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Your source of information from the world of Hazera tomatoes

Welcome to our first international issue of Tomato News, Hazera Genetics’ Tomato newsletter. Having publishing several internal issues, we now feel ready for the real thing. In this newsletter, we wish to share with you information relating to the world of tomatoes that we collect as part of our activities, and bring you news about our current and future products. We hope that the newsletter will also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and discussions. We plan to publish the newsletter periodically, and distribute it among our customers and friends throughout the world.

In this edition, we present you with tomato news from around the globe, Hazera news, and tips and tricks from the world of tomato production. We hope you will find the newsletter both interesting and enjoyable. We will be delighted to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please do not hesitate to contact us at

Alon Haberfeld - EditorTomato Product Managertomatonews@hazera.com

Nilly Maik - ProducerMarketing Communications Manager

tomatonews@hazera.com

2Tomato NewsYour source of information from the world of Hazera tomatoes

News 3

Tips on Growing Tomatoes under high TYLCV pressure 4-5

Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? 6

Grafting - the Modern Way to Grow Tomatoes 7-8

Ask George - Q&A from the Field 9

Tomatoes and the Diversity of Nutritional Benefits 10

Recipe of the Month - Lentil Stuffed Lycopene Tomatoes 11

News 3

Imperfectly Shaped Fruits and Vegetables OK’ed by EU — But Not TomatoesUnder strict European Union rules, tons of edible but misshapen fruits and vegetables are discarded every year, going to animals or back into the land instead of to the marketplace. As you might imagine, this practice also drives up prices. Well, that is about to change as the EU has lifted such regulations on 26 fruits and vegetables, but not on our beloved tomato. As we’d say in Italy, che scandalo!Actually, each nation can decide whether misshapen versions of excluded fruits and veggies, like the tomato, can be sold so long as they are labeled “product intended for processing” or something similar. Believe me, the Italians I know don’t mind tomatoes with noses and other appendages–they all taste the same, right?Neil Parish MEP, Conservative chairman of the European Parliament’s agriculture committee, commented on the new legislation: “Food is food, no matter what it looks like. These crazy rules have to go immediately.” He also added that “to stop stores selling perfectly decent food during a food crisis is morally unjustifiable.”For those of us used to shopping at farmer’s markets for whatever we don’t grow ourselves, I suppose the change won’t be very noticeable, but this should make a big impact in market prices, and hopefully make fresh fruits and vegetables even more accessible to people.What do you think? Should markets carry only perfect fruits and vegetables or should consumers be able to choose?

Lycopene Pills No Substitute for TomatoesA study conducted by teams at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and Ohio State University in Columbus used rats to test whether lycopene supplements could provide the same health benefits as tomatoes themselves—and the resounding answer was no.In the study, 194 male rats were given a chemical that induces prostate cancer. Some rats were given whole tomato powder, some pure lycopene, and the others no supplements

At the end, rats fed the tomato powder were 26 percent less likely to die of prostate cancer than the rats given no supplements. The rats that got the lycopene, though, had

only slightly higher survival rates than those given no tomato or lycopene products.Dr. Steven Clinton of Ohio State University, a leader in the study concluded, “Our findings strongly suggest that risks of poor dietary habits cannot be reversed simply by taking a pill.” All the more reason to eat a tomato!

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Hopefully Not Spreading NorthCalifornia tomato growers have long had to deal with Tomato Spot Wilted Virus (TSWV), but a new potential threat has been uncovered in the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) coming up from Mexico, according to Bob Gilbertson, a University of California, Davis plant pathologist at the annual meeting of the California Tomato Growers Association’s (CTGA).Both viruses are spread through insects and can greatly diminish yield and quality of tomato production.Found in March 2007 in southeastern California, TYLCV is primarily in northern Mexico. As of now it hasn’t spread into California’s major tomato production areas, but because of the potential for disastrous effects, Gilbertson warns that preventative measures are necessary.“Whitefly is spreading this virus very effectively,” Gilbertson says. “It’s a devastating virus, one of the worst tomato viruses in the world. With early infections you can get yields losses of 100 percent.”The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is currently undertaking quarantine efforts, but tomato growers are advised to watch their own tomatoes, particularly if transplants have come from southern California.

