Pakistan: Cherry Tomatoes Using State-of-the-Art Plant Technology

The biotechnology wing of HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, Karachi, Pakistan, working under the umbrella of ICCBS, the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, has cultivated cherry tomatoes using state-of-the-art plant technology. Seeds of cherry tomato were initially taken from Canada and germinated at the biotechnology wing. For initial adaptation the plant was grown in green houses where environmental conditions were comparatively controlled and insects free environment. After first cultivation from seeds, disease-free and healthy plants were propagated at mass scale using plant tissue culture techniques and cutting techniques. The newly propagated plants were allowed to grow for fruiting in such a system that they utilize the maximum light, humidity and nutrient sprayed. Liquid fertilisers (greener, blooming enhancer and stress supplement) developed at the ICCBS were also used. The synergetic effect of growing techniques such as plant tissue culture, cutting and auto pot system, and liquid fertilisers bestowed upon plant the several characteristic features, including fruiting round the year, longer fruit shelf life (more than 30 days), increased number of fruits, untiring successive, flowering and fruiting and full of pulp. The tomatoes could be picked when they are glossy and evenly coloured, except in the case of streaked heirloom tomatoes. A handful of plants will produce a large volume of the small tomatoes, especially once they really get going in the hot summer months. 'In cooler climates, cherry tomatoes do best in a greenhouse, especially if temperatures get below 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). The mass scale propagation using these techniques is in a successful progress and soon will be introduced for marketing as a new variety of tomato fruit with excellent features and its plants for local farmers for cultivation in mass scale.

Source: Pakistan Biotechnology Information Centre (PABIC), 18^th March 2010