Origin
Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal, commonly known as the wild tomato, is a native plant to South America. It is believed to have originated from wild tomato plants found in the Andes Mountains of Peru and Bolivia.
Common Names
Aside from wild tomato, Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal also goes by other common names such as currant tomato, Mexican tomato, and husk tomato. In Mexico, it is locally known as tomatillo.
Uses
The fruit of Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal is an important ingredient in Mexican cuisine, particularly in the preparation of salsa verde and various Mexican sauces and stews. The fruit is also used as a decorative plant for its lantern-like husk, which envelops the small tomato-like fruit. It is also known for its medicinal properties, particularly for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
General Appearance
S. esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal is a shrub-like plant that grows up to two meters. The leaves are ovate-shaped and have toothed margins. The plant produces small, round, green or yellow fruit, which is enclosed in a papery husk that turns brown as it matures. The fruits can be about 2 to 3 cm in diameter and have a sweet, tangy taste when fully ripe.
Light requirements
Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal is a sun-loving plant and requires full sunlight exposure to grow and mature properly. The plant can withstand partial shade, but the yield may be decreased due to insufficient light. It is best to plant the tomato seedlings in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature requirements
This type of tomato plant requires warm temperatures to grow. The preferred temperature range for Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot tolerate frost and should not be planted outdoors until the temperature has stabilized above 10 degrees Celsius consistently. Extreme temperature changes can cause damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal thrives well in well-drained, fertile, and loamy soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH level between 6 and 7. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, and the soil must be well-drained to prevent root rot. The addition of organic matter can increase soil fertility and improve water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal, commonly known as the tomato plant, is a warm-season crop that is best grown in the summer months. It requires a well-draining soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant is usually grown from seeds, which are started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Once the seedlings reach 6-8 inches in height, they can be transplanted outdoors into the garden.
Watering Needs
The tomato plant requires regular watering to stay healthy and produce fruit. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, and the plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
In order to produce healthy plants with good yields, Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer should be applied at planting time, and then again every four to six weeks throughout the growing season. When using fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully and not to overapply, as this can lead to salt buildup and other problems.
Pruning
Pruning is an important part of tomato plant care, as it helps to promote healthy growth and fruit production. The plant should be pruned throughout the growing season, and the suckers should be removed from the leaf axils to encourage larger fruit and better air circulation. It is also important to remove any diseased or damaged foliage to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal
Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal, also known as the wild tomato or bitter tomato, can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods used for propagating Solanum esculentum. To propagate through seed, ripe fruits are collected and the seeds are extracted from the fruit pulp. The seeds are then thoroughly washed and air-dried for a few days to reduce moisture content. Sowing can then be done either directly in the field or in pots, trays or nursery beds. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5-1 cm and should be watered regularly.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation can be done either through leafy stem cuttings or hardwood cuttings. For leafy stem cuttings, the young shoots or stem tips of the plant are collected and cut into 10-15 cm long pieces. Leaves are then removed from the lower part of the stem, and the stem is then planted in a well-drained potting mix and watered regularly. Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature, woody stems and require additional treatment before they can be planted.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves inducing roots to form on an above-ground stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. To perform air layering on Solanum esculentum, a small section of the stem is wounded and then wrapped with damp sphagnum moss. The moss is covered with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Roots will eventually form at the wounded area, and the layered stem can then be cut and planted in a pot or in the field.
Overall, Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal can easily be propagated through various methods, just ensure that the right propagation method is chosen based on the available resources and the desired outcome.
Disease Management
The Solanum esculentum Dunal var. inerme Dunal, commonly known as tomato, can be affected by various diseases. Below are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:
Early Blight
Early blight is a fungal disease that first appears on the lower leaves as small, brown-black spots. The spots enlarge, causing the leaves to wither and yellow. The disease can also affect the stems and fruits. One way to manage early blight is to remove and destroy infected plant debris. Avoid overhead watering and ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Fungicidal sprays can also be used as a preventive measure.
Late Blight
Late blight is a more severe fungal disease that causes the leaves to have a water-soaked appearance. The disease spreads quickly, and the entire plant can be affected within a few days. To manage late blight, remove and destroy infected plant debris, avoid overhead watering, and ensure adequate spacing between plants. Fungicidal sprays can also be used, but it's recommended to use a combination of fungicides with different modes of action.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the plant's vascular system, causing the leaves to yellow and wilt. Eventually, the entire plant dies. To manage Fusarium wilt, rotate crops, avoid planting in the same location for at least three years, and use disease-free seeds or transplants.
Pest Management
Tomatoes can also be affected by various pests. Below are some of the common pests and ways to manage them:
Hornworms
Hornworms are large caterpillars that can cause severe damage to the plant by feeding on leaves and fruits. To manage hornworms, handpicking them off the plant is effective. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is also an effective biological control.
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing the leaves to distort and yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing ladybugs and lacewings also helps control aphids.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to fungal diseases. To manage whiteflies, introduce insect predators such as Encarsia formosa. Yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soaps can also be used.
