In hot, dry seasons and in warm, humid rainy seasons, tomato yields are lost to poor fruit set, leaf curl virus and cracked fruit. Choosing a hybrid bred for these conditions matters more than any input. Here is how Farmson's tomato hybrids compare for growers in Africa and the Middle East.
What to look for in a hot-climate tomato
- Heat set: the plant keeps setting fruit when days are hot.
- Virus tolerance: tolerance to tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) or leaf curl virus, spread by whitefly in warm regions.
- Foliage cover: enough leaf to shade fruit from sun scald.
- Firmness: fruit that survives long, hot transport to market.
Farmson tomato hybrids for warm regions
| Variety | Plant type | Fruit | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| FB-Jambo F1 | Determinate, vigorous | Flat round, deep red, 120–140 g | Suits heat and cold; tolerance to TYLCV, Fusarium, Verticillium and powdery mildew; foliage protects from sun scald; first harvest 50–55 days after transplanting |
| FB-Rashika F1 | Semi-indeterminate, 5–6 ft on support | Square, deep red, 90–110 g | Good fruit set in summer with good heat set; TYLCV tolerance; firm for long-distance transport |
| FB-King F1 | Semi-determinate, very vigorous | Blocky saladette, glossy red, 100–120 g | Excellent firmness for transport; good fruit covering; first harvest 60–65 days after transplanting |
| FB-Rashraj F1 | Semi-determinate | Firm, good shelf life | Bred for warm and rainy conditions and low light; high resistance to fruit cracking |
Which one for your market?
- Hot, dry summer crop: FB-Rashika F1 or FB-Jambo F1 for fruit set in heat.
- Whitefly and leaf curl pressure: FB-Jambo F1 or FB-Rashika F1 with TYLCV tolerance.
- Warm rainy season: FB-Rashraj F1 for crack resistance.
- Long transport to city markets: FB-King F1 for firmness.
Varieties perform differently by region and season, so trial a new variety on a small area first. Tell us where and when you sow and we will recommend the right hybrid. See the hybrid tomato seeds page or your country page.