Growing Conditions
Warm-season crop; best fruit set at day temps of ~21–29°C (70–85°F). Set drops above ~35°C or below ~13°C night temperatures.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension — Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida · RDA Nongsaro (Rural Development Administration, Korea) · reviewed 2026-08
Irrigation
Wants deep, even watering; sudden swings in soil moisture trigger blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. Aim for consistent moisture through drip, especially at fruit fill.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension — Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida · RDA Nongsaro (Rural Development Administration, Korea) · reviewed 2026-08
Water Quality
Moderately sensitive to salinity (threshold ~2.5 dS/m). Some salinity can raise Brix but cuts size and yield; balance carefully. Consistent water + adequate calcium reduces blossom-end rot.
Sources: USDA-ARS Salinity Lab · FAO Irrigation & Drainage Paper 29 (Ayers & Westcot) · UF/IFAS Extension — Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida · reviewed 2026-08
Soil
Deep, well-drained loam with pH 6.0–6.8. Good structure supports the extensive root system.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension — Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida · RDA Nongsaro (Rural Development Administration, Korea) · reviewed 2026-08
Fertilization
Heavy feeder — follow a soil test and split N and K across the season. Maintain calcium and steady moisture together to prevent blossom-end rot.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension — Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida · RDA Nongsaro (Rural Development Administration, Korea) · reviewed 2026-08
Pest & Disease
Key pests: whiteflies, hornworms, thrips. Key diseases: early and late blight, bacterial spot, Fusarium/Verticillium wilt, and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Use resistant varieties and rotation.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension — Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida · RDA Nongsaro (Rural Development Administration, Korea) · reviewed 2026-08
USDA & Extension Resources
Production and price data: USDA NASS and USDA AMS Market News. Regional guidance: UF/IFAS Extension and RDA Nongsaro.
Sources: USDA NASS — Quick Stats · USDA AMS — Market News · UF/IFAS Extension — Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida · RDA Nongsaro (Rural Development Administration, Korea) · reviewed 2026-08
Market Information
Live U.S. terminal-market prices appear below when connected (USDA AMS). Korea prices: aT KAMIS.
Sources: USDA AMS — Market News · aT KAMIS — Korea Agricultural Marketing Information Service · reviewed 2026-08
q.wave Perspective
Tomato quality problems like blossom-end rot and cracking are largely water-management problems. Conditioning irrigation water to stay uniform supports steadier uptake; q.wave adds nothing to the water and works with existing lines.
Field Experience
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q.wave is an independent company. This page is a general reference compiled from public agricultural sources and is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the USDA, MAFRA, or any government agency. Growing conditions vary by site — always verify with the cited sources and your local extension office before acting.