Tomatoes
In 2011 Empire State farmers planted 3,000 acres of tomatoes for an estimated value of nearly $37 million (2011 Vegetable Summary). Most field production is devoted to determinate cultivars, with plastic mulch, drip irrigation and stake-and-weave trellis essential production elements for early and quality yields. Greenhouse (and high tunnel) production is on the rise in New York with structures of less than 1/10th to in-excess of 40 acres under protection. Indeterminate, greenhouse lines, as well as heirloom varieties are grown under protected culture. Tomatoes are a popular crop with New York fresh market vegetable farmers due to high demand and fair prices. The Cornell Vegetable Program conducts a number of research projects each year addressing improved tomato production. Check out the links below to learn more.Most Recent Tomatoes Content
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Leaf mold is a fungus disease of tomatoes that has been increasing across New York State in recent years. It is favored by high humidity and is therefore seen in greenhouse and high tunnel production but rarely in field production.
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Proper spacing is a common concern of high tunnel growers. More plants does not necessarily mean more yield. Determinate varieties are spaced and trained differently than indeterminates, and grafted plants need more room than non-grafted. A well-spaced planting allows room for the grower to move down the aisles for harvesting, training and scouting for pest and disease problems.
One of the first choices when beginning high tunnel tomato production is the type: determinate or indeterminate. Differences in the growth habits, nutritional needs, disease resistance, and fruit attributes of determinate and indeterminate tomatoes will influence the types and varieties a grower will choose.
Leaf Mold in High Tunnel Tomatoes 2015
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Last Modified: December 2, 2015
Leaf mold is a fungus disease of tomatoes that has been increasing across New York State in recent years. It is favored by high humidity and is therefore seen in greenhouse and high tunnel production but rarely in field production.
Spacing Tomatoes in High Tunnels
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Last Modified: December 2, 2015
Proper spacing is a common concern of high tunnel growers. More plants does not necessarily mean more yield. Determinate varieties are spaced and trained differently than indeterminates, and grafted plants need more room than non-grafted. A well-spaced planting allows room for the grower to move down the aisles for harvesting, training and scouting for pest and disease problems.
Tomatoes for High Tunnels
Last Modified: December 2, 2015
One of the first choices when beginning high tunnel tomato production is the type: determinate or indeterminate. Differences in the growth habits, nutritional needs, disease resistance, and fruit attributes of determinate and indeterminate tomatoes will influence the types and varieties a grower will choose.
More Tomatoes Content
Training and Pruning Tomatoes in High Tunnels
Early Season Tomato Leaf Symptoms
Pruning Tomatoes
2013 ENYCHP Fresh Market BeefsteakTomato Variety Trial
Responding to Hailstorms
Phytophthora Webinar 3: Management practices to reduce P-Cap on the farm
Grafting of Tomatoes for Soil-based Production in Greenhouses & High Tunnels
2012 Capital District Beefsteak Tomato Variety Trial
Spring Application of Winter Rye Grain for Weed Control in Summer Vegetables
Webinar: Farming with P-Cap: Managing Your Crops and Minimizing Spread
Spotted Wing Drosophila in Tomatoes
O-zone Injury on Vegetables
Why Aren't My Tomatoes Ripening?
Managing Phytophthora Blight in 2012
Armyworms are Poised to Eat Your Vegetable Crops
High Tunnel Tomato Trial 2011 (determinate varieties)
Nightshade Management Reduces Crop Loss
» View Complete List of Tomatoes Content
Early Season Tomato Leaf Symptoms
Pruning Tomatoes
2013 ENYCHP Fresh Market BeefsteakTomato Variety Trial
Responding to Hailstorms
Phytophthora Webinar 3: Management practices to reduce P-Cap on the farm
Grafting of Tomatoes for Soil-based Production in Greenhouses & High Tunnels
2012 Capital District Beefsteak Tomato Variety Trial
Spring Application of Winter Rye Grain for Weed Control in Summer Vegetables
Webinar: Farming with P-Cap: Managing Your Crops and Minimizing Spread
Spotted Wing Drosophila in Tomatoes
O-zone Injury on Vegetables
Why Aren't My Tomatoes Ripening?
