- Authors: Guseva L. I., Nikulaesh M. D., Kachainik V. G. (Agrofirma Aelita LLC, Pridnestrovian Research Institute of Agriculture)
- Year of approval: 2000
- Category: grade
- Growth type: determinant
- Appointment: fresh consumption, for whole-fruit preservation, for juice, for ketchup and tomato paste
- Ripening period: mid-early
- Ripening time, days: 100-122
- Growing conditions: for open ground
- Bush height, cm: 45-50
- Bush characteristic: sprawling
Tomato is one of the most sought-after vegetables, grown in almost every garden by gardeners and farmers. Of the many bred varieties offered for planting, the mid-season tomato Lel, which grows well in the open field, is worthy of attention.
Breeding history
The mid-early tomato variety Lel was created by a group of breeders representing the Aelita agrofirm (Kachainik, Nikulaesh, Guseva) more than 20 years ago. In 2000, the nightshade culture joined the ranks of the State Register of the Russian Federation and was allowed for use. Tomatoes are zoned in the Central and Central Black Earth regions.
Description of the variety
The Lel tomato bush is a determinant low-growing plant, stretching up to 45-50 cm in height. The bush has a strong thickening with small, green foliage, increased spreading of branches, a strong central stem, a developed root system and simple inflorescences. The first flower cluster is formed above 6-7 leaves, where 7-9 berries are tied.
During cultivation, it is recommended to tie up the bush, despite its short stature, since under the weight of a large number of fruits, the branches bent and break off. The plant does not need pinching, which somewhat facilitates agricultural technology.
The main qualities of the fruit
Lel tomatoes attract with their appearance and presentation. The berries are characterized by an average weight of 44-60 grams, as well as a cylindrical (plum-like) shape. The surface of the berries is perfectly smooth and even, without the slightest ribbing. At the stage of full ripeness, the tomato is colored deep red, and in the unripe form it has a light green color.
The skin of the berry is dense, smooth and shiny. Due to the strength of the peel, tomatoes do not crack, they are well transported and stored for a long time (up to 30 days) if certain conditions are met. Tomatoes have a universal purpose, therefore, they are incredibly tasty both fresh, and salted, and canned. The most delicious whole-fruit canned tomatoes.
Taste characteristics
The taste of tomatoes is excellent. The flesh of the berries is fleshy, dense, moderately juicy, practically without seeds. On the palate, sweetness dominates sourness. The sugar content in the pulp is present, but insignificantly. The fruit has a classic aroma - with spicy notes, which is present in all properly grown tomatoes.
Ripening and fruiting
Lel tomatoes belong to the class of medium early crops. It takes about 4 months (100-122 days) from the moment of full sprouting to ripening of berries on the bushes. Fruit ripening is amicable. Therefore, they can be removed in clusters. The most active period of tomato ripening is in July-August.
Yield
Observance of all recommendations of agricultural technology will help to get a good harvest. On average, about 2 kg of ripe berries are harvested from 1 m2 per season. Tomatoes grow in the same shape and size.
The timing of planting seedlings and planting in the ground
Sowing of seed for seedlings is carried out in March-April (55-60 days before transplanting to the garden). Before sowing, the seeds are sorted and disinfected. Sowing is carried out in purchased soil. It is not recommended to deepen the seeds by more than 0.5 cm.
When growing bushes, you must observe the light and thermal conditions. At the stage of the appearance of several real leaves on a bush, seedlings can be dived (placement in separate pots). Before transferring to the ground, the bushes should be hardened, exposing the seedlings to fresh air daily.
A transfer to a garden bed is carried out in the second half of May, when the air and soil are well warmed up, and the nighttime drops in temperature are behind.
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
When growing tomatoes, you should take into account the density of placement and the planting pattern of bushes. Due to its compactness, 4-5 bushes can be planted per 1 m2. The recommended scheme for landing is 50x40 cm.
Growing and care
The nightshade culture Lel is not capricious in its care, but it is demanding on the soil in which it grows, so the site must be prepared in advance - cleaning from debris, loosening, increasing air permeability, moisture.
The best place to grow will be the soil where the cucumbers grew. After planting, the seedlings need comprehensive care: watering, fertilizing, loosening and mulching the soil, tying bushes during the ripening period of tomatoes, ventilation (if the tomato grows in a greenhouse), as well as protection from insects and viruses.
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 variety is resistant to a number of diseases, including the tobacco mosaic virus, fusarium wilt and alternaria. In addition, the culture is not susceptible to late blight, since it manages to give up most of the harvest before the season of the onset of the disease.
Resistant to adverse weather conditions
Tomatoes are stress-resistant, therefore they are not afraid of sudden temperature fluctuations, prolonged heat and drought, and also do not react at all to a lack of light / sun. The only enemies of the plant are drafts and wind.
Growing regions
Rapid adaptation and endurance of the crop allows its cultivation in any climatic zone. In regions with risky farming, the variety is grown in heated greenhouses, and in the rest - in open ground.