Ten tomato cultivars were evaluated in a high tunnel experiment from April to July 2003. Determinate cultivars like 'Mt. Spring', 'BHN 543', and 'Merced' produced over 8 lbs of marketable fruit per plant in the first 3 weeks of harvest. Indeterminate cultivars had a longer harvest period but lower weekly yields. A quality panel rated 'Mt. Spring' and 'FL 91' highest for taste and overall quality.

1. Performance of Tomato Cultivars within a High Tunnel
Lewis W. Jett
Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri-Columbia
1-87 Agriculture Building, Columbia, MO 65211
Introduction:
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Ten tomato cultivars were evaluated within a high tunnel in 2003. In late
January, seed of 10 tomato cultivars was seeded in 72-cell Protrays in the
University of Missouri Horticulture Greenhouses. All cultivars were hand-
transplanted April 5, 2003 in four research high tunnels. Standard cultural
practices for high tunnel tomato production were followed. Tomatoes were
pruned at first flowering. Harvest commenced on June 26, 2003 and continued
until July 17. Quality was assessed by a panel of Regional Horticulture
Specialists.
Results:
US NO 1 US NO 2 Total
16
Determinates Indeterminates
14
12
10
Lbs/pla nt
8
6
4
2
0
d
t
h
t
91
3
f
g
0
ra
ar
us
ee
in
54
25
es
ce
ob
t
Tr
pr
FL
er
Fr
.B
ns
10
N
C
tS
Su
M
H
B
t.
SW
B
M
M
Figure 1. Marketable yield of tomatoes harvested for 3 weeks within a high tunnel. June 26-
July 17, 2003.For early-season marketable yield, determinates are preferred. Within a 3 week
harvest period, ‘Mt. Spring’ ‘BHN 543’, and ‘Merced’ produced ≥ 8lbs of marketable fruit per plant.
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Thanks to Rupp Seeds for providing seeds for this evaluation.

2. Indeterminate tomatoes produce relatively less fruit per week but have an
extended harvest window compared with determinate tomatoes.
Quality Evaluations:
5
4.5
4
3.5
Rating
3
2.5
2
1.5 Taste
1
Overall Quality
0.5
0
Mt
FL
BH
Mt
B.
Me
SW
Tru
Co
.S
.F
b ra
Be
91
N
rc e
st
10
p ri
54
re s
ef
d
25
ng
3
h
0
Cultiv ars
Figure 2. Quality evaluation of tomatoes within a high tunnel.
Taste: 1-5 (1=Poor, 5=Excellent)
Overall Quality: 1-5 (1=Poor, 5=Excellent)