Applied research into soil moisture deficit effects on commercial tomato production in northern BC

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The College of New Caledonia and Mackin Creek Farm are collaborating on an applied research project that will help expand their business to include commercial greenhouse tomato production. This project builds off a successful College-led applied research project in central BC that studies optimal tomato varieties and management practices for commercial production. Tomatoes are a high valued crop in northern BC, and represent a substantial economic opportunity for Mackin Creek Farm.One of the key supply-side challenges specific to northern regions of BC is around optimal tomato varieties and planting practices specific to regional climate and environmental conditions. Commercial production of tomatoes requires careful environmental and biological (pathogen) management, and management regimes must incorporate region-specific information. In the face of increased drought events and water restrictions, growers in the BC Interior urgently need scientific information on how to manage water resources while maintaining tomato quality and production. College faculty and students will work with Mackin Creek Farm on a series of experiments test the effect of soil moisture deficit on tomato yields and characteristics such as sugar content. Students involved in this project will learn important skills in environmental sensor operation and data collection, statistical analyses, and the importance developing new horticulture processes and practices.