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TOMATO VARIETIES GROWN BY MISSOURI PRODUCE AUCTION GROWERS IN 2014

Extension Education

James Quinn
FIELD SPECIALIST IN HORTICULTURE
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
JEFFERSON CITY

Abstract

For most Missouri produce auction growers, tomatoes are their top cash crop. An important question relating to tomatoes is the variety to grow in different cultural situations (greenhouse, high tunnel, or field). Growers discuss this amongst themselves, review new releases, tender their customers’ opinions, and review recommendations from reputable sources. To aide these growers, who are primarily Amish and Mennonite and market through wholesale distribution facilities, a comprehensive survey was mailed in December 2013. Growers sent the survey are those who receive a free quarterly newsletter (Extension’s IPM Bulletin) which has been published since 2010; 370 growers were on the mailing list in 2013. The survey contained sixteen questions; the response rate was 36%.  Ninety-nine respondents grew tomatoes with 75 in the field, 54 in greenhouses, and 37 in high tunnels. Scarlet Red, Florida 91 and Rocky Top were the top three field varieties. Bigdena, Rocky Top and Goliath were the top three greenhouse varieties. Growers were asked to pick between three factors for their variety decision- marketability, productivity or hardiness. Marketability was most selected for both field and greenhouses. The top three heirlooms were Hillbilly, Brandywine and Cherokee Purple. Growers were also asked which new varieties they were most excited about; they were Red Bounty, Beorange, and Red Deuce. A sixteen page report was developed and inserted into their February quarterly newsletter. A one question evaluation with five response options was also included, on a postage pre-paid postcard. Complete survey results and the evaluation summary will be provided.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: J.T. Quinn, T.B. Baker, P.L. Byers, P.D. Miller, J.C. Pinero, D.H. Trinklein
  1. Quinn, J. HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, Missouri, 65101
  2. Baker, T. HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, Missouri, 64640
  3. Byers, P. HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, Missouri, 65807
  4. Miller, P. AGRONOMY SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, Missouri, 64772
  5. Pinero, J. Assistant Professor/State IPM Specialist, Lincoln Universtiy, Missouri, 65101
  6. Trinklein, D. Associate Professor of Horticulture, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, Missouri, 65211