Introduction

For greenhouse growers and hobbyists alike, hydroponics has become recognised as a way of producing tomatoes with flavour. Hydroponic Tomato Production looks comprehensively at the range of soilless techniques available and how to manage them successfully. Jack Ross compares different media, nutrient levels and irrigation regimes and includes the results of numerous experimental research trials into tomato cultivation. Chapters on the physiology of tomatoes, nutrient and pH requirements, growth factors, pests & diseases, harvesting and packaging also feature. The book includes a listing of 20 of the best tomato varieties for hydroponic production in containers, and how to grow them successfully.

Contents

	What have they done to the tomato?
	Origin of the tomato
	What went wrong?
	In quest of a better tomato
	Sensory evaluation

Chapter 2: The Nutritious Tomato

	Composition
	Concern with nutrition.
	Protein
	Minerals
	Vitamins
	Fibre
	Salt
	Acidity
	Sugars

Chapter 3: Soilless Gardening

	How it began
	Advantages and disadvantages
	Types of systems
	Automatic feed systems
	Supply tanks
	The hydroponic process
	Nutrient solution reticulation
	Growing tomatoes in space

Chapter 4: Nutrients

	Essential elements
	Deficiency and toxicity
	The nutrient solution
	Nutrient uptake
	Selecting a mixture
	Application of nutrient solutions
	pH and conductivity
	Water
	Reclaimed wastewater

Chapter 5: Media and Containers

	Growing media
	Buffering. Housekeeping
	Sterilization
	Types of containers
	Vertical columns

Chapter 6: Growth Factors

	Growth and development
	Photosynthesis and light. Respiration
	The leaf
	The stem
	The root system
	Aeration
	Aerated feed systems
	Meeting the oxygen demand
	Heat and temperature
	Seeds and seedlings. Pruning and supporting
	Greenhouse cultivation

Chapter 7: The Fruit

	Flowers and fruit
	Fruit quality
	Fruit splitting
	Storage
	Grading
	Packaging

Chapter 8: Varieties and Types

	Shapes and sizes
	Colour and taste
	Seasonal cropping
	Type selection
	Maturity periods
	Resistance to disease
	Preserving heirlooms
	Hybrids and standards
	Grafted tomatoes
	Popular varieties
	Desirable characteristics
	Yield characteristics in containers

Chapter 9: Pests and Diseases

	Soilless culture not immune
	Management
	Seeds and seedlings
	Pests
	Diseases

Chapter 10: Tomatoes for Commercial Processing

	Production
	Agronomy extension service
	Desirable properties
	Processing

Appendix

Tomato Varieties for Hydroponics