Systems substrate for Greenhouse Tomatoes, 2000, North Caro- *note: We used a special mix lina State University, Raleigh, NC. provided by Faford which is equivalent to their commercial 4-P, but without For more information on this study and on or the starter nutrient charge or wetting ganic production, visit the North Carolina agent, which would not be acceptable Greenhouse Food Production website: for organic certification. (See Substrate <http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/greenhouse_veg/>. Recipe in the Greenhouse Production section). These recommendations were devised from b) Nutrients: studies performed on ‘Grace’ tomatoes—a vari- i) Constant feed of fertilizer/water ety bred specifically for greenhouse production, solution grown in 5 gallon upright plastic bags with soil- ii) Earth Juice™ brand: This less substrates in polyethylene greenhouses. product is comprised of three different formulations. They For current requirements for organically certi- also have a source of K2O and a fied greenhouse vegetable production, consult source of micronutrients. the National Organic Program website <http:/ Grow: analysis 2-1-1. Ingredi- /www.ams.usda.gov/nop/>. Draft recom- ents: bat guano, Norwegian mendations for greenhouses are available at: Sea Kelp, natural sulfate of <http:/www.ams.usda.gov/nop/nop2000/ potash, feather meal, oat bran, nosb/recommedations/Crops recommenda- blood meal, and steamed bone tions/greenhouse.pdf>. For additional com- meal. mercial materials which may be allowable for Bloom: analysis 0-3-1. Ingredi organic growers, consult the Organic Material ents: bat guano, Chilean sea Review Institute website<http://www.omri.org/>. bird guano, Norwegian Sea A list of suppliers of organic fertilizers and hor- Kelp, natural sulfate of potash, ticultural substrates is available from ATTRA steamed bone meal, oat bran, <http://www.attra.org/>. and rock phosphate. Catalyst: analysis 0.03-0.01- This study was begun in 1998, before the initia- 0.10. Ingredients: oat bran, tion of national standards and with few poten- kelp, wheat malt, molasses, tially certifiable materials available. It can be and yeast. used as a guideline for selecting and using or- Earth Juice Recipe ganic fertilizers for greenhouse tomato produc- Mixed in 2 gal. water for direct tion, but growers are advised to check the fertilization: ATTRA and OMRI sites for new materials and (Not concentrated for injectors) with their certifying agency to see if particular 3 tbsp. Bloom materials are allowable. PAGE 14 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION
  • 15. 3 tbsp. Catalyst • 85% Fafard’s Special Organic 5 tbsp. Grow Mix1: Ingredients: Canadian 2 tbsp. K2O sphagnum peat moss, * To provide 90 ppm N, 45 ppm vermiculite, perlite, gypsum, P, and 195 ppm K. dolomitic lime, pine bark iii) Magna Gro™ brand: • 15% Vermicycle (commercial HydroponicBase Mix analysis worm compost) 2-3-6. Ingredi ents: poultry • J.H. Biotech2 “Natural Wet” 2T./ compost tea, pasteurized blood gal. meal, calcium phosphate, and • 1.25 lbs./cu.yd. each, blood meal, seaweed. This also contains bone meal, and potassium sulfate trace minerals with • ½ lb/cu. yd. elemental sulfur fermented molasses in the form of Zn SO4, Mg SO4, and Several commercial organic mixes are now Fe SO4. 