Some facts and a timeline The disease was first identified in Israel in 1940 •The disease was linked to a whitefly-mediated virus •in 1964 Till the mid 80s, it was localized •in the Middle East 1980 - first reports from Europe (Italy) •1987 - first reports from Spain •In the early 90s it became a •“Mediterranean Disease” 1990 - first reports from Central America •1995 -first reports from South America •By the late 90s, the virus was established •in the western hemisphere Early 2000s - the disease spread •to South East Asia and Australia 2002-2003 - first report of the Gemini virus in Brazil •

TYLCV infection worldwideUp to 35% of the open field crop in Egypt is •destroyed annuallyIn 1991 – 50% of the open field tomato crop •in Nicaragua was destroyedIn 1992 – 100% of the open field tomato crop •in Honduras was destroyedIn 2000 – 25% of the tomato crop was •destroyed in SpainIn 2003 – 80% of the summer crop in Sicily •was destroyedIn 2005 – 40% of the early planting of tomatoes •in Sinaloa was destroyed And the list is long, still to be updated...•

Tips for Growing Tomatoes under high TYLCV pressure By Yaron Giras Product Development Manager yarong@hazera.com

4

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, better know as TYLCV, has become a major problem for tomato growers over recent years, as it has infected tomato crops worldwide. As a service to its readers, Tomato News is pleased to present the knowledge accumulated by Hazera over the past 15 years during which we have been working with this virus.

The estimated worldwide cost is over $100 million per year, due to crop loss caused by TYLCV infection!!!

Tips for Growing Tomatoes under high TYLCV pressure 5

Recommendations for TYLCV ManagementIt is highly recommended that only TYLCV Resistant Varieties be used! Hazera Genetics is a leader in the breeding of TY resistant varieties worldwide! Hazera Genetics offers a wide range of TYLCV resistant varieties in all tomato segments. However, even when using TYLCV resistant varieties, it is necessary to keep whitefly populations low, especially in the first half of the season. Here are some useful tips and trick for the successful production of tomato crops under high TYLCV pressure: It is important to use Admire (or similar products) in transplants as soon as possible. Control of whitefly populations is important throughout the season. Early identification of TYLCV symptoms will help remove them before they become a source of infection for the entire crop. Pull infected plants out as soon as possible, place them in plastic bag, tie the bag shut to prevent the spread of any whiteflies to other plants, and discard properly. When growing tomatoes in open fields, plow fields immediately after harvest to reduce whitefly populations, as well as crops which are good hosts for whiteflies, and use the best sanitation practices. Destroy volunteer tomato plants in and around fields. Separate, in both time and space, tomato plantings from the plantings of other host crops which are good sorces of whiteflies (i.e. cabbage, cucurbits, and potato). UV-reflective mulches will reduce landing of whiteflies in your field and will help reduce the incidence of both aphid and whitefly borne viruses including TYLCV. Use only virus free transplants! Do not transplant plants showing TYLCV symptoms!Good irrigation & fertilization management is highly recommend so as to keep all the plants healthy and strong throughout the season.

V1Variety description*

V1 is a beef type indeterminate tomato variety with high quality fruit. It is a new addition to Hazera’s line of TYLCV tolerant, high yield, high fruit quality varieties. V1 has a vigorous plant that can produce large fruits (over 300 grs) over a long production period. The high TYLCV tolerance combined with TSWV and other resistances make V1 a good candidate for open field production of quality fruit even under high white fly pressure.

Agrotechnology

Growing method: Greenhouse or Stacking in open fieldGrowing season: Year roundMain markets: Spain, Israel, Mexico, Greece

Characteristics

Relative maturity: MediumPlant habit: StrongAverage fruit weight: 250-300 grAverage fruit diameter: 77-90 mmShape: Flat globe Shelf life: Long Resistances: Vd, Fol (race 1, 2), ToMV, Mj**, TSWV, TYLCV

Resistances: Vd, Fol, ToMV, Mj**, TSWV,

TYLCV

* Information refers to trail results only – see general comment below.** Ground temperature of more than 27°C and other stresses may cause a breakage of resistances.

In summary - TYLCV virus is a very aggressive virus that spreads rapidly throughout the world. We must be aware of its affects and be ready to combat it even in locations where it is not currently present. There are many virus resistant tomato varieties now available, but even when they are used, TYLCV management recommendations described above should be applied.

