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Fresh-Market Tomato Production in California

Michelle Le Strange, Wayne Schrader and, Timothy Hartz (November, 2000)

Summary

Fresh-market tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) are grown in most counties in California, but 90 percent of the acreage is grown in nine counties. In 1999 the largest fresh-market tomato producing counties were San Joaquin, Merced, Fresno, San Diego, Kern, Stanislaus, Kings, Tulare, and Sacramento. This fact sheet addresses soil requirements, cultural practices, pest control, harvesting and handling techniques, and a a limited explanation of how the market works.