Tomato variety Altai orange: variety description and photo

Description of the tomato variety Altai orange

The Altai orange tomato was bred in the early 2000s by the agricultural company Demetra-Sibir. Since 2007, the hybrid variety has been listed in the State Register. According to official data, it can be grown in unheated greenhouses in the Central region, the Urals and Siberia. In the south of Russia, bushes are allowed to be planted in open ground.

Altai orange is an indeterminate variety that can grow up to 1.7 m in the garden and up to 2 m in the greenhouse. Forms thick, strong stems and has numerous, light green, wrinkled leaves of a standard tomato shape. The bushes continue to develop and actively grow shoots and shoots throughout the entire growing season. They can only be limited through timely formation.

Tomato inflorescences are simple, the clusters begin to form above the 9-12th leaf and then go through one. In terms of ripening time, the variety is classified as mid-season; the first tomatoes can be harvested after 110-115 days from germination.

In greenhouses, the Altai orange tomato develops faster and produces the largest possible fruits. In open ground, tomatoes are usually smaller and take longer to fully ripen.

Due to its high growth, the Altai Orange requires obligatory tying to supports.

Description of fruits

Altai orange, with proper agricultural technology, produces very large tomatoes weighing 250-300 g, some specimens can reach 700 g. The shape of the fruits is round and slightly flattened, with pronounced ribbing at the base. The skin of tomatoes is dense, elastic, but quite thin. At the beginning of ripening, the fruits hang green on the shoots, then gradually begin to turn yellow, and upon reaching full ripeness they acquire an orange color.

The tomato pulp is juicy and sugary, with a small number of seed chambers. The taste is sweet, very pleasant, with a noticeable fruity note. Tomatoes emit a rich aroma and do not spoil for a long time.

Attention! Due to the dense skin, the Altai orange fruits do not crack. When harvested early, they can ripen in storage.

Taste qualities

The variety is famous for its unusual taste and size of fruits. And this is not surprising! Some specimens reach a weight of 700 g. However, you need to properly form the plant and fully care for it. On average, the weight of a tomato varies from 250 to 300 g.

The fruits are round, flattened, ribbed at the base. The skin is a rich orange color, which indicates the ripeness of the tomato. The pulp is sugary, juicy, sweet. There are few seed chambers, which is clearly visible in the cross-section. The taste of the fruits of the Altai orange variety is excellent. A pronounced fruity note.

A salad variety, but it is suitable for preserving tomato juice. The fruits tolerate transportation well, do not spoil for a long time, and are successfully ripened in storage.

Characteristics of Altai orange tomato

The description of the Altai Orange variety tomatoes shows that the variety is characterized by good endurance and productivity. The bushes produce very tasty tomatoes that can be widely used in the kitchen.

Altai orange tomato yield and fruiting

Under favorable conditions and proper agricultural technology, Altai orange usually ripens by mid-July when planted in early April. Productivity is at a high level. From 1 m2 you can collect up to 12 kg of fruits, from one bush - about 3-4 kg. The variety exhibits maximum performance when grown in a greenhouse; in open ground, the yield is slightly reduced.

The abundance of fruiting of Altai orange depends on external conditions and the quality of care. Lack of moisture has a negative impact on productivity. The number of fruits is also reduced with sudden temperature changes and with thickening of plantings.

Attention! To obtain large and numerous tomatoes, you need to grow Altai tomatoes with 1-2 stems. In the absence of formation, the fruits become smaller.

Area of ​​application of fruits

Most often, Altai orange tomatoes are consumed fresh in salads and snacks. If desired, tomatoes can be processed and made into sauces and pastes. Altai orange is used to obtain juice. It is not customary to use tomatoes in whole-fruit canning; they are too large in size.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Altai orange has good immunity and demonstrates resistance to most diseases characteristic of nightshades. In particular, the variety rarely suffers from tobacco mosaic and fusarium, and is almost not affected by late blight. The danger for it is mainly represented by rot - apical and root. These diseases develop against the background of waterlogging and high temperatures.

Among the pests that are dangerous for the variety are spider mites and whiteflies. In addition, Colorado potato beetles and mole crickets can damage bushes. In damp, rainy weather, slugs appear on the lower leaves and stems. Tomatoes are protected from insects and mollusks using traps. If pests have managed to cause serious damage to the bushes, use insecticides or homemade solutions with a pungent odor.

The nuances of growing in open ground and greenhouses

You can plant seeds in open ground only in the southern regions . This is due to the fact that the growth and development of vegetable crops depends on temperature conditions. Despite the fact that the variety is resistant to cold, such weather conditions negatively affect the development and formation of fruits.

The fact is that the Altai variety of tomatoes can withstand cold only for a short time , so to speak, changes in weather conditions. Prolonged cold spells are detrimental to it. Therefore, in the middle zone, initial cultivation in greenhouse conditions is recommended. Next, when the weather is warm, the tomatoes are planted in the garden.

Since the crop tends to grow in height, do not forget about the obligatory pinching of the top, otherwise the beneficial substances will go into the growth of the plant, and not into the fruits that set.