19% N from available, but were not tested in this project. poultry compost tea and Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc., has a retail and pasteurized blood meal. K-9: professional line of soilless mixes which is 9% K2O from seaweed. Or- OMRI approved. They can be used for trans- ganic forms of trace minerals planting or in containers. Sun Gro produces supplied as 6% B, 6% Fe, 6% retail potting mixes under the Sunshine and Mg, and 6% Ca. other brands (Phone 888-896-1222). McEnroe Magna Gro Recipe Organic Farm, 194 Coleman Station Road, Mixed in 2 gal. water for direct Millertown, NY 12546 (518-789-3252) offers fertilization: both a light growing mix and a potting soil, (Not concentrated for injectors) which they suggest combining with vermicu- 2 tbsp. Hydroponic Base Mix lite for a seed starting mix. You can also search 1/8 tsp. 19% N for organic and OMRI-certified supplies at 1/3 tsp. 9% K Peaceful Valley Farm Supply (http:// *To provide 90 ppm N, 45 ppm www.groworganic.com/). P, and 195 ppm K. 3) Nutrition: Greenhouse Production: *Note—Stage 1 = From transplant to the first fruit set 1) Transplant when seedlings have 5-7 Stage 2 = From first fruit set to true leaves—BEFORE any flowers “topping” the plants—when they have opened. are about 6’ tall 2) 5 gal. plastic “grow bags” filled with Stage 3 = From topping to the end peat or coir-based substrate that has of the crop not been amended with a starter a) Fertigation using ½ gph emitters is nutrient charge or wetting agent, as ideal: these products are most likely from Stage 1: 6 minutes/cycle, 4 cycles/ inorganic sources and not acceptable day, to supply 0.89 liters/plant/day for use in organic production. We Stage 2: 8 minutes/cycle, 4 cycles/ blended our own mix from day, to supply 1.20 liters/plant/day commercial blend specially formulated Stage 3: 13 minutes/cycle, 4 cycles/ to omit the wetting agent and starter day to supply 1.77 liters/plant/day charge. b) Commercial fertilizers should be for- 1 Fafard’s Special Organic Mixture: Contact Hugh Poole, Fafard, 6406 Carmel Road, Suite 30, Charlotte, NC 28226, SC 29622 Phone: 1-800-845-1664 or 1-800-722-7645 email: sales@fafard.com; http://www.Fafard.com/ 2 Wetting agent: Harold Uradomo, 805-650-8942, J.H. Biotech, Inc., 4951 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, California 93003 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION PAGE 15
  • 16. mulated to provide the following Recipe for Magna Gro™: Stage 2 N-P-K concentrations: To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 a rate of 50:1 90 ppm N 125 ppm N 165 ppm N 1 qt. + ¼ c. Hydroponic 45 ppm P 45 ppm P 45 ppm P Base Mix (HBM) 195 ppm K 195 ppm K 310 ppm K 1/3 c. 19% N ¼ c. 9% K i) Earth Juice™. In addition to products listed under the Organic Transplant Pro- Recipe for Magna Gro™: Stage 3 duction section, they also have a pro- To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected duct called: at a rate of 50:1 “Microburst Three”—derived from sul- 1 qt. + ¼ c. Hydroponic fates of Magnesium, Cupric, Ferrous Base Mix (HBM) Manganese, Zinc, Borate, and Kelp to 1 c. 19% N provide micronutrients. K2O is a 10% K 2 c. 9% K source. c) The start-up nutrient charge that was Recipe—Earth Juice™: Stage 1 added to the growing medium will pro- To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at vide enough nutrients to last 2-3 weeks a rate of 50:1 after transplanting. At this time, plants 1 qt. Grow will probably have progressed to Stage 1 qt. Catalyst 2 of development. 2 c. Bloom 1½ c. 10% K2O Recipe—Earth Juice™: Stage 2 To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at a rate of 50:1 1 qt. + 1¼ c. Grow 1 qt. + 1¼ c. Catalyst 1¼ c. Bloom 1¼ c. 10% K2O ½ c. Microburst Three Recipe—Earth Juice™: Stage 3 To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at a rate of 50:1 1 qt. + 3 c. Grow 1 qt. + 3 c. Catalyst ¾ c. Bloom 2¼ c. 10% K2O ½ c. Microburst Three ii) Magna Gro™ Recipe for Magna Gro™: Stage 1 To make 1 gal. of stock to be injected at a rate of 50:1 1 qt. + ¼ c. Hydroponic Base Mix (HBM) ½ Tbsp. 19% N ¼ c. 9% K PAGE 16 //ORGANIC GREENHOUSE TOMATO PRODUCTION