Biostimulants for Tomato: More Production and Ecological Quality

## The Organic Tomato: The World’s Most Demanding and Profitable CropThe tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most important crops worldwide, both for its economic value and nutritional significance. With a global production reaching 186 million tonnes, Spain ranks as the leading exporter in the European Union with a production close to 5 million tonnes. The organic cultivation of tomatoes, in particular, has gained recognition and demand due to its superior taste and environmental benefits, resulting in a price that can be between 80% and 150% higher than conventional tomatoes.The main markets for Spanish organic tomatoes include the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, where premium varieties such as cherry, kumato, beef, and pear tomatoes are especially appreciated for their quality and organoleptic characteristics. These varieties not only offer better taste and texture but also help diversify the offering and meet the demands of increasingly health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.## Agronomic Requirements of TomatoesTomato cultivation, especially in its organic form, requires precise agronomic management to maximize fruit productivity and quality. The optimal temperatures for tomato development range between 22-26°C during the day and 16-18°C at night. Deviations from these ranges can result in physiological disorders affecting fruit set and quality.The ideal relative humidity for tomato cultivation is between 60% and 70%, which helps minimize the incidence of fungal diseases and optimize plant transpiration. In the case of greenhouse irrigation, a water electrical conductivity (EC) of between 1.5 and 2.5 dS/m is recommended. The water requirements for open-field tomatoes vary between 600 and 800 mm annually, depending on the region and climatic conditions.Regarding tomato phenology, several critical phases are distinguished, including transplanting, vegetative development, first flowering, fruit set, fruiting, and ripening. Each of these phases requires specific management to ensure optimal development and maximize yield.## Major Challenges of Organic Tomato CultivationTomato cultivation, especially under organic conditions, faces several challenges that can compromise its production and quality. Among these problems are:1. **Botrytis cinerea (grey mould):** This disease can cause losses of up to 30-40% in greenhouses if not properly managed. Biostimulants can strengthen the plant’s natural defenses, reducing the incidence of this pathology.2. **Phytophthora infestans:** Although more common in high humidity conditions, proper irrigation management and biostimulants can mitigate its impact.3. **Tuta absoluta (tomato moth):** This pest is particularly destructive and requires integrated management that can be complemented with biostimulants to enhance the plant’s resistance to attacks.4. **Bemisia tabaci (whitefly):** Besides causing direct damage, it transmits the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Biostimulants can help reduce plant stress and improve resistance.5. **Saline stress in greenhouses:** Soils with high salinity can be managed with biostimulants that improve nutrient absorption and reduce osmotic stress.6. **Fruit cracking and blossom end rot (BER):** These conditions are associated with water and nutritional imbalances. The use of biostimulants, such as Calcium 40%, can correct calcium deficiencies and improve fruit cell structure.7. **Heat stress in summer:** High temperatures can severely damage tomato development. Products like Boost Universal can help the plant regulate its metabolism and better withstand thermal stress.## Ecoganic Biostimulant Programme for Tomatoes Phase by PhaseBelow is a detailed programme of Ecoganic biostimulant applications for the different phenological phases of tomatoes, both in greenhouses and open fields:

Phase	Week	Ecoganic Product	Dosage cc/L	Dosage L/ha	Method	Objective
Pre-transplant	-1	Boost Universal	2	1	Irrigation	Prepare soil and stimulate roots
Transplant	1	Balance 7-7-7	3	1.5	Irrigation	Initial nutritional balance
Rooting	2-3	Universal Power OCC	3	2	Irrigation	Promote rooting
Vegetative development	4-6	Nitrotech 16	2	1	Irrigation	Promote rapid growth
Pre-flowering	7	PK-FLOW 20	2	1	Irrigation	Prepare for flowering
Full flowering	8-9	PhosMax 32	2	1	Irrigation	Improve fruit set
First cluster fruit set	10	K-FLOW	2	1	Irrigation	Optimize fruit set
Fruit enlargement	11-13	Calcium 40%	2	1	Irrigation	Strengthen fruit structure
Ripening	14-15	Fulvex 50S	2	1	Irrigation	Improve colour and taste
End of campaign	16	Micro Plus	2	1	Irrigation	Enhance resistance and quality

