Shade nets are an effective tool for cultivating tomatoes during the summer months, offering a more favorable growing environment that enhances both yield and quality. This method helps address the seasonal shortage of tomatoes and holds significant market potential due to its high profitability. Below are the key techniques involved in summer tomato cultivation using shade nets:
First, selecting the right variety is crucial. High temperatures and frequent rainfall in summer create ideal conditions for viral diseases and blossom end rot. Therefore, it's essential to choose disease-resistant varieties such as Hair Powder 802, Niagara 868, Selster, and New Lunfeng Hybrid 2.
Next, seedling preparation plays a vital role. The optimal time to sow seeds is late June, allowing for about 30 days of growth before transplanting. Seedlings should have 5–6 true leaves before being moved to the field.
Land preparation involves selecting well-drained, fertile soil in a greenhouse or open field. Apply 5,000 kg of organic manure and 60 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer per acre, then till the soil thoroughly. Create raised beds 1.2 meters wide, ensuring they are level and ready for vine support. Alternatively, install triangular or quadrangular trellises to guide plant growth.
Shade net coverage is critical for temperature control. The nets are placed directly over the structure, with the sides hanging 1.5–1.7 meters above the ground. They are covered during midday to reduce heat stress and removed in the early morning and late afternoon to allow light exposure. Proper ventilation at the base helps maintain healthy plant growth and nutrient accumulation. On sunny days, the nets are used during the day and removed at night.
Before transplanting, water the plants 3–5 days in advance and handle them carefully to avoid damaging branches, which can lead to virus infection. Plant two rows per bed, with 60 cm between large rows and 40 cm between small ones, maintaining a 30 cm spacing between plants. Water each plant immediately after planting, and again after two days. After transplanting, apply a mixture of 80% Dasheng M-45 WP (diluted 600 times), 60% Downy Mildew WP (diluted 300 times), and 20% Virus A WP (diluted 300 times) along with 20% Locust (diluted 3000 times). Spray every 10 days for up to two applications to prevent diseases like early blight, late blight, viral infections, and pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
Field management includes proper flower care. When 2–3 flowers open, spray the back of the inflorescence with 25–30 mg/kg of rhizomatis at 9–10 am, repeating every three days to prevent flower drop and promote fruit set.
For pollination, use growth hormones like 2,4-D at 10–20 mg/kg, mixed with a small amount of red pigment. Apply it to the stem of newly opened flowers using a brush between 8–9 am. Avoid spraying on leaves or stems to prevent chemical burn. Be careful with concentration—too much or repeated application may cause malformed fruits.
By following these practices, farmers can significantly improve the success rate of summer tomato production, leading to better yields and higher profits.
The sauce is smooth and full of flavor with a slightly spicy texture lingering on the tongue, making it suitable for dipping, marinating, stir-frying, tossing or as a base for sauces.
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