Seed rate
Recommended seed rate for tomato is 400g/ha. Prior to sowing, treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride (4 g/kg of seed) or Thiram (2g/kg of seed) to avoid damage from damping off disease.
Raising seedlings
Tomato is a transplanted vegetable. Seeds are sown in the nursery and one month old seedlings are transplanted to the main field. For sowing the seeds, raised seedbeds of 90 to 100 cm width and of convenient length are prepared to which well decomposed organic matter has been incorporated. After sowing the seeds, mulch with green leaves and irrigate with a rose can daily in the morning. To avoid mortality of seedlings due to damping off, drench the seedbed first with water and then with Bavistin (15-20 g/10 litres of water). Remove the mulch immediately after germination of the seeds. Restrict irrigation one week before transplanting and irrigate profusely on the previous day of transplanting. Protray seedlings can also be used.
Land preparation and transplanting
Transplant the seedlings during October-November for an irrigated crop. Prepare the land to a fine tilth and incorporate well rotten organic manure. Give a pre-sowing irrigation 3-4 days prior to transplanting. Seedlings with 5-6 true leaves can be used for planting. Before planting, dip the seedlings in a solution prepared by Rogor (1.5ml/litre) and Dithane M - 45 (2.5g/litre) for 5-6 minutes. The seedlings are transplanted in shallow trenches or pits. Transplanting should preferably be done in the evening and the seedlings may be given temporary shade for three to four days during hot days.
Spacing
Transplant the seedlings at 60 cm x 60 cm.