ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMICALLY VALUABLE FEATURES OF THE LARGE-FRUIT TOMATO GROUP (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) IN THE CONDITIONS OF PROTECTED SOIL OF KIROV REGION

Annotation
In the conditions of a short growing season and low insolation in Kirov region (nonchernozem zone of the Russian Federation), tomato cultivation in protected soil requires the selection
of genotypes that combine early ripeness, yield and high fruit quality. In 2024, the comparative
assessment of four promising indeterminate heterotic F1 hybrids of the large-fruit group (VS 44-23 F1,
GN 54/19 F1, GN 6/21 F1, GN 45/20 F1) was carried out. These hybrids were grown in unheated
polycarbonate greenhouses. The hybrid F1 Coral Reef acted as a control one. It was found out that
the hybrid GN 54/19 F1 (group 1 of the early ripeness, 94 days) significantly exceeds the control one
in total yield (10.9 kg/m2
), has large fruits (156 g) and demonstrates high quality according
to organoleptic evaluation (4.7 points). This sample is the most adapted to local conditions.
The VS 44-23 F1 hybrid is distinguished by its maximum fruit weight (183 g) and sugar content
(4.5 Brix %). However, it shows the 35 % decrease in the yield. Its cultivation is advisable for
the premium segment with additional technology intensification. The results allow us to recommend
GN 54/19 F1 for widespread introduction into industrial greenhouse production in the region.
Keywords: tomato, F1 hybrids, protected soil, early ripeness, yield, sugar content, Kirov
region, non-chernozem zone