Tree tomato for enhancing farmers' livelihood in Uttarakhand Hills

Abstract

The tree tomato or tamarillo (egg-shaped fruits) is a native of the Andes hills of Peru and Argentina. It belongs to the nightshade (Solanaceae) family and the genus Cyphomandra contains about 30 species. Its botanical name is Cyphomandra betacea Sendt. The plant is a fast-growing, evergreen small tree or semi-woody shrub growing up to 5 m. The first or second year after transplanting, tree-tomato plants begin to bear fruit. Tree tomato cultivation has a lot of potential in the hill. Tree tomatoes may be cultivated in different regions of Uttarakhand like Almora, Bhowali, Bhimtal, Nainital, Mukteshwar, Lamgara, and Pithoragarh because it can readily fruit in greenhouses, and tree tomato production can help hill farmers boost their income.