Celebrity tomato
Celebrity tomato | |
---|---|
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) | |
Maturity | 70-75 days |
Plant height | 5-10 feet |
Fruit weight | 8-10 oz |
Leaf | Regular leaf |
Resist. | verticillium wilt (V), fusarium wilt 1 and 2 (F), nematodes, and tobacco mosaic virus (T) |
Color | Red |
Shape | Globe |
The Celebrity
History
The
Botany
Description
Celebrity tomato plants are semi-determinate and grow in bush-like formation with compound Regular Leaves (RL) and stems ranging from 5-10 feet in height.[9] Due to having traits of a determinate cultivar, the plant stops growing after reaching a certain height and further growth is prevented through the production of flowers in groups. In some cases, the plant will continue growing and bear fruit despite reaching its pre-determined height and therefore is labelled as a semi-determinate.[5]
The flowers are yellow in color and bloom size is less than 1 inch.
F1 Hybrid Breeding
Celebrity tomato is a first generation (F1) hybrid.[5] It was designed through the interbreeding of two pure tomato plants with desired characteristics such as disease resistance, high yields and good flavor. This was achieved by crossing inbred parent plants that were either pollen-carrying or seed-carrying.[10]
Cultivation
Growing Conditions
Celebrity tomato plant requires full sun to grow and reach its potential height, bear fruits and achieve maximum yields.[5] Although Celebrity tomatoes can be grown in a wide range of soils it is recommended to plant them in loosely packed and nutrient-rich soils. Seeds are typically sown 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.[9] Seed germination usually occurs between 6-10 days. High yields of this plant are achieved by maintaining an appropriate soil pH level of 6.2-6.8.[11] Application of Fertilizer is recommended to the soil when the plant begins flowering. The plant requires a consistent and large amount of water throughout the season.[11] Moisture needs to reach at least 6 inches deep into the soil to promote root and plant growth. Soil moisture can be carefully retained through the use of mulch.[12] By using fabrics such as black landscaping fabric, it can cause the soil to become warm more quickly and aid in an earlier plantation of seeds.[12] Mulching can also improve the soil productivity and reduce the amount of weeds that can interfere with the growth of Celebrity tomatoes.[12] Without sufficient moisture the plant can have stunted growth and blossom end rot. Minimizing pests and maximizing water retention are essential to cultivating the Celebrity tomato, and this is achieved through the application of mulch in its surrounding.[9]
The plants require proper spacing (2 feet) between each plant to ensure that diseases do not spread.[5] Staking is a necessary method that is required by the tomato plants since it can grow up to 10 feet tall and the fruits can become quite heavy and large in size.[11]
It is recommended that Celebrity tomatoes should be rotated away from other members of the Solanaceae family for a period of three years.[12] Since Celebrity tomatoes require a high amount of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in the soil to thrive, planting beans and peas beforehand will improve the soil conditions by fixing more nitrogen into the soil.[12] Crop rotation of Celebrity tomatoes enables a disease-free, weed-free environment for the plants and decreases the number of pests that are present due to the successful competition of weeds with the accompanying crops.[13] This also ensures that the soil does not wear out from the plants’ nutrient demands, which can lead to a reduction of agricultural productivity, poor soil structure and degradation of soil quality.[13]
Consumption
Nutrition
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
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Energy | 74 kJ (18 kcal) |
3.9 g | |
Sugars | 2.6 g |
Dietary fiber | 1.2 g |
0.2 g | |
0.9 g | |
Niacin (B3) | 4% 0.594 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 5% 0.08 mg |
Vitamin C | 16% 14 mg |
Vitamin E | 4% 0.54 mg |
Vitamin K | 7% 7.9 μg |
Minerals | Quantity %DV† |
Magnesium | 3% 11 mg |
Manganese | 5% 0.114 mg |
