- Authors: Nastenko N.V., Kachainik V.G., Kandoba A.V. (Agrofirma Aelita LLC)
- Year of approval: 2008
- Category: grade
- Growth type: determinant
- Appointment: fresh consumption, for whole fruit preservation
- Ripening period: early
- Ripening time, days: 78-80
- Growing conditions: for open ground, for film greenhouses
- Bush size: undersized
- Bush height, cm: 50-60
The Raisin tomato has been used for quite a long time; gardeners have experience in growing it. An extremely important role in this is played by familiarity with all the subtleties of use. It is also necessary to take into account protection from harmful factors, including from insect pests.
Breeding history
The plant was developed in the 2000s. It was officially registered in 2008. The development was carried out at the breeding facilities of the agrofirm "Aelita". The project was coordinated by breeders Nastenko, Kachainik and Kandoba.
Description of the variety
Zest refers to determinate tomatoes. The plant is recommended for cultivation both in open gardens and in film greenhouses. The bushes of such a plant are not high, they rise to a maximum of 0.5-0.6 m. They will be covered with moderately large dark green foliage. Otherwise, the tomato itself does not show any special external nuances.
The main qualities of the fruit
When these fruits are just formed from the ovaries, they are plain green in color. When ripening, the berries will turn pink. Their usual weight is 0.04-0.06 kg. Zest tomatoes are shaped like a stereotypical heart. The berries will be laid on intermediate inflorescences, and their stalks usually have articulations.
Taste characteristics
The fruits of the Zest tomatoes are good fresh. They are also suitable for whole-fruit canning. The taste is harmonious.
Ripening and fruiting
It is an attractive early tomato variety. Between the emergence of seedlings and the formation of pickable berries, an average of 78-80 days pass. Only occasionally is this rule violated due to difficulties with the weather. It is possible to harvest in July and August.
Yield
This variety is praised for its decent productivity. The usual collection is 8.3 kg per 1 sq. m. It is worth recalling that it is not achieved automatically, but with the use of competent and verified agricultural technology.
The timing of planting seedlings and planting in the ground
Sowing seeds in seedling containers is advised between March 20 and 30. Doing it earlier or later is not very smart. If cultivation under film is planned, then the required readiness is usually achieved in mid-May. Transfer to open ground is carried out at the beginning of June. The actual readiness of the plants and the expected weather also play an important role.
Growing tomato seedlings is an extremely important process, because it largely depends on whether the gardener will be able to harvest at all. All aspects must be taken into account, from seedbed preparation to planting in the ground.
Landing scheme
The hardened seedlings are planted in the ground in due time according to the 500x400 mm system. It makes no sense to look for other options, since they are definitely worse than the one recommended by the supplier.
Growing and care
Seeds of tomatoes of this variety need to be disinfected. The use of potassium permanganate helps to solve a similar problem. After processing, the seeds are traditionally washed with plenty of water. The seedling containers are watered with warm water to stimulate growth. In some cases, stimulating drugs are used.
Hardening is carried out 2 weeks before the transplant. They buy or prepare soil for seedlings on their own. In the second case, it must be disinfected. Top dressing takes place every decade. The earth is loosened with the same frequency.
You need to remove stepchildren and lower leaves that create a problem for the bush 1 time in 10 days. Zest cannot do without tying. It is important to use tapes that will not rot. The soil for greenhouse planting is chosen or prepared no less carefully than for seedlings. There are no more special subtleties here.
A plant needs different micronutrients at each stage of growth. All fertilizers can be divided into two groups: mineral and organic. Folk remedies are often used: iodine, yeast, bird droppings, eggshells.
It is important to observe the rate and period of feeding. This also applies to folk remedies and organic fertilizers.
Disease and pest resistance
The tobacco mosaic virus does not cause any discernible harm to Zest. Fusarium wilting is also practically not scary for this variety. No specific pests have been described. Control measures for infections and harmful insects will be the same as for other varieties of tomatoes. Of course, exceeding the concentration of chemicals is not allowed.
Growing regions
Zest represents nothing unusual in this regard. Like many other types of tomatoes, it is allowed to grow:
- in Moscow and the surrounding area;
- in St. Petersburg and the surrounding area;
- on the Volga;
- in the Urals;
- in the Black Earth Region;
- in the Caucasus;
- in Siberia and the Far East.
Review overview
Farmers appreciate the taste of Zest tomatoes. Even when harvesting in the technical ripeness phase, it ripens well separately from the bush. But it is worth noting that sometimes difficulties are found with the purchase of planting material.It should also be noted that there are not too many reviews yet.
