ABSTRACT
At the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center tropical tomatoes are a major area of research. Several other international agricultural research institutes conduct cropping systems research, which embraces a wide variety of vegetables. Developed countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway have found there is a big payoff from research on a high-value crop like tomatoes. High yield potential is a goal of all tomato-breeding programs, but it deserves added emphasis in developing countries where little or no premium is paid for quality. The most serious disease of tomatoes in the tropics is bacterial wilt. Unlike bacterial and virus diseases, most fungal diseases of the leaves can be controlled by chemicals. Researchers must develop tillage and management practices for optimum tomato production during both the wet and dry seasons in the tropics. In tropical countries, the government can conduct seed production and technology studies that may encourage private enterprises to enter the business.