Phosphorus | 2% 24 mg |
Potassium | 5% 237 mg |
Other constituents | Quantity |
Water | 94.5 g |
Lycopene | 2573 µg |
†Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults.[14] |
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Celebrity tomatoes have very low calories containing 18 calories per 100g (3.5 oz). There are no saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and the total percentage of fats is 0%.[15] They provide a good source of dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals that are essential for health and well-being. Since the tomatoes contain Lycopene which is an antioxidant phytochemical, it helps prevent the formation of free radicals that can develop cancer.[15]
Culinary
Celebrity tomatoes are usually eaten sliced or raw in sandwiches and salsas. They are used to make thick sauces for pasta and noodles, tomato stocks, tomato soups and salads.[16] They can also be cooked and added to dishes such as tomato purèe and tomato fritters which greatly enhance their flavour due to the tangy taste of tomatoes.[16] In some cases, Celebrity tomatoes are also used as a garnish for savory dishes.[17] Other dishes such as stuffed tomatoes, tomato basil bruschetta, broiled tomatoes and cheese, spaghetti squash with tomatoes incorporate Celebrity tomatoes.[17]
Green or unripe tomatoes are used to prepare various chutneys and can also be pickled. They are usually used to make canned tomatoes and are fried to form components of other dishes.[16]
Storage
After harvesting ripe Celebrity tomatoes, they should be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 2-3 days in order to ensure that the taste is best and fresh.[12] Celebrity tomatoes should not be refrigerated straight away since they are sensitive to cold temperatures.[16] Even though refrigerating them will keep the Celebrity tomatoes from ripening faster, it will eventually lead to a distorted taste and make them lose their original flavor.[16] They are to be stored away from direct sunlight since this can cause quicker spoiling of tomatoes. The stems are to be removed from the tomatoes carefully and they should be stored in an ‘upside-down’ manner.[16]
In the case of harvesting unripe Celebrity tomatoes, the ripening process can be appropriately quickened by placing them in a paper bag containing apples or bananas.[16] This is because fruits such as apples and bananas exude Ethylene gas that can make the ripening process of tomatoes faster.[16]
Celebrity tomatoes can last for up to a week when stored properly however it depends on the ripeness of the tomatoes when harvested.[16] Consumption of ripe tomatoes should be done within 1-2 days since this enables maximum absorption of vitamins and minerals present in the fruits.[12] It is recommended that the tomatoes should be preserved rather than refrigerated to maintain their original texture and flavor.[12]
Diseases and Pests
Celebrity tomatoes are resistant to Verticillium Wilt, a fungal disease which causes a yellow colour to plant leaves and eventually causes the leaves to wilt and die.[18] It is also resistant to Fusarium Wilt which is a fungus found in the soil that infects the roots of plants, stopping plant growth and causing leaf necrosis.[11] Root-knot nematodes and tobacco mosaic virus resistance are found in celebrity tomatoes which both cause stunted growth and decreased yields.[5]
Despite having such high resistance to fungal and viral infections, Celebrity tomatoes are not immune to other pests and diseases. Aphids are a persistent pest that negatively impact the fruits and leaves of the tomato plants.[11] The most common aphids that affect tomato plants include potato and green-peach aphids and a large number of them cause leaf curling through the suction of sap.[11] Cutworms and hornworms are caterpillars that cause massive damage to the essential parts of new plants by feeding on them. This causes insufficient growth of plant leaves, lateral shoots and ultimately plant death.[11] Spider mites and scales are pests that cause punctures to the top and underside of tomato leaves in order to feed on the sap. This can cause yellowing of leaves, wilted leaves, premature fruit production and stunted plant growth.
