A tomato is an edible, often red in colour, fruit or berry of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as a tomato plant. The plant belongs to the family, Solanaceae. The species is  originated with western South America. 

As a scientist, it is necessary to classify any plant for easy identification and research purpose and as such. 

The classification of the tomato plant is as follows:

• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Division: Magniolophyta
• Class: Magniolopsida
• Order: Polemoniales
• Family: Solaneaceae
• Genus: Lycopersicon
• Species: esculentum

There are various species of the tomatoes plant. They are very good component of diet in my country, Nigeria and around the globe both in paste or its fresh form.

Cultivation of Tomatoes in Nigeria

Cultivation of tomatoes Nigeria is very lucrative business due to its high rate of daily  consumption. It is used for various purposes such as making sauce, stew, frying eggs, salad and even eaten as a fruit.

The highest rate of producers of this crop is the Northern part of the country although tomatoes can grow very well anywhere.

 Best season for cultivation; March to May

Soil preparation: These includes land tillage and levelling in rich sandy-loam soil with pH ranging from about 5-6.5

The soil could be treated with insecticides or fungicides to kill pests and disease which may affect the growth and development and eventually yield of the crop.

Varieties; There are different varieties of tomatoes ranging from green to red or orange in Colour. Examples include

• -The Cherry tomatoes
• -Roma tomatoes
• -Determinate tomatoes
• -Indeterminate tomatoes
• -Sungold tomatoesPlanting:

Raise soil bed to at least 1m by 1m and broadcast the seeds evenly on it. Cover seeds with sand and mulch. Palm  fronds can be used to  cover them.

When planting in the nursery, it is vital to use mosquito nets to act against invasion by insects or other pests. Tomatoes sprout about 3-4days after planting. Plant in nursery nylon, buckets, seedling trays, whatever means putting 2-3 seeds in a hole.

The nursery should be transplanted into the main field from about 2-3 weeks after germination and done when the weather is cool to avoid heat from the sun on the plants.

Row: 3ft and 1.5-2ft between plants

Spacing: 45 by 30cm or 30 by 30cm for maximum production.

Irrigation: Tomatoes plant require essential water provision throughout their Life cycle. They  should be watered only in the morning to avoid damping-off of seedlings.

Fertilization: Compose manure together with fertilizer rich in phosphorus should be incorporated into the roots of the young plant.

N/b Manure gotten from poultry is not recommended as it may result in inhibition of proper root formation.

Artificial fertilizer such as NPK 17:17:17 is recommended yo be used 10g per hole. Nitrogen nutrients can also be applied to soils.

Weeding: 

This should be done 3-4 times during cultivation and mulching is encouraged during the young plants life.

 Pest and Disease control

the common pest of the tomato plant include; damping off as a result of activities of pythium spp., downy mildew, black rot, etc.

Common pest include: whiteflies, lead miner, cut worms,  moth, thrips, leaf miners, aphids, etc.

Harvesting

The duration of the tomatoes plant  is 3 months from nursery period to harvesting period( 60-75 days). Tomatoes can be also be harvested for more than 3 months under good condition. 

Tomatoes is being plucked out from the parent plant by use of hand. Remove the vegetable when it shows ripeness. After the first harvest,  subsequent harvests can be done every 3 days till the plant dies off.

Preservation

There are several methods of oreserving tomatoes. They include;

1. Grinding of fresh boiled tomatoes and story in air tight containers and can be refrigerated.
2. Sun dry till it loses some moisture and store in sacks
3. Tomatoes can also be grinded to form a paste and stored for use or sale.

NOTE: 

1. To aid support the weight of the plant during fruiting, it is necessary to stake them.
2. Over pruning should be avoided.
3. Insufficient irrigation, insufficient soil nutrients could lead to flower/fruit shedding.
4. Too much water can also lead to leaf rolling of plants.

Nutritional Benefits of the Tomatoes

• Nourishment of skin:Tomatoes contains a high level of substance known as  lycopene. This substance is one of the ingredients used for making some facial cleanser and found in some cosmetic products. As such, eating tomatoes can save you the strength of having to purchase such product as you gain skin nourishment naturally.

You can try this skin therapy using tomatoes by

1. Peeling some quantity of tomatoes
2. Place it, with the inside of the fruit touching your skin.
3. Allow to stay in skin for 10 minutes and more
4. Then wash off to leave your skin shiny.

• Research also has it that  lycopene in tomatoes also aids to reduce humans chances of developing prostate and stomach cancer as it promotes inactive growth of cancerous cells in the body.
• Tomatoes also contain some considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K. These are basic nutrients are vital for the  strengthening and repairs of the bones tissues as well as strengthening them. 
• Tomatoes also aid into the following
• Building strong and shiny hairs
• Maintaining eyes and good vision
• Protects body from carcinogenic substance caused by to smoking
• Reduce the chances of developing kidney and gall stones.

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