TOMATO TREE 
(Cyphromandra Betacea) 
A sub-tropical shrub belonging to the to- 
mato family, originally discovered growing 
wild in Brazil and Peru, now established in 
New Zealand as a new and very important 
market crop. A most interesting plant 
specimen grown in a large flower pot in the 
home, greenhouse, or may be permanently 
set outdoors in the extreme southern states. 
Grown outdoors, the Tomato Tree attains 
a height of 12 feet and bears for 12 years, 
sometimes as long as 20 years. Large ele- 
phant-ear-like leaves seldom are affected 
by diseases, being limited to mostly cucum- 
ber mosaic and Tomato Tree mosaic, both 
of which are virus diseases which are not 
very important. The trees are pruned and 
trained similar to other orchard culture. 
Cuttings may be taken and re-rooted, in 
which case the growth results in low bushy 
form. Plants started from seed bear light- 
ly in about a year and much heavier 
the second year. Length of fruiting 
season is very extended. Medium 
size, plum-shaped fruits hang in 
clusters. Very firm flesh and tough 
skin allow long distance shipping 
without bruising. The fruits are very 
versatile, for they can be used in 
salads, savory dishes, as a vegetable 
and delicious for desserts. The skin 
is unpalatable and may be easily 
peeled by immersing in boiling water. 
The Tomato Tree makes a very at- 
tractive and interesting specimen for 
the home or greenhouse, especially if 
grown in large flower pots, as shown 
in the photo, and placed in front of 
opaque glass panels at the front door 
entrance, presenting a beautiful 
greeting with their large glossy- 
green leaves. Southern states, hav- 
ing only light frosts, may grow them 
outdoors similar to citrus crops. 
Choice of Tree Strains: 
“RED”—The common standard strain, purplish red fruit, acid flavor. 
“GOLDEN GEM”—A new hybrid recently developed, beautiful golden red 
fruits, mild flavor, light colored seeds. 
“YELLOW”—AMild flavored, yellow flesh, yellow seeds. 
Pkt. 25 seeds, any of the above strains, 50c. No mixed packets or sold less 
than 25 seeds per packet of any strain. 
each packet. 
NEW CHEMICAL CONTROLS DAMP- 
ING OFF IN TOMATO AND VEGE.- 
TABLE PLANTS—An effective method of 
controlling damping-off of tomato and 
vegetable seedlings has been developed at 
the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment 
Station, according to E. M. Stoddard, sta- 
tion plant pathologist. Oxyquinoline com- 
pound is dissolved in water that is used to 
moisten the soil in the seedbeds is the 
chemical that does the job. It is usually 
applied as one of the periodic waterings 
the beds receive in ordinary practice. The 
benzoate and sulphate forms have proven 
Cultural instructions included with 
equally effective. The pure material can be 
dissolved at the rate of one level teaspoon- 
ful to three gallons of water. If a commer- 
cial oxyquinoline preparation is substituted, 
be sure to follow the manufacturer’s direc- 
tions, Stoddard advises. A single applica- 
tion shortly after the seedlings appear is 
sufficient for control. The compound also 
checks damping-off once it is present in 
the seedbed. Experiments show that the 
material is not injurious to vegetable and 
flowering plants, except those of the cruc- 
ifer family, such as cabbage, radishes and 
turnips. 
