Oct 7, 2024

Purdue research aims to improve tomato farming nationwide

Indiana ranks third in the U.S. for tomato production, and Purdue University’s Tomato Organic Management and Improvement (TOMI) project is working to boost that ranking. Purdue professor Lori Hoagland recently secured a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to continue TOMI, now in its third phase.

Hoagland’s research focuses on helping farmers manage foliar diseases, such as early blight and Septoria leaf spot, and improving soil health through organic practices. Her team collaborates with universities and organizations nationwide to share research and adapt strategies to regional farming challenges.

“We worked with a team across the United States with expertise in organic farming and tomato breeding to overcome these challenges,” said Hoagland, professor of horticulture and landscape architecture.

The new phase of TOMI includes breeding disease-resistant tomatoes and developing tools to help farmers use research data for better decision-making. On-farm trials will test new tomato varieties and biocontrol agents to combat pathogens naturally. Hoagland and her team aim to support more growers through outreach efforts, including seminars and publications.

The project highlights Indiana’s role in sustainable tomato farming while looking to expand its impact nationally.