Namdhari NS 526 F1 Hybrid Tomato Seeds – Deep Red Flat Round Tomato

Namdhari NS 526 F1 Hybrid Tomato Seeds

Namdhari NS 526 is an F1 Hybrid Tomato variety developed for commercial tomato cultivation. It has a determinate plant habit and produces attractive, firm and marketable tomatoes suitable for fresh vegetable markets.

The fruits develop a characteristic green shoulder during the immature stage and turn deep red at maturity. Fruits are flat round in shape and generally weigh approximately 110–120 grams under suitable growing conditions.

NS 526 is characterized by excellent fruit firmness, which is useful for handling, grading and transportation. The variety is recommended for Kharif and Rabi cultivation according to Namdhari's variety information.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• F1 Hybrid Tomato: Quality hybrid suitable for commercial tomato farming.
• Determinate Plant Habit: Plants have a defined and manageable growth habit suitable for organized field cultivation.
• Deep Red Fruits: Mature tomatoes develop an attractive deep red colour with strong fresh-market appeal.
• Green Shoulder: Developing fruits show a characteristic green shoulder.
• Flat-Round Shape: Produces attractive flat-round tomatoes suitable for fresh vegetable markets.
• 110–120 Gram Fruit Weight: Fruits generally attain approximately 110–120 grams under suitable crop conditions.
• Excellent Firmness: Firm fruits support better handling, grading and transportation.
• Kharif & Rabi Suitable: Recommended for cultivation during both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
• Commercial Market Potential: Suitable for local mandi, wholesale and retail tomato markets.

Fruit Characteristics

Plant Characteristics

Namdhari NS 526 develops a determinate plant habit. Determinate tomato plants have comparatively controlled vegetative growth and are well suited to organized commercial field cultivation.

Proper plant spacing, balanced nutrition and regular irrigation help support good foliage, flowering, fruit setting and uniform fruit development.

Benefits of Namdhari NS 526 Tomato

• Commercial F1 hybrid tomato variety.
• Determinate plant growth habit.
• Deep red marketable fruits.
• Attractive green shoulder during fruit development.
• Flat-round fruit shape.
• Approximately 110–120 gram fruit weight.
• Excellent fruit firmness.
• Suitable for Kharif and Rabi cultivation.
• Suitable for local and long-distance fresh-market supply when handled properly.

Recommended Uses

• Commercial tomato farming
• Open-field tomato cultivation
• Fresh vegetable production
• Local mandi supply
• Wholesale vegetable markets
• Retail tomato markets
• Fresh household consumption
• Salads and culinary preparations
• Curries, gravies and sauces

Recommended Growing Seasons

The exact nursery-sowing and transplanting period varies according to state, altitude, rainfall and temperature. Follow the latest season recommendation printed on the original Namdhari NS 526 packet.

Climate Requirements

Tomato performs best under suitable warm conditions with adequate sunlight. Extreme temperatures during flowering may affect pollination and fruit setting.

• Provide good sunlight throughout the crop period.
• Maintain adequate soil moisture.
• Ensure proper field drainage during rainy periods.
• Maintain good air circulation through proper spacing.

Soil Requirements

NS 526 should be grown in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Good soil structure and drainage support healthy root development and crop establishment.

• Select fertile and well-drained soil.
• Avoid fields prone to prolonged waterlogging.
• Incorporate well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost.
• Use soil-test results for accurate nutrient management.

Nursery Preparation

Tomato is generally established by raising seedlings in a nursery before transplanting to the main field.

1. Use healthy seeds from the original Namdhari NS 526 packet.
2. Prepare raised nursery beds or suitable seedling trays.
3. Use clean and well-drained growing media.
4. Sow seeds at a shallow and uniform depth.
5. Cover the seeds lightly with fine growing medium.
6. Maintain adequate moisture during germination.
7. Avoid excessive irrigation and nursery waterlogging.
8. Protect seedlings from nursery pests and diseases.
9. Select healthy, vigorous seedlings for transplanting.

Field Preparation

1. Plough or cultivate the field thoroughly.
2. Remove weeds and old crop residues.
3. Prepare a fine and uniform field.
4. Incorporate well-decomposed organic manure according to local recommendations.
5. Prepare raised beds, ridges or furrows depending on the irrigation system.
6. Ensure proper drainage before transplanting.

Transplanting

Transplant only healthy, vigorous and disease-free seedlings into the prepared main field.

• Carry out transplanting during suitable weather.
• Avoid transplanting weak or stressed seedlings.
• Provide irrigation after transplanting where necessary.
• Replace missing plants early to maintain uniform crop population.

Plant Spacing

Maintain adequate spacing between rows and plants according to local recommendations for determinate hybrid tomatoes.

Proper spacing helps improve:

• Sunlight penetration
• Air circulation
• Flowering and fruit setting
• Spray coverage
• Disease management
• Harvesting convenience

Irrigation Management

• Provide adequate irrigation after transplanting.
• Maintain sufficient soil moisture during crop establishment.
• Ensure adequate moisture during flowering and fruit formation.
• Avoid prolonged drought stress.
• Avoid excessive irrigation and standing water.
• Maintain relatively uniform moisture during fruit development.
• Adjust irrigation according to soil type, rainfall and temperature.

Nutrient Management

Balanced nutrition is important for vegetative growth, flowering, fruit setting, fruit size and overall yield.