The confusion between ‘fruit’ and ‘vegetable’ arises from the

differences in usage by scientists and cooks. Scientifically speaking,

a tomato is definitely a fruit. Fruits are developed from the ovary

at the base of a flower, and contain the seeds of the plant (though

cultivated forms may be seedless). Blueberries, raspberries, and

oranges are genuine fruits, and so are many types of nut. Some

plants have a soft part which supports the seeds and is also called

a ‘fruit’, although it is not developed from the ovary, for example

strawberries. As for cooking, some foods which are strictly fruits

may be called ‘vegetables’ because they are used in savory rather

than sweet dishes. The tomato, though technically a fruit, is often

used as a vegetable. A bean pod is also technically a fruit. The

term ‘vegetable’ is more generally used for other edible parts of

plants, such as cabbage leaves, celery stalks, and potato tubers,

which are not strictly the fruit of the plant from which they come.

Occasionally, the term ‘fruit’ may be used to refer to a part of a

plant which is not a fruit, but which is used in sweet cooking,

such as rhubarb. So a tomato is the fruit of the tomato

plant, but can be used as a vegetable in cooking.

Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? 6

Grafting – the Modern Way to Grow Tomatoes 7

Since the early days of modern agriculture, grafted plants had been used to improve crop performance, mainly by improving mineral absorption and resistance to diseases. Soil borne diseases are very difficult to control (fungi, nematodes, bacteria). Before varieties began to be bred for resistances, and when modern pesticides were not available, farmers used wild species types, such as rootstocks, to graft with edible crops (citrus family and many others). Grafted horticulture has been known for the past 20 years, and has been proven to be a powerful tool for controlling and preventing crop dumping due to soil borne diseases.

The main reasons for adapting the grafting technology are:Greenhouse production has significantly reduced the use of crop rotation.1. Grower specialization, characterized by growing one crop all year round for several years, led to a reduction in crop 2. rotation ability.Restricted or limited use of Methyl Bromide and other pesticides such as Telon and Metham Sodium. 3. Global opposition to the introduction of plants characteristics (such as resistances) by means of genetic engineering.4.

Grafting is a non-genetic and simple method; nonetheless, it requires specific know-how and some infrastructure. It is based on growing two types of plants; rootstock – which provides a strong and resistant root system and Scion – usually the commercial variety. The new grafted organism will contain a combination of traits - strong roots and commercial productivity. The compatibility between the rootstock and variety must be tested each time a new rootstock and scion are combined.

By Amnon Rubin Professional Manager arubin@hazerainc.com

* Information refers to trail results only – see general comment below.** Ground temperature of more than 27°C and other stresses may cause a breakage of resistances.*** Suitable for the grafting of varieties resistant to this pathogen.

ResiStarThe leading tomatorootstock in Israel Variety description*

Especially suitable for −grafting of Abigail and Charlotte tomato varietiesCan potentially −increase the yield of the grafted varietyGrafting on ResiStar −facilitates long production cycles and growing throughout the winter Resistances: Pyl, For, Fol −(race 1, 2), Vd (race 1), Mj**, ToMV***

Advantages of Grafting Tomato Crops:Healthy plant with significantly higher yields.•Prolonged productivity period.•Reduced use of pesticides (cost effective and healthier •for the worker and consumer).Ability to guarantee production and supply (severe •infection of Fuzarium can cause total crop loss and inability to supply).Reduction of plant population (growing with 2-3 stems •vs. 1 stem in conventional method) leads to more efficient fertilizers application, aeration, and less seedlings per Ha.Organic production – a grafted plant is almost a must •when trying to prevent soil borne diseases.Relatively fewer days from planting to first harvest (usually •grafted plants arrive pruned with 2 mature stems).

Disadvantages:Costs of seeds (2 seeds per plant plus the cost of •seeds lost during seedling / grafting production).Seedling production costs (labor, facility, time, energy •etc), and cost of special infrastructure.High sanitation requirements during seedling •production.Risk of grafting point disease infection.•

ResiStar is a sensible investment

Tips for growing grafted tomatoes

8

Soil preparationAlthough the use of grafted plants can significantly reduce the use of soil disinfection pesticides, disinfection is still highly recommended. A greenhouse should be disinfected every 1-2 cycles. The amount/dose of pesticides can be reduced to 30% and “softer” pesticides can be used. Soil disinfection is recommended in order to prevent the build up of pathogens in the growing media or soil, which can, in some cases, cause the outbreak of epidemics (the resistance level of some rootstocks is dependent on the external epidemic pressure).Whether growing in soil or in soil-less media, a media aeration/mix should be done. Pre-fertigation a few days prior to planting is recommended, in order to ensure fast plant establishment.

