What could be more common than tomatoes? Yet behind the product - of which there are many different varieties - there is the extensive hard work of research. Italy's L'Ortolano has also been investing in tomato breeding for years now.
"For us, the tomato represents an important segment, and our research has followed two directions that converge into one goal," says Gaetano Biavati of the technical team. "The first direction is that of quality, with good palatability as a basic requirement. We also look for varieties that can adapt to different growing areas and methods. The varieties must be productive and demanded by the market for their quality."
Califfo F1 (SAT 20004), a hybrid, is a large round tomato suitable
for both greenhouse and outdoor cultivation in Italy. The fruit is spherical and regular, with a diameter of about 12 cm and excellent resistance to bursting. The average weight is 450 grams. The color changes from light green to intense bright red, with no physiopathy. Only a very small scar from the fruit stem is visible. The flesh is tasty and consistent, with excellent shelf life. The plant has an early fruit set and is very prolific, yet the fruits remain uniform. Resistances: [HR]: Fol:0-1/Va/Vd/For (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Radicis-lycopersici).
Colosseo F1, a hybrid, can be picked singly or in clusters. It is suitable for growing in the greenhouse or outdoors. The fruit is spherical, and the shoulder is slightly green but red when fully ripe. The tomato weighs between 350 and 400 grams. Even when fully ripe, the tomato is consistent. The cells are well filled, and the flavor is among the best in the range, characteristics that make it ideal as a "rice tomato," i.e., as a basic ingredient when preparing tomatoes in the oven filled with flavored rice. The plant is vigorous and compact, has good leaf coverage, and is very fertile. Its destination is the fresh market. Resistances: [IR]: TYLCV/Mi/Ma/Mj - [HR]: ToMV/Fol:0-1/Va/Vd/For/Pf: A-E.
Left Colosseo F1, right Eduardo F1
Eduardo F1, a hybrid, is of the San Marzano type with cylindrical fruits. It is 12 cm long, 5 cm in diameter, and weighs 130-140 grams on average. It is consistent, intensely bright red, and has full and juicy flesh. It has excellent tolerance to apical rot. The tomato is ideal for fresh consumption but also for processing as a peeled tomato or in passata. The plant is very well-balanced and has good vigor and good leaf coverage. This early tomato is very productive and is suitable for growing in the greenhouse as well as outdoors. Resistances: [HR]: ToMV/Fol 0.1/Ve-Vd.
Fellini F1 is an oval tomato for greenhouse or outdoor cultivation. It has good vigor and leaf coverage and is very fertile. The tomato has a length of 8 cm, a diameter of 5 cm, and weighs 120 grams on average. It is recommended to harvest when the color starts to change. The fruits can be picked either singly or in bunches. Internally, the fruit is well-fleshed, and the walls are firm. Resistances: [IR]: TSWV - [HR]: Fol:1-2/Va/Vd/Mi/Ma/Mj.
Giove F1 (pictured below), a hybrid, is a vine tomato that can be grown in the greenhouse and outdoors. The fruit is round and smooth, shiny red in color, and weighs 120 grams. The cluster is very attractive, the quality is highly appreciated, and the consistency after harvest is excellent. The plant is vigorous and has good leaf coverage. Flowering is uniform, and abundant and fruiting ability is remarkable. Its destination is the fresh market. Resistances: [IR]: TYLCV - [HR]: ToMV/Fol:0-1/Va/Vd/For.
Giove F1
Lanterna F1 (pictured below), a hybrid, is an oxheart tomato that can be grown both in the greenhouse and outdoors. The fruit weighs 300-350 grams, its size is uniform, and its consistency is good. Shape and flavor correspond to the Ligurian ecotype. The plant is rustic, of medium vigor, and has good leaf coverage. Excellent variety for fresh consumption. Resistances: [HR]: ToMV/Fol:0-1/Va/Vd - [IR]: TSWV.
Lanterna F1
Silvano F1 (pictured below), a hybrid, is a Pera di Abruzzo-type tomato. It is a mid-early tomato that can be grown in the greenhouse and outdoors.
Silvano F1
The fruit is typically pear-shaped with a shoulder that is almost completely absorbed when ripe. The flesh is bright red, and the flavor is very intense and pleasant. The tomato weighs 350 grams. The plant is vigorous, very fertile, and has good leaf coverage. Resistances: [HR]: ToMV 2/Va/Vd/ - [IR]: TSWV.
For more information: 
L'ORTOLANO srl
Semencoop Professional
via Calcinaro, 2425
47521 Cesena (FC) Italy
+39 0547 381835
ufficio-tecnico@lortolano.com
www.lortolano.com