A Consistent Strategy for Tomato Growers
In the Fondi region of Italy, the cultivation of smooth round tomatoes has seen a resurgence, driven by both experience and strategic crop management. Virgilio Capuano, a partner-owner of the Capuano agricultural company, shares insights into how his farm has successfully cultivated this variety for over two decades, emphasizing the stability and quality that smooth round tomatoes offer.
A Strategic Crop Choice
The smooth round tomato, although less commonly grown in the Fondi, Sperlonga, and Monte San Biagio areas compared to other regions, remains a reliable choice for Capuano. The farm began specializing in this variety in 1996, choosing it for its practical benefits, including lower labor costs and stable market prices. Unlike other tomato varieties that may be subject to volatile price fluctuations, the smooth round tomato offers a more consistent profit margin throughout the year.
Capuano notes that the farm’s decision to focus on this variety from mid-June to mid-November has proven effective over time. The farm has seen a consistent return on investment, particularly in the past three to four years, with a stable average annual yield. This success is attributed to careful variety selection and a well-planned cultivation strategy.
The Importance of Variety Selection and Crop Management
Capuano’s farm primarily grows the Carreras F1 variety, which has been a cornerstone of their operations for the last two years. The farm plants this variety from April to June and is currently exploring its adaptability to later transplantations, with the aim of extending production through November. The Carreras F1 has been chosen for its balance, ease of management, and high commercial value.
Giuseppe Piccione, the farm’s agronomist, highlights the importance of precise fertilization and rootstock management. The Carreras F1 variety requires careful attention to the N/P/K ratio during different growth phases, with a gradual reduction in phosphorus use. This approach has helped avoid major issues, though some challenges have been observed with April transplants. These issues were effectively addressed with foliar treatments, and ongoing trials are being conducted to evaluate the variety’s performance on different, more vigorous rootstocks.
Achieving Optimal Results with Carreras F1
Despite minor challenges, the Carreras F1 variety is highly regarded for its commercial appeal, producing tomatoes with a vibrant red color, consistent quality, and desirable size. Capuano emphasizes that the first five or six clusters are particularly strong, with the potential to reach an optimal yield if managed up to seven stages. The variety’s performance at the rootstock level has been reliable, with no significant problems reported.
Overall, Capuano and other growers in the region who cultivate Carreras F1 are satisfied with the results. While each grower may employ different techniques, the outcomes consistently reflect high-quality production. This consistency and the variety’s resilience make it a preferred choice for many farmers in the Fondi area.
