Tomatoes Research Experiences and Production Prospects

Abstract

The cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculuntum Mill) is the most important and widely grown vegetable in the world. To date, its importance is increasing in Ethiopia. It is widely accepted and commonly used in a variety of dishes as row, cooked or processed products more than any other vegetables. There is no definite time recorded regarding the introduction of cultivated tomato to Ethiopia. However, cherry type has been growing for long around big cities and in small gardens. Recently, the crop has expanded to commercial production for home use, export and processing industries. The bulk of fresh market tomatoes are produced by small-scale farmer. Processing types are mainly produced in large-scale horticultural farms. Farmers are interested in tomato production more than any other vegetables for its multiple harvests, which results in high profit per unit area. Like in many other countries, it is also becoming important in Ethiopia in a variety of dishes. The fresh produces is sliced and used as salad. It is also cooked for making local sauce (Wot). The processed products such as tomato paste, tomato juice, tomato ketchup and whole peeltomato are produced for local market and export. It is an important cash-generating crop to small-scale farmers and provides employment in the production and processing industries. It is also important source of vitamin A and C as well as minerals. Such diverse uses make the tomato an important vegetable in irrigated agriculture in the country. The tomato research program in Ethiopia was started in mid 1960s to address various production constraints. Organized research on tomato began in the National Horticultural Research Center, at Melkassa. To date, Melkassa Research Center coordinates the national vegetable research program, which subsequently has extended different research centers. Some of the improved technologies have been released to farmers. The initial research achievements especially varieties like Roma VF and Marglobe and crop protection measures have made significant contribution when establishing commercial horticultural enterprises. Recently, released tomato technologies have also been demonstrated and popularized to users in collaboration with development agents and producers. Because of its diverse economic benefits, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (EARO) has developed research strategy to address the growing local and export demands. In this strategic context, tomato is classified as a high priority crop in vegetable crops research program. This publication provides a comprehensive account of achievements made and practical experiences gained from tomato research in Ethiopia especially in the Rift Valley, which is climatically and physically favorable for the tomato industry.