A timely installed support for a garter helps maintain the integrity of tall bushes .

Advantages and disadvantages

Altai orange is valued for its productivity and unpretentiousness. But before growing, it is worth studying the disadvantages of the variety.

Altai orange tomato adapts well to temperature changes

pros

• high and stable yield;
• large sweet fruits;
• suitability for transportation;
• long shelf life;
• immunity to most diseases;
• endurance.

Minuses

• requires frequent shaping and pinching;
• needs feeding.

Harvesting and application

The collection of ripe vegetables begins in mid-summer and continues until the first frost . They can be used both at home and on an industrial scale. Tomatoes that are not yet fully ripe can turn red on their own.

Vegetables are especially good fresh - in salads they will delight any gourmet not only with taste, but also with color. The preparation of tomato products – juice and ketchup – is also common. Altai Orange is not suitable for preparations in jars due to its large size.

But it is well suited for commercial purposes , as it can be stored for a long time in a cool place. This fact allows them to be sold almost all year round.

Vegetables are good for children's and dietary nutrition . Doctors recommend Red Altai tomatoes for allergy sufferers when other types of tomatoes are not suitable. Juices and purees are prepared from tomatoes for children.

Features of cultivation

Large Altai orange tomatoes can be obtained with minimal care. During cultivation, only standard agricultural practices must be followed.

Planting seedlings

In the south of Russia, Altai orange tomato is allowed to be sown directly into the ground. But in most areas, seeds are planted in seedlings, so this type of agricultural technology is considered standard. The procedure is carried out from mid to late March; shallow containers with sides of about 10 cm are prepared for the culture and scalded with boiling water.

Soil for tomatoes can be purchased at a gardening store or made independently from turf soil, coarse sand, peat and humus. Direct landing is performed as follows:

1. The substrate is disinfected using Fitosporin or a solution of potassium permanganate.
2. A layer of drainage is poured into the container, and prepared soil is placed on top.
3. Abundantly moisten the soil.
4. Make grooves in the soil up to 1.5 cm deep.
5. Spread the seeds at small intervals.

After this, the Altai orange tomato grains are sprinkled with soil, sprayed and the container is covered with film. Until emergence, the box is kept in a shaded, warm place. When sprouts form, the cover is removed and the seedlings are moved to the windowsill. Caring for seedlings comes down to regular moistening.

When 2-3 leaves appear, seedlings need to be planted in separate containers, trying not to damage the roots

Transfer

It is necessary to transfer seedlings into the ground or into a greenhouse when the soil warms up to 15 °C at the end of April or at the beginning of May. Return frosts should be completely avoided.

The plot for the Altai orange tomato is dug up in advance and the soil is fertilized with humus and peat. For seedlings, holes are made that are 2-3 times larger than the root system, and the plants are carefully handled, preserving the earthen ball.

Attention! It is recommended to plant three bushes per 1 m2 in a greenhouse and four in open ground.

Aftercare

Tomato care comes down to several procedures:

1. Watering. In a greenhouse, bushes are moistened once every three days, in open ground once a week.
2. Feeding. When the first flower cluster is formed, the tomato is watered with mullein solution; when the ovary is formed and during the fruiting period, phosphorus and potassium are used.
3. Mulching. To ensure that moisture from the soil evaporates more slowly, the soil at the roots is covered with straw.
4. Stepsonning. The tomato is grown in 1-2 stems; excess shoots are broken off as they grow.

Bushes higher than 50 cm above ground level are tied to supports. During the fruiting period, it is recommended to build a trellis for the clusters so that they do not break under the weight of the tomatoes.

How to grow seedlings

Before sowing seeds, they must be disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate, washed with clean water and dried . Treatment with a growth stimulator will significantly increase their germination. The soil for seedlings consists of soil mixed with humus or peat. You can also add a small portion of superphosphate and wood ash here.

After making small depressions in the soil, begin sowing the seeds . The container is suitable both general (wooden boxes) and individual (peat pots, plastic glasses).

Reference. It is more convenient to sow seeds in individual containers. This method allows you to avoid subsequent picking.

After sowing, the seeds are covered with peat and sprayed with warm water . The containers are covered with film. In the room where the seedlings are located, the permissible air temperature is at least 25°C.

When the first shoots appear, the film is removed . It is important not to allow the soil to dry out; it must be kept moist.

If the seeds were sown in a common wooden box , then the sprouted seedlings need picking. They dive after the formation of two full-fledged leaves, after which the sprouts are planted in separate containers.

When the seedlings reach 50 days, they are ready to continue further development in a greenhouse or open ground.

This tomato can be grown by sowing seeds directly into the soil . But this method is only possible in the southern regions. This approach has a significant drawback: the chance of rejecting weak seedlings is reduced. Growing tomatoes through seedlings is a more effective method and leads to high qualitative and quantitative indicators.

Pest and disease control

When growing tomatoes, the main attention should be paid to the prevention of diseases and pests. It is necessary to keep the beds or greenhouse clean, do not overwater the tomato bushes and do not allow them to grow excessively. If symptoms of disease occur, the tomato is sprayed with copper sulfate or Fitosporin.

