Tomato Variety Trial – Scotland County

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Pests and diseases can make growing a bountiful tomato crop challenging in North Carolina. To help identify tomato varieties that are less problem-prone, NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers are trialing three new disease-resistant varieties developed by NC State plant breeders.

The tomato varieties under evaluation were bred and selected by NC State Fresh Market Tomato Breeding Program team members Dilip Panthee, Reza Shekasteband, and Randy Gardener. They are:

  • ‘Mountain Regina’ – A variety with an indeterminate growth habit that bears large, red fruit.
  • ‘Mountain Girl’ – Another indeterminate, yet compact, variety that produces large fruit.
  • ‘23 x 1030’ – An experimental, Brandywine-heirloom hybrid variety bred for better fruit set and less vigorous, compact, determinate growth.

Also included in the trial is ‘Cherokee Purple,’ an heirloom variety with indeterminate growth and large, purple fruit. As with many heirloom varieties, ‘Cherokee Purple’ has little disease resistance and is grown mainly for its superior flavor. The performance and taste of the new disease-resistant varieties will be compared to this long-time favorite.

The trial, which evaluates varieties based on yield, harvest window, pest and disease tolerance, taste, and appearance, was designed by Matt Jones, N.C. Cooperative Extension horticulture agent in Chatham County, and Inga Meadows, NC State Extension Specialist for vegetable and herbaceous ornamental plant pathology. The ultimate goal is to determine which varieties are the tastiest, most productive, and best suited for growing in home and community gardens.

A group of gardeners pose with their work. A woman inspects a plant in a tomato cage.

Colorful sheets of paper denote a Tomato Variety Trial. Tomato Variety Trial sign.

A pilot to evaluate the trial protocols and procedures was held last summer with help from Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Chatham and Brunswick County.

Thanks to funding provided by NC State Extension administration through the Horticulture Working Groups, the trial has expanded this year to engage Master Gardener volunteers in these eight counties with trial plots planted in the following locations:

Following the 2024 growing season, Extension experts will analyze the data and determine which varieties were considered the tastiest and best performers. Stay tuned for recommendations!

Extension Master Gardener volunteers work with Extension professionals across North Carolina to grow knowledge and promote sustainable gardening practices by

  • participating in citizen science and research projects,
  • providing research-based information,
  • and offering educational programming and community outreach.

Other projects they have participated in include a basil variety trial and a research project that investigated plant maintenance practices to improve pollinator habitat in residential landscapes.

Learn more about how you can support or be part of the NC State Extension Master Gardener program!