Focusing on superior tomatoes in North CarolinaFocusing on superior tomatoes in North Carolina
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research main tomato objective is to identify superior tomato hybrids with respect to yield potential, fruit quality and disease resistance.
September 1, 2022
New tomato varieties look healthy at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, N.C.John Hart
Varietal development and disease pressures on tomatoes was the focus of the North Carolina Tomato Field Day that drew a crowd of 225 to the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River Aug. 11.
Attendees checked out new tomato lines designed for new production systems while getting an update on the station’s efforts to breed new large-fruited tomatoes, plum tomatoes and grape tomatoes. The main objective of the breeding program is to identify superior hybrids with respect to yield potential, fruit quality and disease resistance.
Efforts to control such diseases as Verticillium Wilt, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus and Bacterial Leaf Spot were also discussed at the field day. Disease pressure continues to be a major challenge for North Carolina tomato farmers.
About the Author(s)
Associate Editor, Southeast Farm Press
John Hart is associate editor of Southeast Farm Press, responsible for coverage in the Carolinas and Virginia. He is based in Raleigh, N.C.
Prior to joining Southeast Farm Press, John was director of news services for the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C. He also has experience as an energy journalist. For nine years, John was the owner, editor and publisher of The Rice World, a monthly publication serving the U.S. rice industry. John also worked in public relations for the USA Rice Council in Houston, Texas and the Cotton Board in Memphis, Tenn. He also has experience as a farm and general assignments reporter for the Monroe, La. News-Star.
John is a native of Lake Charles, La. and is a graduate of the LSU School of Journalism in Baton Rouge. At LSU, he served on the staff of The Daily Reveille.
You May Also Like
It’s farm bill time again
Feb 03, 2023How will inputs affect 2023 crop rotations?
Feb 02, 2023Higher production weighs on milk prices
Feb 02, 2023
Has the commodity balloon popped?
Feb 03, 2023Corn spared broad commodity selloff
Jan 18, 2023We’re retooling our self-propelled sprayer this winter
Feb 03, 2023Will Brazil dethrone U.S. as largest corn exporter?
Feb 03, 2023
