Wet Season Tomato Varieties for St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Abstract

Fifty tomato varieties from varying sources were tested on a Fredensborg clay from September 1978 to March 1979 for yield and pest problems during the rainy season in St. Croix. Plants were grown on banks but were not staked or pruned. Varieties from the University of Hawaii were the earliest to flower and fruit. Stakeless, Royal Ace, Cal Ace VF, and Sunray were the latest maturing varieties in this trial. Fruits were harvested in the ripe and turning stage, culled and weighed in the fields. There were a total of 12 harvests starting January 16 and terminating March 2, 1979. The varieties N-5, N-69, BWN-21, N-52 (from Univ. of Hawaii) and Prime Beefsteak, Red Glow, Betterboy H, Big Set H, Chico III, Manapal and Homestead were among the best. These all yielded well over an estimated 25,000 lb/acre with N-5 just over 36,000 lb/acre of marketable fruits. Traditional types such as Indian River, Floradel, Marglobe, and Tropic were in the 15 to 20,000 lb/acre range. Major problems were infestation with the tomato fruit worm and ground rot of fruits. Future trials should include a better insect control program and some type of mulching.