Harm can be done to the foliage of Celebrity tomato plants by slugs and snails. This is because they chew on the leaves of plants and have a detrimental impact on low-hanging fruits.[19] Russet mites are pests that can cause Celebrity tomato plant leaves to turn greasy in appearance before turning bronze in color. Pinworms and fruitworms are caterpillars that cause heavy damage to the plant leaves by eating them.[19]
Pest Control
Through the removal of hiding places such as under rocks, wooden boards and areas with many weeds, the number of snails and slugs can be minimized.[20] It is also appropriate to hand-pick snails out of your garden and to lay snail traps to ensure the growth of healthy plants.[20] The use fungicidal and miticidal sulphur dust and wettable sulphur prevents russet mites from creating bronzing of tomato foliage.[19]
Celebrity tomatoes should not be planted near plants from the Solanaceae family such as petunias and potatoes since planting near them can cause diseases from those plants to transfer.[19] By planting potatoes near tomatoes, the chances of them catching potato blight disease can increase.[19] Pesticides and natural enemies are not helpful against pinworms. After the harvesting of Celebrity tomatoes, it is suggested that all plants should immediately tilled to reduce the incidence of pinworms.[19] Via the application of the organic insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis the number of fruitworms can be contained. This will ensure that insects that are beneficial to the plants do not get harmed through the application of pesticides.[19]
See also
References
- ^ "Tomato Research". University of Missouri Bradford Research and Extension Center. Archived from the original on April 16, 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
- ^ Poffenbaugh, R. (2016). In The Garden: Number-one vegetable is homegrown tomato. Retrieved from Mansfield News Journal: https://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/story/life/2016/05/09/garden-number-one-vegetable-homegrown-tomato/84018292/
- ^ Rees, D., Farrell, G., Orchard, J., & Golob, P. (2012). Crop Post-Harvest - Science and Technology (3rd ed., p. 8). Oxford: John Wiley & Sons
- ^ a b Rutgers University. (n.d.). Tomato varieties: Celebrity. Retrieved from Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/tomato-varieties/variety.php?Celebrity
- ^ a b c d e f g Cutler, K. (1997). Tantalizing tomatoes (1st ed., pp. 12-16). Brooklyn: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- ^ Jones, J. (2007). Tomato plant culture. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press.
- ^ National Gardening Association. (1992). National Gardening: Volume 15 (p. 47). The National Gardening Association
- ^ Herrera, L., McWhirt, A., Chaney, H., Bearden, R., Beaty, K., Caraway, J., …Works, J. (2020). 2019 County Agent Tomato Variety Demo. Retrieved from University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service: https://www.uaex.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/horticulture/ar-fruit-veg-nut-update-blog/posts/2019agenttomatovarietydemo.aspx
- ^ a b c d e The National Gardening Association. (2014). Plant database entry for Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ’Celebrity’). Retrieved from The National Gardening Association Plant Database: https://garden.org/plants/view/91360/Tomato-Solanum-lycopersicum-Celebrity/.
- ^ Preece, J. E., & Read P. E. (2005). The biology of horticulture (2nd ed., p. 16). Hoboken, NJ: J. Wiley.
- ^ a b c d e f g Guide to Growing Celebrity Tomatoes. (2016). Gardening Channel. https://www.gardeningchannel.com/guide-to-growing-celebrity-tomatoes/#:%7E:text=The%20celebrity%20tomato%20is%20an,and%20almost%20entirely%20maintenance-free.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Tomato: Celebrity. (2020). Retrieved from CCGROW: http://www.phytotheca.com/phytotheca/tomato-celebrity/
- ^ a b Atherton, J., & Rudich, J. (1994). The tomato crop. London [etc.]: Chapman & Hall./
- ^ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ a b Tomatoes. (2020). Retrieved from https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide/tomatoes/
- ^ better source needed]
- ^ a b Rivera, B. (2020). Tomato Recipes: 30 Delicious Recipes for Beginners and Professionals. (n.p.): Amazon Digital Services LLC - KDP Print US./
- ^ Allaby, M. (2019). A dictionary of plant sciences (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press
- ^ a b c d e f g Managing Pests in Gardens: Vegetables: Tomato. Retrieved from University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources http://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/tomato/index.html /
- ^ a b Wilen, C., & Flint, M. (2020). Snails and Slugs Management Guidelines--UC IPM. Retrieved from University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7427.html/