1. Variety and sowing period selection
Suriname mainly grows medium and small varieties, which are mostly used for cooking. The Tiannaxi 2 tomato hybrid is suitable for cultivation in Suriname due to its early maturity, uniform fruit, good firmness, good gloss and strong disease resistance. Suriname has a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year. The temperature is relatively low during the dry season (February to April), which is suitable for growing tomatoes. Choosing heat-resistant, disease-resistant and high-yield varieties, and implementing cultivation techniques such as sunshade and rain shelter, can achieve year-round planting.

2. Preparation before planting
2.1 Seedling cultivation in seedling trays

This method can save seeds, improve efficiency, facilitate management, and reduce pests and diseases. The seedbed should be set up in a well-drained location. The 72-hole seedling tray is suitable and the commercially available substrate is mainly composed of peat and coconut bran. Before sowing, the seeds should be screened and disinfected. When sowing, the substrate should be moistened and filled with seed trays. After sowing, the substrate should be covered with 0.8-1 cm thick substrate, watered thoroughly, and the moisture and temperature should be managed to avoid direct sunlight.

2.2 Land preparation and fertilization
Before planting, the soil needs to be plowed deeply to 30 cm to optimize soil structure and water retention and promote root development. 3000-5000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer and 50 kg of superphosphate should be applied per 667 square meters, and deep plowing and mixing should be carried out.

2.3 Building ridges
Deep furrows and high ridges are widely used in Suriname. The ridge width (including furrows) is generally 1.3 to 1.5 meters, and the furrow width is 30 cm. The ridge height is maintained at 25 to 30 cm to promote drainage and reduce water accumulation at the roots, reducing the risk of diseases.

2.4 Harden and sterilize seedlings in advance
4-5 days before planting, gradually reduce watering of tomato seedlings to make the soil moderately dry to promote the root system to penetrate into the soil and enhance its development. Meanwhile, appropriately lower the temperature to simulate the external environment, help the seedlings adapt to low temperatures, and reduce discomfort caused by sudden temperature changes after planting. Before planting, it is recommended to sterilize the seedlings and wait for 6 to 10 hours before planting.

3. Planting
3.1 Laying drip irrigation tape

Leveling the planting ridges and installing drip irrigation tapes can directly supply water to the roots of tomatoes, improve utilization efficiency and reduce waste. Vegetable water and fertilizer integrated technology can accurately apply fertilizers, support automation, reduce labor and management costs, and is suitable for large-scale planting.

3.2 Planting method and density
Screen and eliminate diseased and weak seedlings during planting, bury shallowly to prevent root exposure. Choose a sunny afternoon for transplanting to help the seedlings adapt to the environment and quickly slow down the seedlings. The planting spacing should be determined according to the characteristics of the tomato variety. Usually double rows, with a row spacing of 40 cm and a plant spacing of 35 to 40 cm. About 2,000 to 2,200 plants per 667 square meters.

3.3 Watering for setting-in
Use a drip irrigation system for watering so that the plants can fully absorb water. Keep the soil moist in the early stage to promote root growth. Within 2 to 3 days after planting, closely monitor the growth of the plants and replace the yellowed seedlings in time to ensure yield and quality.

4. Fertilizer and water managemen
After tomatoes are planted and survive, fertilizer and water management should be carried out according to the growth conditions. In the early stage, the growth of seedlings should be controlled, and the principle of “control growth in the early stage, increase water and fertilizer supply in the middle stage to promote growth, and increase the supply of medium and trace elements in the late stage” should be followed. Taking large fruit type as an example, after the first layer of fruits is stable and reaches the size of a ping-pong ball, topdressing needs to be increased.

The amount of topdressing is determined by the number of remaining ears, mainly balanced fertilizer, combined with medium and trace element fertilizer to prevent plant deficiency, premature aging, fruit cracking and navel rot. Watering should be avoided during high temperature periods and should be done in the morning or evening.

5. Intertillage and weeding
Intertillage should be carried out in the early growth stage of tomatoes, especially after heavy rain, to improve soil structure and water management. At the same time, intertillage and weeding can reduce weed competition and ensure that crops can better absorb nutrients and water, thereby improving yield and quality.

6. Plant adjustment
6.1 Vine tying and seedling hanging

When the seedlings grow to about 30 cm, use nylon rope to tie the vines and hang the seedlings. The knot is moderately loose for adjustment. Make sure the rope is tight enough to lower the plant height so that the first bunch of fruits does not touch the ground, which helps to retain the fruits.

6.2 Pruning and branching
Tomatoes grow quickly, and each stem node can bloom and bear fruit. If not managed, the branches and leaves are numerous, the plant shape is chaotic, and the nutrient consumption is large, which affects the fruit quality and yield. Therefore, pruning and branching are needed to control growth.

6.3 Pollination
Tomatoes grown outdoors can be pollinated naturally. To improve fruit setting rate, commercial value and fruit size consistency, it is recommended to use anti-drop agent to spot flowers.

6.4 Flower and fruit thinning
Keep four fruits in each inflorescence and remove abnormal, small, diseased and insect-infested flowers or fruits to ensure uniform fruit quality and size.

6.5. Topping
Topping is done after the plant grows to a certain height and produces clusters of fruit, that is, the top buds are removed. When topping, 2-3 leaves should be left above the clusters to provide nutrients to the fruit and prevent direct sunlight.

7. Timely harvest
Harvest in time according to market demand.

8. Integrated pest and disease control
The integrated pest and disease control of tomatoes should follow the principle of “prevention first, comprehensive control”, combining agricultural control, biological control, physical control and chemical control and other means to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases and ensure the yield and quality of tomatoes.

Sun Yuhong, Yin Zhiyong, Liu Cui, Li Lin,
Hunan Linshi Agricultural Service Co., Ltd.
China-aid Suriname Agricultural Technology Cooperation Center Project
-Vegetable Group