Tomatoes Solanum lycopersicum L

Tomatoes originated in the Andes mountains of South America and is most prominently found in countries such as Peru and Ecuador. But is largely produced in China, United States, and India.

Life History

Tomatoes are notorious for their bright red color and their sweet yet tangy taste often enjoyed by many people today. Tomatoes are loaded with potassium, vitamin B, and vitamin D. The name tomatoes derives from the Latin name Lycopersicon Esculentum given to the by French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort which quite literally translates to Wolf peach. Tomatoes were often used as decorations in homes back in the 18th century since they were often confused with the other member of the Solance family called Nightshade which was in fact poisonous.

Tomato life cycle

Tomato Life cycle

Tomatoes are angiosperm plants since they produce flowers and fruit. The flowers and fruit created can produce seeds that will germinate into seedlings.

During the developing stage the seedling will produce true leaves and establish a tap root system

In the maturity stage sexual reproduction occurs flowers develop and pollinators pollinate the male and female flowers.

Once the flower is pollinated fruit starts to develop and form until they are ready to be harvested.

Pollinators

Bumblebees, wind, and native bees are a essential part of tomato reproduction. This is achieved by the bee or the wind rubbing up against the stamen and loosening pollen from the flower that is then moved to the next flower.

Bumblebees use buzz pollination to pollinate flowers

Wind pollination

Native bees

Threats

White flies affect tomatoes plants by sucking sap out the plants which effects the overall growth, reduction of tomatoes and yellowing on the leaves to occur. White flies spread diseases to the plants so its important to treat an out break as soon as possible. Best method to remove white flies is to dispose of any infected leaves, washing your plant completely, and using Insecticidal soaps.

Horn worms are a type of caterpillar that feed off the leaves of tomato plant and occasionally the surface the fruits. To prevent the onslaught of these insects it is advised to check your plants periodically in addition to removing any horn worms that are spotted.

Aphids are soft body insects that range in a variety of colors from black, brown, yellow, and orange. That have sucking mouthparts that suck the nutrients from the leaves and stems of the plants. Treating a plant for aphids includes wiping down infected leaves and spraying plant with mild soap and water solution.

Early Blight is caused by Alternaria solani a fungus that causes small black or brown spots to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant often in a circular shape.

Fusarium Wilt is a result of a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici that lays dormant in the soil and releases spores that causes the plant to wilt.

Indigenous practices and Uses

Tomatoes in indigenous cultures are a vital part of their diet.

The Alyawarra Tribe would send a "Akatjurra" which means a hand to harvest to gather the bush tomatoes or Solanum chippendalei. Then they would crush the tomatoes and leave them to dry out in the dessert sun. In times of need the Alyawarra tribe would grind the tomatoes that were dried up into a paste and store them in balls for the winter.

This practice of drying allowed the Alyawarra tribe to have tomatoes year around.

Fun Facts:

Tomatoes have been to outer space
Tomatoes are technically a fruit not a vegetable
There are over 10,000 varieties of tomatoes to date.

BAKED TOMATOES WITH MOZZARELLA AND PARMESAN

Ingredients

4 roma tomatoes
sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded parmesan
cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400F
Place tomato slices on a parchment lined baking sheet
Top each tomato with a layer or parmesan and then a layer or mozzarella
Sprinkle the chopped basil on top of each tomato
Drizzle lightly with olive oil
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly
Turn off oven and broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese
Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 pounds (1 kg) ripe tomatoes
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
1 small carrot
3 - 4 cups vegetable stock (see notes)
2 bay leaves
salt, pepper to taste
fresh basil
dash of balsamic vinegar
olive oil
1 tbsp plant-based cream

Instructions

Wash and dry the tomatoes, then chop them roughly. Try to squeeze out excess water and seeds. Peel onion, garlic and carrot. Finely slice onion and garlic cloves and grate the carrot.
In a soup pot, heat olive oil, then add onions and lightly fry them until translucent. Add grated carrots and garlic, stir-fry for about a minute or two, until the carrots tenderize. Then, add in chopped tomatoes and a dash of balsamic vinegar, stir well and let it cook down for a few minutes, stirring regularly.
Add vegetable stock, bay leaves and season to taste with salt & pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook for about 15 minutes.
When the tomatoes are cooked, remove the pot from heat, then remove the bay leaves and blend into a smooth soup with a stick blender.
Roughly chop basil leaves and add to the soup for taste and garnish, add a teaspoon of cream and serve.

References

Recipes

Tomato with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Tomato Soup from Fresh Ripe Tomatoes

Created By

Isabella Johnston

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by jonnysek - "fresh tomatoes background" • Dusan Kostic - "Growth tomato" • Mara Zemgaliete - "heart shape by various tomatoes" • Africa Studio - "Female hands with freshly harvested tomatoes" • 2207918 - "Growing tomato plants from seeds indoors" • Liudmyla - "Young tomato plants in plastic pots. Preparation for planting outside. Spring planting. Early seedling , grown from seeds in boxes at home on windowsill" • jovinko - "Prune the water shoots that grow between the stems and twigs of the tomato plant " • Charnchai saeheng - "Beautiful red ripe heirloom tomatoes grown in a greenhouse." • Angela - "Bumble bee on a plant near the Taxopamba Waterfall outside of Otavalo, Ecuador" • suthisak - "Beautiful flying dandelion seeds in the Wind on blue sky." • DirkDaniel - "Bee - Apis mellifera - pollinates Rudbeckia fulgida" • gitusik - "Tomato isolated on white background."