Tomato Shuttle

Many gardeners are trying to grow tomatoes, which can feed not only the whole family, but also make preparations for the winter. Most often, preference is given to non-capricious tomatoes with an early ripening period, which are productive, growing in the beds. These include the tomato shuttle.

Tomatoes Shuttle were bred by a group of scientists from the Federal Scientific Center of Vegetable Growing (I. Yu. Kondratyeva, L. K. Gurkina, A. S. Agapov, R. V. Skvortsova) in 1993 The crop was added to the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation, and also admitted to use in 1997. The tomato is zoned in the Central, Volgo-Vyatka and West Siberian regions. The tomato has shown itself to be the most productive, growing on unprotected soils, however, in regions with risky farming and short summers, tomatoes are grown in shelters.

Vegetable Crops The shuttle is a low-growing plant of the determinant type. On average, the bush grows up to 40-45 cm, characterized by an erect thick stem with a light edge, weak branching, moderate thickening of dark green foliage, a developed root and intermediate inflorescence. The plant is a standard plant, so the growth of the bush stops on its own. The first cluster with fruits is formed above 6-7 leaves, where 7-10 berries are tied.

When grown, tomato bushes do not need precise shaping, as well as regular pinching. The only thing that is recommended to do, despite the short stature, is a garter, since the fruit clusters are heavy.

The purpose of tomatoes is universal. The first, the earliest harvest, goes to salads and fresh vegetables, and then they are processed, pickled and canned. The variety is ideal for canning whole fruits.

The shuttle is a medium-sized tomato weighing 23-55 grams. The shape of the vegetable is elongated-oval with a spout at the top, sometimes pepper-shaped. The ripe vegetable is covered with a deep red color. At the stage of technical ripeness, the tomato has a light green color. The peel of the vegetable is quite dense, smooth, with a pronounced gloss, but absolutely not hard. Tomatoes are resistant to cracking, tolerate transportation well and can be stored for a long time.

The shuttle tomatoes have a pronounced taste. The flesh of the fruit is fleshy, moderately firm, very juicy, but not watery. The taste is balanced, sweetish with a slight sourness. The aroma of tomatoes is not very pronounced. There are few seeds in the pulp. When eaten, the hardness of the skin is not felt.

Tomatoes belong to the category of early nightshades. The first tomatoes ripen in 82-121 days from the mass germination of sprouts. The fruiting period is extended - it can last from late June to early October. Tomatoes grow gradually, so you won't be able to harvest with brushes.Technically mature tomatoes can sing well at room temperature.

The yield indicators of the variety are very good. With proper care, the culture will certainly thank you with an excellent harvest. In each region, tomato yields different. The highest rates are in the Volga-Vyatka region - from 220 to 441 centners / ha. In the central and West Siberian regions, the yield varies from 160 to 412 c / g. Gardeners remove up to 8 kg of tomatoes from 1 bush per season.

Tomatoes are grown through seedlings. Sowing of seeds is carried out in the first half of March. Before sowing, it is recommended to sort out the seedlings, disinfect and treat with a growth stimulator. At a room temperature of 22-25 degrees, germination will occur in 5-7 days. At the stage of appearance of 2-3 real leaves, a dive is carried out (planting plants in individual pots). Watering and feeding are carried out according to the schedule. A week before transplanting, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are applied to the garden.

Bushes are transplanted to the garden at the age of 2 months. The best period is the second half of May, if it is open ground, and in the greenhouse - two weeks earlier.

The arrangement of bushes is as important as adherence to agrotechnical rules. Up to 4 bushes of seedlings can be planted per 1 m2, which will allow them to receive the required amount of oxygen and light. Plants are planted according to the scheme 70x60 cm.

The culture grows comfortably in loose, air-permeable and fertile soils, on which the sun is in sufficient quantity. The soil should be moist and neutral in acidity. It is not recommended to plant tomatoes in an area where eggplants or potatoes were previously grown.

Agricultural technology includes a number of measures, including irrigation with settled water, the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers, weeding and loosening of the soil, garters of bushes, as well as protection from insects and fungi. In addition, moisture and drafts need to be controlled if tomatoes are grown in greenhouses.

The plant's immunity is not very high, so the tomato is susceptible to some tomato diseases. The variety has medium resistance to late blight, so you should not forget about preventive treatments. Most often, the plant suffers from anthracnose and powdery mildew. Sometimes tomatoes are attacked by such harmful insects as the Colorado potato beetle, spider mites, bear and melon aphid. Spraying with insecticides will become protection from pests.

The plant's resistance to stress is sufficient to grow and bear fruit even with sharp temperature fluctuations. Tomatoes are not afraid of short-term drought, heat and light shade. The culture does not like only excessive moisture, which can lead to the appearance of fungi, and gusty winds.

The tomato is able to grow and give high yields in almost any climatic conditions. Siberia is considered an exception. In the central and southern lane, the plant grows in the beds, and in other regions - under film shelters.

The shuttle tomato is one of the popular varieties of inexperienced summer residents and farmers who grow vegetables for commercial purposes. The tomato has earned the love of vegetable growers due to its unpretentious care, quick adaptation to growing conditions, excellent taste and marketability.

Along with its many advantages, the variety has some disadvantages. The most significant disadvantage of tomatoes is their weak immunity, which does not provide resistance to all nightshade diseases.