A Comprehensive Guide to highlight the potential and cultivation considerations of Lindsay RZ F1 – indeterminate round tomato variety – for open field to protected conditions from Rijk Zwaan.

Introduction:

In the diverse landscape of South African agriculture, the pursuit of excellence in tomato cultivation is a journey that demands careful planning and attention to detail. To harness the full potential of Lindsay RZ F1, a remarkable tomato variety tailored for South African conditions, farmers must consider a multitude of factors.

This guide will highlight a few basic aspects such as:

• Fruit Weight
• Plant Yield
• Plant- & Row Spacing
• Plant Density per Hectare
• Soil Preparation
• Soil pH Management
• Trellising Techniques
• Plant Care
• Optimal Planting Periods
• Postharvest Consideration

Fruit Weight & Quality: Consistent Exceptional Fruit Sizes

Lindsay RZ F1 is renowned for producing tomatoes with remarkable fruit weight, typically ranging from 120g to 150g per fruit. This impressive fruit size aligns perfectly with market demands for larger, visually appealing tomatoes. The substantial fruit weight not only enhances marketability but also promises increased profitability for South African tomato growers. Lindsay RZ F1 also has the benefit of being more consistent in maintaining this fruit size from the first fruit harvest up to the end of the cultivation cycle.

Assessing Fruit Quality – Brix measurements are a valuable tool for assessing the quality of Lindsay RZ F1 tomatoes. These measurements provide an indication of the fruit’s sugar content and overall ripeness. Aim for Brix levels that align with market preferences, typically ranging from 4.0 to 6.0 for fresh consumption and higher levels of 6.0 or above for processing. Regular Brix assessments can help you optimize harvesting timing and ensure the best possible fruit quality.

Yield per Plant: Maximizing Harvests with Lindsay RZ F1

To optimize yield per planted surface area, Lindsay RZ F1 has the ability to deliver considerable yield potential. Producers recorded realistic yields of commercial plantings of Lindsay RZ of 13 kg/m²  under semi-protected (Net house) conditions. This impressive yield potential underscores the variety’s value in supporting high productivity and profitability, a crucial consideration for professional tomato producers.

Optimal Planting Periods: Strategically Timing Your Planting

The best planting times for Lindsay RZ F1 tomatoes in South Africa vary by province due to the country’s diverse climate zones. Lindsay RZ F1 has proven very successful year-round in every planting segment for specific regions, however, we do recommend the grower to be aware of their microclimate patterns and limitations. As with all fruit-bearing vegetable crops, tomato plants are frost-sensitive. In general, a tomato plant has the following climatic limitations:

A minimum temperature of 10°C and lower will retard growth, fruit set, and fruit coloring.

Maximum temperatures above 35°C will induce flower drop, weak pollination, and inhibit the translocation of nutrients within the plant.

Humidity levels of 65 – 85% are ideal, thus prolonged rainy periods can affect the total production potential and plant health.

Below is a Köppen Climate map of South Africa:

Please see seedling planting recommendation for specific Climate zones (without supplemental heating under protected cultivation):

Earliest: Wk. 31- 36 (Spring-Summer)

Latest: Wk. 5 – 9 (Autumn-Winter) (Only in microclimates not experiencing minimum temperatures below 10°C between Wk. 21 – 31)

Earliest: Wk. 31- 36 (Spring-Summer)

Plant Spacing and Row Spacing: Efficient Layout for Healthy Growth

Effective plant spacing and row spacing are essential components of successful tomato cultivation. Maintain a plant spacing of 45cm (15 000 Plants / Ha) to 30 cm between plants within the same row. This arrangement ensures that each tomato plant receives ample sunlight, nutrients, and airflow while preventing overcrowding, which can lead to diseases and reduced yields.
For efficient movement and management, keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between rows. Adequate row spacing facilitates tasks such as irrigation, pest management, and harvesting, ensuring smooth operations throughout the growing season.

Plant Density per Hectare: Optimizing Land Utilization

Plant spacing is a key management consideration for the successful cultivation of a tomato crop. This may influence humidity levels within the crop canopy, sunlight distribution and the ability of labor or mechanization to be utilized.

In short, the below table highlights these limitations:

Soil & Substrate Preparation: Setting the Foundation for Success

Soil – Each soil type would require its own unique management practices. As the soil structure and chemical or nutrient composition will vary greatly from field to field, we recommend the consultation of a dedicated fertilizer and irrigation specialist.

Some useful practices to implement during the soil preparation:

Establish the soil’s water-holding capabilities. This is done by digging profile pits to establish the time it takes the irrigation water to reach a depth of 750-850mm below soil level. Take into consideration the soil type and structure during this process. Heavier soils will retain more water than lighter soils. This would indicate how frequent irrigations need to take place. Be careful not to over-irrigate as this could cause a complete crop failure.

