Benton Jones J., Jr.Tomato plant culture: in the field, greenhouse, and home garden

Second edition. — CRC Press, 2008. — 399 p.
ISBN13: 978-0-8493-7395-4.
ISBN10: 0-8493-7395-6.While tomatoes continue to be one of the most widely grown plants, the production and distribution of tomato fruits have been changing worldwide. Smaller, flavorful tomatoes are becoming more popular than beefsteak tomatoes, greenhouse-grown tomatoes have entered the marketplace, and home gardeners are using the Internet to obtain information for growing tomatoes. Encompassing these changes, "Tomato Plant Culture: In the Field, Greenhouse, and Home Garden, Second Edition" clearly presents the characteristics, nutritional information, environmental requirements, and production aspects of tomato plants and fruits.
Authored by one of the foremost experts in hydroponics, the book outlines the history of the tomato plant and fruit and delves into the author's personal experiences with tomato plant cultivation. It discusses the characteristics and composition of the plant as well as seedling and seed production. The author elucidates the physical features of the fruit and the mineral nutrition of the plant. He also examines the physical and chemical characteristics of soils most desirable for plant growth, makes fertilizer recommendations, and explores the factors involved in greenhouse tomato production. In addition, the book looks at ways to identify and control plant diseases and insect pests.
With scientific data, trivia, and troubleshooting advice, this technical yet accessible book enables scientists, commercial growers, and home gardeners to cultivate a successful crop of tomatoes.Historical Background.
Tomato Trivia.
Plant Characteristics.
Scientific Classification.
Common Names.
Tomato Products.
Tomato Yield Records.
Production Statistics.
Consumer Consumption and Preferences.
Tomato Production in the United States.
Greenhouse Tomato Production.
Field- versus Greenhouse-Grown Fruit.
Home Gardening.
Personal General Observations.
The Internet.
Personal Experiences.
Plant Characteristics and Physiology.Plant Forms.
Days to Maturity.
Photosynthetic Characteristics.
Light Energy Level.
Light Quality.
Daylight Length.
Carbon Dioxide Enrichment.
Water Requirement.
Plant Air Temperature Requirements.
Root Temperature Effects.
Consistency.
Flower Characteristics.
Flower Pollination.
Fruit Characteristics.
Cultural Systems.
Field Production.
Greenhouse Production.
Seed and Seedling Production.Seed Characteristics.
Elemental Composition.
Germination Testing Procedures.
Germination Time and Temperature.
Young Vegetative Plants.
Seedling Production.
Transplant Characteristics.
Setting in the Soil.
Grafting.
Seed Production.
Saving Seed from Mature Tomato Fruit.
Procedure for Saving Seed from a Ripe Tomato Fruit.
Catalog Descriptions.
Days to Maturity.
Seed Treatments.
Disease Resistance Codes.
Seed Sources.
Heirloom Varieties.
Fruit Characteristics.Physical Characteristics.
Size.
Shape.
Firmness.
Color Classification.
Fruit Ripening.
Fruit Grades.
Defects.
Consumer Quality Factors.
Flavor.
pH.
Storage.
Packaging.
Nutritional Content.
Sun-Dried Fruit.
Organically Grown and Pesticide Free.
Useful Units.
Tomato Plant Nutrition.Nomenclature.
The Essential Elements.
The Structural Elements.
The Mineral Elements.
Micronutrients.
Nutrient Element Uptake Patterns with Time.
The Beneficial Elements.
Humic Acid.
Plant Nutrient Element Management.
Plant Analysis.
Essential Element Levels in the Tomato Plant.
Concentration Units.
Tissue Testing.
Tissue Testing Kits.
Interpretation of Plant Analysis and Tissue Test Results.
Visual Symptoms of Deficiency and Excess.
Soil Testing.
Soilless Rooting Medium Assay.
Soil Testing Laboratories.
Sensitivity to Salinity.
Field Production in Soil.Soil Physical Characteristics.
Subsoil Characteristics.
Soil Fertility Requirements.
Soil pH.
Soil Salinity.
Soil Preparation and Rotation.
Irrigation Water Quality.
Fertilizer Recommendations.
Nutrient Content and Removal.
Plant Population and Spacing.
Fruit Yield.
Home Garden Production Procedures.
Home Garden Soil Properties.
Plant Cultural Management.
Organically Grown.
Growing Tomatoes in Containers.
Greenhouse Tomato Production.Past Status.
Current and Future Growth.
Factors Affecting Greenhouse Production.
The Tomato Greenhouse.
Water Quality.
Cropping Sequences and Climate.
Culture Systems.
Plant Spacing.
Fruit Yield and Cost of Production.
Organic Soilless Media Bag Culture.
Hydroponic Growing.
Hydroponic Growing Systems.
Other Hydroponic Growing Systems.
The Nutrient Solution.
Organic Hydroponics.
Greenhouse Cultivars/Varieties.
Rootstocks.
Crop/Growing System Monitoring.
Personal Observations.
Pest Identification and Control.Resistant Cultivars.
Plant Diseases.
Seedborne Diseases.
Soilborne Diseases.
Insects.
Nematodes.
How to Control Pests.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Prophylactic Procedures.
Nutrient Solution Disease Control.
Weed Control.
Professional Assistance.
Worker Protection for Greenhouse Employees.
Changing Label Recommendations and Restrictions.
Greenhouse Decontamination and Cleaning.
Home Gardener Pest Control.Appendix II: Glossary.Appendix IV: Summary of Tomato Plant Physiological and Plant Production Characteristics and Statistics.
Appendix V: Characteristics of the Six Major Essential Elements and the Seven Micronutrients Related to Tomato Plant/Fruit Production.
Appendix VI: Conversion Factors.