Plant densityGrafted plants can be grown with 2-3 stems (depending on the tomato type: Beef, plum or cherry).This means that the stem population will remain the same, but the distance between plants will be doubled or tripled. The distance between plants will enable improved aeration and better absorption of the irrigation solution by each plant. For example, if normal density is 28,000 plants per Ha, only 14,000 seedlings are required.

FertigationContrary to the common belief that grafted plants consume less water and fertilizers, they should actually be given the same amounts as non grafted ones, if not more. The rootstock acts like a pump and enables efficient nutrients uptake; these nutritional elements are converted into yield and bigger fruit size.When growing small tomatoes (such as cherry and grape), early morning irrigation is not recommended due to the risk of cracks. The root “pump” pushes the solution up, and when no photosynthesis occurs, the solution shifts into the fruits. Small fruits have limited ability to expand, and cracking is the plant’s way of relieving itself of excess water. Night irrigation is also not recommended.

Plant controlWhen growing a grafted plant, the loss of one plant due to disease can cause a loss of 2 stems. This means that sanitation and plant control during the growing period is crucial.Sanitation between crops is also crucial for avoiding pathogens accumulation in and above the growing media. Plant residues and fruits should be removed from the greenhouse prior to soil disinfection, and equipment such as irrigation laterals, clips, hooks, and posts should be disinfected.

De-leafing and pruningDe-leafing and pruning should be executed as usual. Measurements such as: stem width, internodes length, and the distance between last flower and tip should be taken and recorded. Generative-vegetative plant habit can be controlled by using the top side shoot as a “flag leaf” (by de-heading the shoot tip), and by the amount of leaves removed. Stems which had been lost due to labor or disease can be recovered by using the side shoot from the next stem in the same plant or in a neighboring plant, and the rootstock is normally strong enough to support its growth.

Lean and lower Lean and Lower should be done as usual when plant tips reach the wire. Stems should be lowered in different directions, but caution should be taken to avoid stem breakage.

HarvestIt is recommended (especially when fruit size is small), to start picking about one hour after sunlight, when the greenhouse is warm and photosynthesis is occurring. This should help avoid post harvest cracks, as extra water from the fruit will be evaporated by the foliage.

Grafting – the Modern Way to Grow Tomatoes

Question: Mr. Wangzhixun, MinQing, Fuzhou, China - In open field production in MinQing (China) many small black spots appear around the fruit pedicel on the majority of fruits. It appears in all varieties in my field. This happens when the fruits are changing color from green to red. The fruit’s skin becomes rough and the coloring is uneven. This phenomenon affects fruit quality and might result in sale loss. Can you please tell me what the cause for this phenomenon is and what are the best ways to avoid it?

George: In my opinion the black spots resulted from physical damage – either hail or snow during early fruit development. All the spots appear only on one side (outside) of the fruit and in all the varieties. It seems that the damage occurred at an earlier stage, but only becomes visible now, that the fruit is larger. I do not think that it has anything to do with the color change that probably resulted from unbalanced fertilization.

Question: Mr. Hitoshi Kifuji, Maebashi-City, Gumma, Japan - We have planted tomatoes in our greenhouse using original hydroponic system. The sowing date was September 10th and transplanting was on the 25th of same month. The harvesting started at the beginning of January. The problem, as you can see in the enclosed photo, is the yellowing of leaves during the winter season. Though leaves of some varieties have recovered as temperatures became warmer, other varieties are still yellow. Our local expert suggested that one of the reasons might be the low temperatures, as greenhouse temperature dropped to 10°C on several occasions. However, he thinks that fertilization might also be involved. I would appreciate your opinion as to what could have caused this problem and ways to avoid it.

George: I examined the photos and though it is not like looking at the plants themselves I feel that the yellowing of the leaves is not due to light or temperature but due to mineral deficiency. This phenomenon is more pronounced when growing in culture (soil-less). It seems that the yellowing is mainly around the clusters that are becoming red and these are the clusters that require most of the nutrients. The solution is increasing the micro-elements (mainly Mg and Mn) in the fertilizing mix. Please consult a local fertilization expert for more details.

Ask George – Q&A from the Field 9

George has been active in the field of agriculture for 32 years, 13 of them at Hazera. Before George joined Hazera, he worked in the field of vegetable cultivation and plant protection at the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture. George has a graduate degree in Plant Protection. The primary crops George dealt with are tomatoes, melons, watermelons, onions and leaf plants.George’s primary field of expertise is the examination of new varieties during the early cultivation stages, and their modification for the relevant cultivation regions and countries. Over the past 3 years George has served as the Product Promotion manager for tomatoes in the major target countries for Hazera tomatoes.Based on his extensive and rich experience in tomato crop cultivation methods, fertilization, irrigation and plant protection, George is happy to put the knowledge he has acquired over the years at your disposal.

