​LETS LEARN FROM EXPERTS: PLANT NUTRITION IN TOMATOES FOR ZAMBIA-PART 1(Article Written by Munzinza Kalwazhi)

LETS LEARN FROM EXPERTS: PLANT NUTRITION IN TOMATOES FOR ZAMBIA-PART 1

(Article Written by Munzinza Kalwazhi)

This information will help you produce Supermarket Quality Fruits that most Big box stores are desparately seeking for and you will mostly likely stop supplying your fruits at the Open markets “gambling tables.”

Over the past few months I have seen a lot of people try to grow Tomatoes here in Zambia, putting in all they could possibly do because of the benefits that this crop gives. Some have been successful for some time, others have had short-lived victories while others have been frustrated all together and they don’t want to grow it anymore.

Well, I want to share a few notes with you that can increase your chances of success in Tomato production and your yields if you are already growing it.

1. REQUIREMENTS OF TOMATO PLANTS.

Tomatoes like any other plant require the following for them to grow-

Light, moisture, and fertile soil(minerals)

In Zambia we have about 3seasons, which means we have 3 different levels of light intensity and moisture levels in the soil depending on a particular season.

# How does light and moisture affect Tomato plant growth?

During the hot season, (from August to October) you will notice that Tomatoes grow faster, some maturing in 3-4months instead of 5-6 months. This is because of the good supply of light and also fast transportation of minerals in the presence of moisture. This season is the easiest to grow Tomatoes in Zambia, that is why Tomato prices usually drop during this season because most farmers easily grow Tomatoes.

2. THE RAIN SEASON

This is usually a difficult season to grow Tomato for most farmers. And one of the reasons for poor production being Fungal diseases .

Now lets look at how mosture(water) and light contribute to this. In Zambia most Tomato growers withdraw their Irrigation during the rain season, this in turn means the plants will only receive water if and when it rains, which is a bad practice if you want to successfully manage your crop.

The light also is usually not adequate meaning the rate of photosynthesis is much lower. I case of heavy rain fall,required minerals will not be transported from the roots to the leaves in the right amounts and on time, So if poorly managed crops will have stunted growth. That is why during the rain season its recomendered that you use forliar fertilizers in addition to the soil ones.

In the case of droughts, vital minerals again,like calcium will not be transported to the plant.

It is important to note that calcium causes necesary heating in Tomato plants.

3. COLD SEASON

When its cold, Tomatoes usually dry up and this is because of poor movement of calcium in the plants and other minerals. Its important to ensure good water supply to plants during the cold season of a least 1liter per plant to facilitate movement of calcium to your Tomatoes . You could also make good use of a Frost Guide to protect your crops from extreme colds.

As mentioned above, Calcium produces heat in the Tomato plants, to stop your plants from drying due to colds you must ensure adequate supply and movement of Calcium in the plants. This can be done by irrigating regularly and spraying liquid Calcium (don’t apply powdered lime to the ground).

NOTE: Tengeru is determinant and does well in Zambia in all seasons. You can grow Tengeru during the rain season with little difficulty and still produce high quality fruits but most highbreeds like star are indeterminant and very sensitive and expensive to grow.they usually need specialized fertilizers(granular) and fruit shelf life is not as good as Tengeru most of the times, even though yeilds could be higher. Tengeru 97 which has been around from 1997 has proven to be the best in eastern and southern African for all year production in terms of disease tolerance, drought tolerance and also has higher yields than most cultivar

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