• Apply well-decomposed organic manure during field preparation.
• Use soil-test-based fertilizer recommendations.
• Supply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium according to crop requirements.
• Use split nutrient applications where recommended.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen application.
• Correct micronutrient deficiencies based on soil or plant analysis.

Flowering & Fruit Setting

Maintain balanced nutrition and adequate moisture during flowering and fruit-setting stages. Severe temperature stress, moisture imbalance and pest pressure can reduce fruit setting and crop productivity.

Regular crop monitoring is recommended during flowering and fruit development.

TLCV Management

Current market descriptions of NS 526 mention tolerance to Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (TLCV), particularly in commercial cultivation conditions. However, disease tolerance should never be considered complete immunity.

Maintain proper whitefly management, field sanitation and Integrated Pest Management practices to reduce virus pressure.

Cold Tolerance

Current market descriptions also identify NS 526 as having useful tolerance to comparatively cold growing conditions. Actual performance depends on temperature severity, crop stage and overall crop management.

Crop Protection

• Regularly inspect leaves, flowers and fruits.
• Monitor whiteflies, aphids, thrips and other sucking pests.
• Monitor caterpillars and fruit-damaging pests.
• Maintain good field sanitation.
• Remove severely infected plants where appropriate.
• Control weeds that can serve as alternative pest or virus hosts.
• Use monitoring traps where locally recommended.
• Use only crop-protection products registered for tomato.
• Always follow pesticide-label dosage and waiting-period instructions.

Weed Management

• Keep the field relatively weed-free during early crop growth.
• Remove weeds before they strongly compete with tomato plants.
• Use manual, mechanical or suitable mulch-based weed management.
• Use herbicides only where registered and according to the product label.

Maturity & Harvesting

Namdhari's indexed catalogue entry places NS 526 at approximately 65 days maturity. Actual first harvest may vary according to season, transplant age, temperature and crop management.

Harvest fruits at the appropriate colour and maturity stage according to market distance and intended use.

Harvesting Tips

• Harvest marketable fruits regularly.
• Select the appropriate maturity stage for the intended market.
• Handle fruits carefully to avoid bruising.
• Avoid damaging branches during picking.
• Separate cracked, diseased or damaged tomatoes.
• Grade fruits according to size, colour and quality.

Post-Harvest Handling

The excellent fruit firmness of NS 526 is useful for commercial handling and transportation when fruits are harvested and packed correctly.

• Keep harvested tomatoes under shade.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to strong sunlight.
• Handle fruits gently to minimize bruising.
• Separate damaged and diseased fruits.
• Grade fruits according to size and maturity.
• Use suitable ventilated crates or packaging during transportation.

Why Choose Namdhari NS 526 F1 Hybrid Tomato?

• F1 Hybrid: Suitable for commercial tomato cultivation.
• Determinate Plant: Organized plant habit for open-field farming.
• Deep Red Fruits: Attractive marketable mature colour.
• Green Shoulder: Characteristic fruit development.
• Flat-Round Shape: Desirable fresh-market fruit type.
• Good Fruit Size: Approximately 110–120 grams.
• Excellent Firmness: Useful for handling and transportation.
• Kharif & Rabi: Recommended for two major cultivation seasons.

Storage Instructions for Seeds

• Store seeds in the original sealed packet.
• Keep in a cool and dry location.
• Protect from direct sunlight, heat and excessive moisture.
• Keep seeds separately from pesticides and fertilizers.
• Keep out of reach of children and animals.
• Use the seeds within the validity period printed on the original packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Namdhari NS 526?

Namdhari NS 526 is an F1 Hybrid Tomato variety developed for commercial tomato cultivation.

What is the plant type of NS 526?

NS 526 has a determinate plant habit.

What is the fruit shape?

The Namdhari catalogue describes NS 526 fruits as flat round.

What is the average fruit weight?

The catalogue lists approximately 110–120 grams per fruit under suitable crop conditions.

What is the ripe fruit colour?

Mature NS 526 fruits develop a deep red colour.

Does NS 526 have a green shoulder?

Yes. The variety is characterized by a green shoulder during fruit development.

How is the fruit firmness?

Namdhari's indexed variety table describes NS 526 fruit firmness as excellent.

What is the maturity period?

The indexed Namdhari catalogue displays the maturity entry as “65–65 days,” which appears to be a formatting error. For practical product content it is safest to state approximately 65 days and verify against the current seed packet.

Which seasons are suitable for NS 526?

The variety is recommended for Kharif and Rabi cultivation.

Is NS 526 tolerant to Tomato Leaf Curl Virus?

Current commercial product descriptions identify NS 526 as having TLCV tolerance. Farmers should still follow proper whitefly and virus-management practices.

Is NS 526 suitable for cold conditions?

Current commercial descriptions also mention tolerance to comparatively cold conditions. Crop performance will still depend on actual temperature and farm management.

Is NS 526 suitable for commercial farming?

Yes. Its determinate growth habit, deep-red fruits, marketable fruit weight and excellent firmness make it suitable for commercial tomato cultivation.

What is the pack size?

A 3000-seed pack is commonly marketed for Namdhari NS 526. Pack size can vary by seller or batch, so always check the seed count or net weight printed on the specific packet being purchased.

Disclaimer

Seed performance, maturity, fruit weight, firmness, disease response and yield may vary depending on climate, soil type, sowing season, irrigation, nutrition, plant population, pest and disease pressure and overall crop-management practices. Always follow the latest specifications and cultivation instructions printed on the original Namdhari NS 526 seed packet.