Tomatoes are one of the most profitable tunnel crops in Pakistan due to their high demand and off-season premium prices. With proper planning and care, tunnel-grown tomatoes can yield double compared to open fields. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1️⃣ Seed Selection
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Use hybrid tunnel varieties such as Saher, Saahil, NP-999, Rio Grande Hybrid from reputed seed companies.
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Hybrid seeds ensure higher yield, uniform fruit size, and disease resistance.
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About 30–35 grams of seed per acre is sufficient.
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Start seedlings in plug trays/nursery for healthy transplants.
2️⃣ Fertilisers & Nutrition
Before Sowing:
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Apply 15–20 tons farmyard manure per acre.
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Mix DAP or MAP in soil during bed preparation.
After Transplanting:
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Vegetative Stage (first 25 days): Focus on nitrogen (Urea, Ammonium Sulphate) for plant growth.
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Flowering Stage: Balanced NPK – add Calcium Nitrate for flower holding.
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Fruiting Stage: Use SOP (Potash) and micronutrients for fruit color, size, and shelf life.
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Foliar sprays of Boron & Calcium improve fruit quality and reduce blossom end rot.
3️⃣ Water Stress & Irrigation
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Tomatoes are highly sensitive to overwatering and water stress.
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Always keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
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Use drip irrigation for precise water supply.
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During flowering and fruiting, keep watering regular to avoid fruit cracking.
4️⃣ Fungicides & Disease Control
Common fungal problems: Early blight, Late blight, Powdery mildew.
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Spray Mancozeb + Metalaxyl (Ridomil Gold / Alliete) for blights.
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Nativo / Headline for powdery mildew.
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Ensure ventilation in tunnels to avoid humidity build-up.
5️⃣ Insecticides & Pest Control
Major pests: Whitefly, Aphids, Thrips, Fruit borers.
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Imidacloprid / Movento for whiteflies & aphids.
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Emamectin Benzoate for fruit borer.
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Use sticky traps and keep tunnel nets tight.
✅ Final Tips for Tomatoes
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Maintain tunnel temperature 20–28°C.
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Prune side shoots and maintain 2 stems per plant for better fruiting.
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Harvest regularly for better yield.
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