When pests appear, it is recommended to use a solution of soap and ash. Dusting with tobacco powder also has a good effect.

Chemicals for treating tomatoes against pests are used no later than a month before harvest.

Positive and negative qualities of the variety

Experts have summarized the reviews of vegetable growers who grew this variety, and based on the data collected, note the following positive qualities of Altai Orange tomatoes:

• good taste of grown fruits;

• the ability to transport the grown crop over fairly long distances without spoiling the fruit;
• beautiful appearance of ripe tomatoes;
• tomatoes of this variety are not prone to cracking;
• high productivity.

The disadvantages include the extended time of fruit ripening - from mid-summer to the first frost.

Application of tomato fruits

Tomatoes "Altai red, pink and orange" are a salad type. Fleshy tomatoes with juicy pulp are used both fresh and for making sandwiches, sauces, soups and purees. Ripe tomatoes are used to make delicious sweet juice. From tomatoes of three colors you can get a tasty and beautiful assortment; they are suitable for pickles and marinating. They go perfectly with vegetables such as:

• Cucumbers;
• Peppers;
• Cauliflower.

Tomatoes, with a high content of chloroplasts and beta-carotene, have an unusual color and a tendency to have pleasant, fruity notes.

The description of the variety contains the following characteristics:

1. Gifts of Pomona are large, weighing 250-350 g; there are specimens weighing 500-700 grams.
2. Cryoturbation of tomatoes is roundly flattened, with slight ribbing at the base.
3. The color of the peel and pulp at full maturity is orange, close in shade to the color of an orange.
4. The dense, juicy pulp is notable for its rich, sweet taste, in which there is practically no tomato acidity.
5. The purpose of the tomato variety is for table use, the unique composition of the fruits and, thank God, are kept fresh.

Tomatoes that are too large cannot be harvested whole, but this disadvantage is compensated by the ability of the fruit to last up to 30 days without significant loss of marketable quality. The greens are ripening successfully. The current variety is transportable - it tolerates transportation well.

Characteristics of the variety

Breeders from Siberia not long ago created the Altai Masterpiece tomato variety, which has established itself as capable of producing consistently good yields in difficult conditions and in a short time has become popular throughout almost the entire country. The variety was bred in 2005, and two years later it was recommended for cultivation in open ground and in greenhouses in all regions of the Russian Federation.

It is especially in demand in areas with harsh climatic conditions. These include the South Ural Federal District, Tyumen Region, Bashkiria, etc.

Pollination

According to reviews, the yield of the “Altai pink” tomato, photos of which show large, fleshy fruits, can be increased if flowers are pollinated by hand. In general, these plants belong to self-pollinating crops. However, to ensure that the plant produces a large number of tomatoes, during flowering it is recommended to shake each plant once every two days, holding it by the stem.

When growing tomatoes outdoors, you can attract pollinating insects. To do this, bright annual flowers are planted between the rows. Marigolds and monarda are considered the best. They attract butterflies and bees. According to many gardeners, growing vegetables and flowers together improves the taste of tomatoes.

The crop should be harvested when it is fully ripe. You can pick tomatoes at the browning stage, but in this case they should be given the opportunity to ripen by placing them in boxes along with apples or bananas or ripe tomatoes.

Preparation of hybrid seeds

Seed material from hybrid varieties is not harvested independently - the selection properties are lost. These seeds will not grow into strong, productive plants. In addition, in agricultural enterprises, seed material is specially processed:

• for disinfection;
• for disinfection;
• for 100% germination;

Expert opinion Valentin Redko Chief editor of Repka.online. Experienced summer resident and gardener.

By following simple recommendations, you can achieve high yields in the first year. The basics of successful cultivation are high-quality seeds, the correct place and time of planting, and implementation of cultivation measures taking into account standard size and growth characteristics.

Agricultural technology

1. The timing of sowing depends on the method of cultivation. Seeds are sown from March 1 to March 20, with the expectation that by the time of transplanting to a permanent location, the seedlings should be well developed, at the age of 60-65 days. Seedlings dive with the appearance of 2 permanent leaves.
2. Seedlings are transplanted into greenhouses with solar heating on May 15, and when grown in open ground - after June 5. Nate 1 sq. 3-4 bushes are placed per meter, according to a 50 x 40 cm pattern. Supports are installed in one fell swoop, to which the plants are tied.
3. Further care comes down to watering, fertilizing, pruning shoots, protecting tomatoes from pests and diseases. Weeding is combined with mandatory loosening of the soil.
4. The testis is led into two trunks, removing all lateral stepsons. The growth point is pinched after this formation of 5-6 clusters on the stem.
5. To get fruit of maximum size, leave only one stem and normalize the grinding of ovaries, the number of which in a brush should not exceed 3 marbles. Leaves that are too large and have begun to turn yellow are removed.
6. Tomatoes are harvested in the region as they ripen, from the first days of July until the end of Gutya.

When growing indents, agrotechnical techniques are relevant that limit the accumulation of vegetative mass. As a result, the plant has more resources for the formation and ripening of fruits.