It is recommended to plant on top of ridged beds when planting in soil. This would aid the drainage of irrigation and rainwater, aerate the soil, and prevent over compaction of the rootzone by labor movement in between planting rows.

The ideal soil structure is a sandy loam containing high humus content with 15-35% clay with a pH range of 6 – 6.8.

Substrate – To seize the optimum benefits from cultivation under more controlled climatic environment conditions it is highly recommended to use a substrate and hydroponic production technics. Coco-fiber is the best-suited substrate for tomato production conducive to great water holding and aeration properties. There are numerous established suppliers of different forms of this substrate, and it is recommended to consult with these suppliers about what product would be best suited for the particular application.   

Trellising Techniques: Supporting Strong Growth

Implementing trellising techniques is crucial for managing the growth of Lindsay RZ F1 tomato plants. Sturdy trellising systems offer support to the plants as they grow, preventing fruit contact with the ground and minimizing the risk of rot. Properly trained and trellised plants also allow for efficient harvesting and reduce the risk of pest and disease transmission. There are 2 main trellising techniques implemented in our market.

Spanish system – (Open field cultivation):

Image Credit: UNH Extension

Read more at: https://durham.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/04/your-tomatoes-need-your-support/

Dutch system – (Semi & Full protected cultivation on single or multiple stems)

Plant Care: Nurturing Healthy and Productive Plants

To maintain healthy and productive Lindsay RZ F1 tomato plants throughout their lifecycle, regular attention is required. This includes monitoring for pests and diseases, implementing appropriate pest management strategies, ensuring consistent irrigation, and adhering to a comprehensive fertigation program that caters to the plant’s evolving nutrient needs. Pruning and proper staking/trellising are also essential for optimizing plant growth and fruit development.

Harvest: Timing and Techniques

Harvesting Lindsay RZ F1 tomatoes at the right time is crucial for flavor and quality.  The deeper the red, the higher the Brix levels. The ideal harvesting time depends on the intended use of the fruit. For fresh consumption, pick tomatoes when they are between “pink–red” coloring stage. For marketing via the Fresh Produce markets and the hawker market harvest from “breaker–pink” stage for optimal shelf life. Utilize sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging the fruit during harvesting.

Packaging and Storage: Preserving Freshness and Quality

After harvesting, proper handling and packaging are essential to maintain the quality and freshness of Lindsay RZ F1 tomatoes. Use suitable packaging materials to protect the fruit from physical damage and maintain its freshness. Store the tomatoes in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, maintaining temperatures between 10°C to 13°C and relative humidity levels of 85-90%. The flat round fruit shape of Lindsay RZ F1 limits fruit being damaged postharvest due to fruit rolling around in harvesting crates. To avoid premature ripening, store tomatoes away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas.

Conclusion: Cultivating Excellence from Planting to Harvest

Cultivating Lindsay RZ F1 tomatoes in South Africa is a journey that encompasses numerous crucial factors, from planting to harvest and beyond. By considering fruit weight, yield per plant, plant spacing, row spacing, plant density per hectare, soil preparation, soil pH management, trellising techniques, plant care throughout the lifecycle, optimal planting periods by province, Brix measurements, and packaging and storage, South African farmers can unlock the full potential of this exceptional variety. Lindsay RZ F1 not only promises high yields and quality but also contributes to the overall sustainability and profitability of tomato farming in the region, ensuring a fruitful future for South African agriculture.

Try this delicious breakfast recipe from Love My Salad:

Breakfast salad with strawberries, avocado, tomato, mozzarella and pomegranate syrup

This salad combines equal measures of colourful nutrients with satisfying fats and protein to keep you feeling full until your next meal. A fresh mix of lettuce leaves and basil create the base for the salad, the cocktail tomatoes and strawberries add in bursts of sweetness and Mozzarella and a nice ripe avocado brings energy and texture to the dish. It’s a combination that will make your tastebuds sing.  

Of course, you can eat this meal at any time of day. But why not give it a try for a weekend breakfast meal that gives back. When I have extra time in my morning, I like to serve this salad with a glass of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice for a feel-good kick.

Ingredients

• 100g mixed leaf lettuce
• Large handful of basil leaves
• 500g cocktail tomatoes, in quarters
• 250g strawberries, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cup mozzarella

Dressing Ingredients

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp pomegranate syrup

Preparation

• Mix the lettuces leaves gently with the basil and top with the tomatoes and strawberries.
• Tear the mozzarella into small pieces. Arrange the mozzarella and avocado nicely over the salad.
• Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Drizzle generously with olive oil and pomegranate syrup. 

Tips from the author

In this recipe you can substitute pomegranate syrup for fresh pomegranate if it’s in season. Their juiciness and tart flavour add an extra dimension to a variety of salads. 

If you like the idea of breakfast salads, check out our complete range of breakfast content here.