Choosing Tomatoes Resistant to Disease
The production of disease-resistant tomato varieties is one of the main objectives of modern hybrid development programs. While this has been successful to some extent, no single tomato hybrid has yet been developed which is resistant to all diseases. Additionally, resistance does not mean total immunity. Gardeners are urged to select disease-resistant tomatoes which are relevant for their gardens. If tobacco mosaic virus was an issue in past years, it only makes sense to select a variety resistant to this disease. To find disease-resistant tomato varieties, look on the plant label or seed packet for the following codes:
AB – Alternarium BlightA or AS – Alternarium Stem CankerCRR – Corky Root RotEB – Early BlightF – Fusarium Wilt; FF – Fusarium races 1 & 2; FFF – races 1, 2, & 3FOR – Fusarium Crown and Root RotGLS – Gray Leaf SpotLB – Late BlightLM – Leaf MoldN – NematodesPM – Powdery MildewS – Stemphylium Gray Leaf SpotT or TMV – Tobacco Mosaic VirusToMV – Tomato Mosaic VirusTSWV – Tomato Spotted Wilt VirusV – Verticillium Wilt Virus
Disease-Resistant Tomato Varieties
Finding disease-resistant tomatoes isn’t difficult. Look for these popular hybrids, most of which are readily available: Fusarium and Verticillium Resistant Hybrids
Big DaddyEarly GirlPorterhouseRutgersSummer GirlSungoldSuperSauceYellow Pear
Fusarium, Verticillium and Nematode Resistant Hybrids
Better BoyBetter BushBurpee SupersteakItalian IceSweet Seedless
Fusarium, Verticillium, Nematode and Tobacco Mosaic Virus Resistant Hybrids
Big BeefBush Big BoyBush Early GirlCelebrityFourth of JulySuper TastySweet TangerineUmamin
Tomato Spot Wilted Virus Resistant Hybrids
AmeliaCristaPrimo RedRed DefenderSouthern StarTalladega
Blight Resistant Hybrids In recent years, newer varieties of disease-resistant tomato plants have been developed in conjunction with Cornell University. These hybrids have resistance to different stages of blight:
Iron LadyStellarBrandyWiseSummer SweetheartPlum Perfect