## Impact on Tomato Quality: Field DataThe use of Ecoganic biostimulants in organic tomato cultivation has shown significant improvements in various quality parameters. Field studies have revealed an increase in Brix degrees of +0.5 to 1.5°, translating into a sweeter and more appreciated taste. Fruit firmness, measured with the Durofel, can increase between 8% and 12%, contributing to greater resistance to transport and handling.Additionally, an increase in post-harvest life of 3 to 5 days has been observed, which is crucial for export to distant markets. The fruit colour, associated with the lycopene index, improves notably, as does the calibre, which is more uniform. A reduction in fruit cracking and the incidence of blossom end rot (BER), common problems in tomato cultivation, has also been recorded.## Comparative Table: Tomatoes with vs without Ecoganic BiostimulantsBelow is a table comparing the results obtained in tomato crops with and without the use of Ecoganic biostimulants:

Parameter	Without Ecoganic	With Ecoganic	Improvement
Production (t/ha)	70	85	+21%
Brix	4.5°	5.5°	+22%
Firmness (Durofel)	65	72	+11%
% 1st category	75%	85%	+13%
Post-harvest life (days)	10	14	+40%
Botrytis incidence	15%	8%	-47%
Heat stress	High	Low	Significant reduction

## Organic Tomato in Spain and Europe: Areas and RegulationsSpain is one of the main producers of organic tomatoes in Europe, with prominent regions such as Almería, which has over 30,000 hectares of greenhouses dedicated to this crop. Other important areas include Murcia, the Canary Islands, and Huelva, where tomatoes are grown outdoors.The regulatory framework governing organic production in Europe includes Regulation (EU) 848/2018, which establishes the principles and practices for organic production. Additionally, standards such as GlobalGAP and GRASP ensure that agricultural practices are sustainable and safe for the consumer. Post-Brexit export to the United Kingdom remains viable, thanks to these standards that guarantee product quality and traceability.## Frequently Asked Questions about Biostimulants for TomatoesPREGUNTA: ¿Qué son los bioestimulantes y cómo benefician al cultivo de tomate? RESPUESTA: Biostimulants are products that enhance plant health and growth through the use of natural substances or microorganisms. In tomato cultivation, biostimulants help improve rooting, increase resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, and optimize nutrient absorption, resulting in higher production and fruit quality.PREGUNTA: ¿Es compatible el uso de bioestimulantes con la producción ecológica? RESPUESTA: Yes, biostimulants are designed to be compatible with organic production. Many are certified under regulations such as Regulation (EU) 848/2018, ensuring they meet the necessary organic standards for use in this type of agriculture.PREGUNTA: ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un fertilizante y un bioestimulante? RESPUESTA: The main difference lies in their function. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients directly to plants, while biostimulants act on plant physiological processes, improving their efficiency in nutrient utilization and resistance to adverse conditions.PREGUNTA: ¿Cómo se aplican los bioestimulantes en el cultivo de tomate? RESPUESTA: Biostimulants can be applied through irrigation or foliar application, depending on the specific product and crop phase. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations to maximize their effectiveness.PREGUNTA: ¿Pueden los bioestimulantes prevenir enfermedades en el tomate? RESPUESTA: Biostimulants are not fungicides or insecticides, but they can strengthen the plant’s natural defenses, making them less susceptible to diseases and pests. This results in a lower incidence of phytosanitary problems and higher crop quality.## Conclusion with CTAThe use of Ecoganic biostimulants in organic tomato cultivation represents an invaluable opportunity to improve fruit productivity and quality, meeting the demands of the international market. By integrating these products into their management programme, farmers can achieve a more sustainable and profitable crop. If you would like more information on how to optimize your organic tomato production with Ecoganic biostimulants, contact us today for specialized technical advice.