Growth and Productivity of Hybrid Tomato Varieties in Single-layer or Double-layer Polyplastic High Tunnels

High tunnels have become an important way to extend the season for vegetable crops in the last 10 years. While a high tunnel is similar to a greenhouse in structure, it provides a different growing environment compared to a typical greenhouse, since high tunnels usually do not have additional heating and cooling devices. This unique feature has made selection of vegetable varieties, for example tomatoes, a difficulty. In most cases, greenhouse or field type varieties have been grown in high tunnels because most seed companies were behind in terms of breeding for high tunnel varieties. Fortunately, seed companies have started to release high tunnel varieties/species. The objective of this study was to test newly released tomato varieties for high tunnel production with either a single-layer or double-layer polyplastic. In Spring 2011, 10 determinate and 10 indeterminate tomato hybrid varieties were selected. Transplants were raised in a greenhouse in March and planted in two 30’ x 96’ Zimmerman brand high tunnels (with ridge-vents) covered with either a single-layer or double-layer 6mm polyplastic film. For the determinate type, Defiant PHR, Polbig, Scarlet Red and Charger yielded higher than others; BHN-961 yielded the least. For the indeterminate type, New Girl, Goliath, and Mountain Magic yielded the most. The layers of plastic had little effect on yields, probably due to the extremely hot weather last summer. In conclusion, Charger, Defiant PHR, Polbig, and Scarlet Red were recommended determinate type varieties; Mountain Magic, Massada, New Girl, and Goliath showed great promise in the indeterminate group.