We invite you to send George any questions you may have about growing tomatoes to: ask-george@hazera.com

Lycopene•

Lycopene is a fat soluble substance that is found in the blood and tissues of the testes, adrenal glands, liver, prostate, breast, colon and lungs. Tomato products contain higher concentrations of lycopene than any other plant source, although lycopene is available in other plant foods, such as watermelon, papaya, pink grapefruit and guava. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and may help reduce the risk of some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Since lycopene is responsible for the red color of tomatoes, the redder a tomato, the more lycopene it contains.

Vitamin C•An essential vitamin that also acts as an antioxidant. It may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Vitamin C helps form connective tissue, keeps capillaries healthy and thus prevents easy bruising, and keeps the gums healthy. It also helps the body access iron from nonheme or plant sources. One medium-sized tomato provides almost half the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.

Vitamin A•An essential vitamin important for normal cellular growth. It aids in the development of healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It also supports proper vision, development of bones and teeth and reproduction. Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, a phytochemical that the body converts into vitamin A after it is consumed.

Vitamin K •A vitamin important for blood clotting, helping to prevent hemorrhaging (excessive uncontrollable bleeding). Vitamin K is also important for bone health through mineralization. Vitamin K may be obtained from foods such as tomatoes, but may also be produced by bacteria in the intestines.

Potassium•An essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and aids muscle contractions. It may reduce the risk of kidney stones and bone loss.

Dietary fiber•The indigestible part of a plant. Fiber can aid digestion by preventing constipation.

Tomatoes also contain, in smaller quantities, many more vitamins, minerals and other healthful substances. These include: various B vitamins (including folate), vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, tryptophan and protein.

One medium sized tomato (148 grams) contains the following proportion of recommended daily levels of certain nutrients, based on a 2,000-calorie/day diet:

Nutrients Percent Daily Value

Vitamin A 20 percent

Vitamin C 40 percent

Calcium 2 percent

Iron 2 percent

Dietary fiber (1 gram) 4 percent

Total carbohydrates (7 grams) 2 percent

Total fat (0.5 grams) 1 percent

One tomato (148 grams) contains 35 Calories

Tomatoes and the Diversity of Nutritional Benefits 10

One tomato provides almost half of recommended

daily amount of vitamin C

Tomatoes are a popular and nutritious fruit that is commonly referred to and used as a vegetable. Tomatoes contain a wide variety of nutrients and non-nutrient substances with proven health benefits. These components work together to create the tomato’s healthy properties.

Tomato components and their associated health benefits:

Calcium

C A

Ingredients

6 Hazera Vitamore tomatoes•

1 cup brown lentils•

1 tbls. minced garlic•

1 roasted Hazera Vitabrik red pepper, thinly sliced•

1 roasted Hazera yellow pepper, thinly sliced•

1/2 Pomelo fruit supremes•

Balsamic vinegar•

Extra virgin olive oil•

Salt•

Black pepper•

Chopped parsley•

Preparation:

Simmer the lentils in a big pot with water and salt 1.

until tender for about 35 minutes.

Strain the lentils and set aside to cool.2.

Cut off top of the tomatoes, reserve, and scoop out 3.

seeds with a spoon, creating a bowl like shape.

In a bowl, mix cooked lentils, pomelo fruit, peppers, 4.

garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and peppers.

Stuff tomatoes until full with a spoon.5.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley6.

Partly cover with the tomato top.7.

Recipe of the Month

Lentil Stuffed Lycopene Tomatoes 11

Attention: This information presents average results of specific trials done by Hazera, it is neither exhaustive nor necessarily accurate and may not be regarded as advice, guidance, recommendation, representation or warranty. Actual yield and varietal performance may vary greatly due to numerous factors, especially growing conditions & crop management. No warranty is given, whether as regards yield, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise. Pictures are illustrative and not of product. The sale & use of seeds are subject to the terms and limitations on warranty & liability appearing collectively in printed catalogue, on seed package and at the following address: http://www.hazera.com/english/terms.asp E&OE. © Hazera Genetics Ltd. All rights reserved.

Giraff Visual Communications/ www.giraff.co.il