2014 ASHS Annual Conference

Increasing food prices, food safety concern and environmental impact resulted more and more consumers seeking alternatives to conventional system of food production. Organic farming offers a welcome alternative as to bring benefits to make a positive impact on the environment, health, and future yields. Tomato (Solanum esculentumL.) is a highly valued vegetable and grown for fresh market in the United States Virgin Islands. Four cultivars ca. `Mountain fresh', `Red Defender', `Security 28' and `Defiant' were grown under organic management system at the Sejah farm, Kingshill.  The experimental design was complete randomize block and three replications for each cultivar grown in the field. Two trials were conducted in fall 2012 and 2013. Seeds were procured from Harris Seeds Co., NY and planted in seedling trays containing organic compost. Crop was grown under organic management practices approved National Organic Program (NOP) and products listed by Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). Transplants were raised in the greenhouse and transplanted in the field 3 weeks after germination. Field was disk harrowed and roto-tilled. Plots were consisted of three rows spaced 4’ apart, with 12 plants per row spaced and 2’ between the plants within a row. Plants were tied and supported with T-posts (6’). The experimental design was a randomized complete blocks, with 3 replications. Plants were drip irrigated 2-3 times in a week as necessary. Data collected from plants #2-11 from center row on maturity, plant height, fruits weight, marketable fruits (US#1), and yield. Fields were scouted and monitored for insect pests and diseases by staff and Extension entomologists periodically. Weeds were controlled manually or mechanically. N, P and K fertilizers obtained from Planet Natural Inc., Bozeman, MT and applied weekly basis. Data on plant height, fruit weight and marketable yield collected from eight harvests during the growing seasons. `Mountain Fresh' produced the highest marketable yield (5.03lb/plant, US#1 fruit) and `Security 28’ produced lowest (3.96lb/plant) marketable (US#1) fruits. `Defiant' produced highest number of total fruits (675) harvested, however, fruit size was smaller (Mountain fresh’ produced biggest fruit (5.03oz). Plant height was not significantly different in all four cultivars tested. All four varieties did set fruits under organic management system and were rated good or excellent in taste and flavor.