Managing Phytophthora Blight in 2012
Armyworms are Poised to Eat Your Vegetable Crops
High Tunnel Tomato Trial 2011 (determinate varieties)
Nightshade Management Reduces Crop Loss
» View Complete List of Tomatoes Content
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Upcoming Events
Ag Business Tuesdays - Clinton County
July 11, 2017
1.5 hour appts between 9:00am to 5:00pm
Plattsburgh, NY
Are you a farmer in Eastern New York with a question about the management side of your farm business? The Cornell Cooperative Extension Eastern NY Commercial Hort Team, in collaboration with CCE County offices, is offering free farm business technical assistance appointments this summer on Tuesdays at various locations in our service region. On Tuesday, July 11 from 9:00am-5:00pm we will be at CCE Clinton County.High Tunnel Field Meeting
July 12, 2017
5:00-7:00pm
Arygle, NY
Join us for a discussion of ongoing high tunnel fertility management for summer tomato crops, high tunnel soil health, as well as other summer high tunnel crop options including cucumbers and basil.In addition there will be an update on leek moth in allium crops, a discussion of downy mildew in basil, and a
demonstration of an in-row flame weeder.
Ag Business Tuesdays - Warren County
July 25, 2017
1.5 hour appts between 9:00am to 4:00pm
Warrensburgh, NY
Are you a farmer in Eastern New York with a question about the management side of your farm business? The Cornell Cooperative Extension Eastern NY Commercial Hort Team, in collaboration with CCE County offices, is offering free farm business technical assistance appointments this summer on Tuesdays at various locations in our service region. On Tuesday, July 25 from 9:00am-4:00pm we will be at CCE Warren County.Announcements
New Resources for Berry Crops
Berry Crop Diagnostics Tool - Much information exists on controlling plant pests and problems, but one must first identify the cause before intervention can occur. This diagnostic tool was developed to assist the student, grower, and extension educator in identifying potential causes of plant problems in berry crops
Cornell Berries YouTube Channel - Webinars and other videos that support our commercial berry production Extension and outreach
Coming soon: New NEWA berry pest forecasting tools
White Rot Update
NOW AVAILABLE: White Rot Fact Sheet: Click Here
White Rot, Sclerotinia cepivorum, decimated the onion industry in New York in the 1930's before being eradicated through careful management. More recently, in 2003, it infected 10,000 acres of garlic in California, leading to the abandonment of some garlic fields and adoption of strict containment rules. White rot has been confirmed in Northeastern states over the last decade as well, with New York being one of the last to discover the disease.
The primary reason that White Rot is such a concern is because the sclerotia, or reproductive structures, can remain dormant in the soil for up to 40 years, attacking any allium crop planted into the soil under favorable conditions. This spring was ideal for infection due to the period of cool, moist weather we had. Optimal temperature for infection is 60-65 degrees F, but infection can occur anywhere from 50-75 degrees F.
Once garlic has white rot, it generally declines rapidly. Leaves will yellow and the plant will wilt, not unlike a severe fusarium infection. However, unlike with fusarium, white rot infected bulbs are covered in black sclerotia and white fungus. To add to the confusion, another disease CAN look similar. Botrytis also causes black sclerotia and white fungal growth. However, Botrytis sclerotia are quite large, often larger than a pencil eraser.
So, what do we do now? We're still working on long-term management strategies, but the most important steps to take now are vigilance when culling (look at the plants you are pulling for symptoms like you see in this article, and if they are present, call us to take a sample and have the disease verified) and, if you see anything suspicious, reduction of movement of inoculum. The main ways diseases get moved around are by dumping culls (compost, field edges, etc) and my moving soil on equipment. Throw away your culls, and wash equipment that may have come in contact with suspicious garlic or the soil it is growing in. Everything from cultivation equipment to harvest bins should be cleaned.
We will keep learning about this disease and will keep sending out information, particularly to help you make decisions about what to sell and buy. For now, remember that the west coast has learned to manage the disease, and we will too. -Crystal Stewart, ENYCHP
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture - Cornell Cooperative Extension
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