Late blight-resistant tomato varieties

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Tomatoes are the crop most often grown by gardeners and, perhaps, the most whimsical. Tomatoes often suffer from fungal diseases that can destroy the entire crop. One of these ailments is late blight. It is almost impossible to get rid of it, therefore it is recommended to select varieties of tomatoes that are resistant to late blight.

Late blight-resistant tomato varieties

The reasons for the development of the disease

Tomato varieties resistant to late blight are improved every year. Previously, they were represented only by early maturing varieties, because the outbreak of the disease is observed in the second half of the summer. During this period, abundant precipitation begins, frequent temperature drops. All this makes a favorable environment for the development of spores of the phytophthora fungus. The fungus does not tolerate sunlight, but in a shady area with high humidity it feels at ease and begins to develop rapidly. The biggest problem is that the fungus can persist in the soil throughout the winter, it tolerates frost persistently and begins to develop when the time is right.

Spores can remain not only in the soil, but also on seeds and unharvested plants. If it is possible to disinfect the seeds and remove the remnants of greenery, then it is impossible to get spores from the deep layers of the soil, so people began to select low-growing varieties of early or medium ripeness for planting that are not afraid of phytophthora. But here, too, there is one snag: if early ripening varieties are planted in order to get a harvest, and then sell it and sow new tomatoes, then the risk of phytophthora spreading to the second sowing will be quite high.

Care

Selection does not stand still, and on the market today you can find many varieties that are practically not susceptible to fungal diseases. Nevertheless, it is worth choosing varieties depending on the climatic conditions of your region and following the elementary rules of care.

For example, in the cool, important climate of the Moscow region, southern heat-loving plants should not be grown. If tomatoes are grown for sale, then in the climatic conditions of the Moscow region it is recommended to plant a vegetable in greenhouses: this way it is easier for a gardener to provide the necessary conditions, to reduce the humidity in the greenhouse without any problems.

Are there late blight-resistant tomatoes?

Many gardeners ask the question whether there are any varieties of tomatoes that are not afraid of phytophthora. The truth is that only purple varieties are such. They are more resistant to viral diseases, while the best Dutch tomato hybrids are susceptible to this disease.

When a phytophthora fungus is infected, the affected plant must be removed completely.

Today there are hybrids that still remain viable after infection and even produce a crop. They get sick for a long time, but they recover over time, however, the yield decreases significantly.In any case, it is necessary to carry out the prevention of fungal diseases, otherwise troubles cannot be avoided. In many ways, susceptibility to disease will depend on the weather in the summer. In a greenhouse, diligent care is essential.

Purple tomatoes

Tomatoes of purple varieties are resistant to late blight

Among the varieties most resistant to the described fungal disease, purple varieties occupy a special place.

1. The phytophthora-resistant variety of purple tomatoes, the Black Prince, is in great demand among gardeners. The bush grows up to 2 m in height. The fruits are distinguished by excellent taste and high weight, about 300 g. Up to 8 kg of tomatoes can be harvested from one bush.
2. Another late blight-resistant variety is Black Pear. Its fruits are pear-shaped and ripen 100-120 days after planting. It is suitable for outdoor and greenhouse cultivation.
3. The Violet Cognac variety produces raspberry-red fruits weighing about 400 g each. A mid-season, terminant variety, reaches a height of up to 1.8 m. Feels great in open ground and in greenhouses.
4. A black bunch of F1 does not become infected with late blight, even if there are already sick plants nearby. Taste characteristics are beyond praise. This variety acquires a dark color only under the sun's rays; when grown in a greenhouse with insufficient lighting, the fruits of this plant will be pink in color.

Phytophthora resistant varieties

In addition to purple, other late blight-resistant tomato varieties are observed. All of them are characterized by short stature and early ripening.

1. One of these varieties, not susceptible to fungal diseases and late blight in particular, is the Little Prince. The fruit ripening period is 80-90 days. The fruit of such a plant is considered universal, although it is compact. It is used for the preparation of all kinds of pickles, tomatoes, its weight reaches only 45 g. It can be grown in open ground and greenhouse conditions. The fruits ripen all at the same time, they are distinguished by excellent taste. Tomato varieties of early ripeness, not prone to late blight, can be tall.
2. The Akademik Sakharov variety reaches 2.5 m in height. This species is distinguished by large fruits of 0.5 kg each. The first fruits are harvested as early as 105 days after sowing the seed. Bright red tomatoes are suitable both for fresh consumption and for making sauces. Delicate flesh is sweetish, with a slight sourness. The variety is grown in the open field or in a greenhouse.
3. The next representative, resistant to late blight, is the Gnome. It is planted in open areas. Low-growing bushes are well suited for planting in humid northern regions. Due to the increased cold resistance, seedlings can be planted already in late April-early May. The height of the bushes reaches 50 cm. From each bush, 3 kg of tomatoes can be harvested within 90-100 days after planting.
4. Soyuz 8 is another variety that is resistant to fungal diseases. Can be used for growing in a greenhouse. Its main advantage is its high yield: from one bush, subject to all the rules of care, 15 to 20 kg of fruits are harvested. Another advantage is the long shelf life, which allows the product to be transported over long distances.

Which cultures to give preference

Choose domestic tomato varieties

Hybrid Dutch tomatoes are often found in home gardens. Although Dutch tomato varieties are resistant to phytophthora, they do not taste good, and therefore it makes no sense to grow them. That is why domestic varieties are the most attractive varieties resistant to late blight.

In the northern regions, undersized early maturing varieties are grown. This is due to the fact that it is easier to cover a compact bush from frost.

Greenhouses are not the best option for growing some varieties, especially since the yield is higher in open ground. Among the most popular domestic varieties that are not susceptible to fungal diseases, the following are distinguished: Alaska, Snowdrop, Polar precocious, Snow tale, Dubok, Taimyr.

Prophylaxis

Spores begin to multiply in an appropriate environment, so the variety is chosen depending on the climate of the region. You should not plant tomatoes in the place where potatoes previously grew, because it is in the potato tubers that fungal spores most often settle.

Before planting, choose which plants will grow next to the tomatoes. Better to have a salad or legumes. If the weather is wet for a long time outside, the lower leaves must be removed: it is they that become carriers of the infection.

Landing rules

For the prevention of late blight, it is recommended to put a piece of chicken droppings in each hole before planting, or to water the sprouts with horsetail decoction.

It is recommended to dress all seeds before sowing. It is undesirable to plant sprouts at a close distance from each other: this blocks the access of nutrients, and also contributes to the rapid spread of viral diseases.

Watering should be done strictly on schedule. Only the soil should be spilled, being careful not to spray the liquid onto the deciduous part of the plant. To protect against dampness and temperature extremes at the first stage of growth, it is recommended to cover the plants with polyethylene or plastic caps.

Infection actions

If, nevertheless, it was not possible to avoid infection, first remove all the leaves that have changed color. Lost plants are removed from the site and destroyed. Healthy tomatoes are treated with a solution of copper sulfate or copper oxide.

Some tomato hybrids tolerate late blight with proper care. To avoid the spread of the disease in the future, preference should be given to early maturing varieties or varieties of purple tomatoes. Purple varieties are recognized as the most resistant to fungal diseases, but this does not negate the need to take preventive measures.