Content
Tomatoes are a vegetable crop without which it is impossible to imagine a garden. Even if the dacha was set up mainly for relaxation and pleasant communication with nature, sooner or later you will want to grow something of your own on it, tasty and fresh. And, of course, you want to start with tomatoes - since it is among them that you can find varieties that do not require intensive care, sophisticated knowledge of agricultural technology and, accordingly, will not take much time and effort. But today there are so many varieties and hybrids of tomatoes that beginners may not be able to figure them all out. After all, how many different characteristics need to be taken into account. And if you manage to choose attractive ones in shape, color and size, then they still need to be grown and brought to maturity so that they do not get sick and can please you with an abundance of fruits.
Those gardeners who are primarily attracted by tomato productivity and disease resistance are advised to take a closer look at tomato hybrids. They are famous for their unpretentiousness and productivity. And one of the most famous hybrids known from this point of view is the Diabolic tomato, the characteristics and description of the variety will be discussed in detail below.
Description of the hybrid
Of course, a tomato hybrid with such a dubious name could only appear abroad. Diabolic is a fairly new development by Japanese breeders from Sakata. Although in 2008 this hybrid was even included in the State Register of Russia, which indirectly confirms its well-deserved qualities.
Tomato Diabolik was recommended for cultivation in open ground in the North Caucasus region. Of course, it can certainly be grown with the same success in other southern regions, but in more northern latitudes it will probably need shelter. In addition, being zoned for open ground in the south, it is very demanding on the amount of sunlight and, if there is insufficient illumination, may not demonstrate the best yield indicators. Although even its not the best yield will probably be the ultimate dream for many.
Plants of this hybrid are determinate, that is, they are limited in growth and at some point their development is stopped by the last flower cluster formed at the top. Often tomato bushes of this type are not distinguished by a large number of stepsons, and this is exactly what the Diabolik hybrid is like. It is not at all necessary to pin it down, although you will still have to tie it up. Since the height of this tomato bush can grow up to 150-160 cm. The plants themselves are quite powerful and well-leafed.
The inflorescence is complex, looks like a brush, in which up to 10 or even more tomatoes can form. The stems, like the leaves, are medium in size. The stalk has an articulation.
If we talk about the timing of ripening, then the Diabolic tomato can be classified as both mid-early and mid-ripening tomatoes. On average, 100-110 days pass from the moment of full germination to the beginning of ripening of tomatoes. Fruiting in this case can be extended for a month or more.
A distinctive feature of this hybrid is its increased yield, which seems to be a record even compared to other tomato hybrids that are famous for this characteristic. Of course, a lot depends on the growing conditions. But potentially, from one square meter of Diabolik tomato planting you can get 20 kg or more of tomatoes.
Another attractive feature of the Diabolic tomato is its resistance to a wide variety of diseases.
- It exhibits increased resistance to fusarium and verticillium wilt.
- Resistant to various types of root nematodes.
- Excellent resistance to gray leaf spot and bacterial spot.
- It has increased resistance to a whole set of tospoviruses (TSWW, TCSV, GRSV, INSV), viral diseases for which there are currently no treatments.
The Diabolic tomato is also characterized by good development and fruit set at both low and high temperatures.
Fruit characteristics
The tomatoes of this hybrid have the following characteristics:
- The shape of tomatoes is elliptical, popularly called simply cream, although under some conditions it can be classified as pepper-shaped.
- Unripe fruits are characterized by a light green color; at the stage of full ripeness, tomatoes acquire a standard red color.
- The stalk does not have a green spot even at the stage of technical maturity.
- Diabolic tomatoes have very dense pulp and smooth and fairly durable skin. The dry matter content is 5.0-7.2%.
- There are not many seeds inside the fruits - there are about 2-3 nests.
- In terms of size, Diabolik tomatoes are also a classic cream - the average weight of one fruit is 100 grams. Some especially large specimens of fruits in the lower parts of the hands grow up to 130-140 grams.
- The fruits can be stored well on the hands for a long time.
- The taste can be called good, although it may lack sweetness. In terms of total sugar content, it is average - 3.0-3.9% of the total weight of the fruit.
- Diabolik tomatoes can also be used for salads, but they are also excellent for use in various canned foods - pickles, marinades and other preparations. Due to the dense pulp, they will keep their shape well even when cut. Also, tomatoes of this hybrid are perfect for drying and withering.
- Diabolik tomatoes are well preserved and tolerate transportation well.
Together with high yield and excellent disease resistance, Diabolik is an excellent, very promising hybrid for industrial cultivation.
Features of care
It makes sense to sow Diabolic tomato seedlings from the beginning of March. Even in March, before the first true leaves appear, seedlings definitely need additional lighting for at least 12 hours a day. It makes more sense to sow tomato seeds in small bowls, so that later you can plant them in separate pots. Tomato seedlings are good at picking and transplanting.
If you use fresh fertile soil to grow seedlings, it is not necessary to feed them before planting them in a permanent place. The most important thing is to provide young tomato plants with maximum light, moderate heat and moderate watering without waterlogging.
During the entire growing season, three feedings are necessary: before, after flowering, and during fruit filling. Otherwise, caring for Diabolic tomatoes is fundamentally no different from caring for other tomatoes.
Reviews from gardeners
The tomato hybrid Diabolik evokes positive reviews from most gardeners - people like the tomato’s resistance to disease, ease of cultivation and high yield.
Conclusion
Take a closer look at the Diabolic tomato if you are tired of fighting numerous diseases and pests of vegetables. It will not require any processing, and you will be satisfied with a good harvest of healthy, chemical-free vegetables.
