Cluster-shaped oval tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum)

Common name: Oval Tomato Scientific name: Solanum lycopersicum Also known as: Bandoora – Otaah The oval tomato plant belongs to the nightshade family, its leaves are large and green, its stems are highly branched, and it produces the well-known red fruits. • Flower of the oval tomato: Its small yellow flowers bloom in spring. • Fruit and seeds of the oval tomato: Its medium-sized, red fruits are sweet-tasting and oval-shaped, containing small dark brown seeds inside. • Season for germinating the oval tomato: Planted at the beginning of spring. • Suitable climate and soil for growing the oval tomato: It needs a warm, moderate climate, with an optimal temperature range of 15-30°C, and growth stops if the temperature drops below 10°C. It thrives in various types of soil from sandy to heavy clay, provided it is free from nematodes and wilt diseases, well-drained, and can tolerate salinity up to 2.5 EC, producing a good crop. Yield decreases gradually as salinity increases beyond that. It is sensitive to frost and drought, and should be watered regularly. • Method of cultivating the oval tomato: Propagated by seeds planted at a depth of 1 cm from the soil surface, and can be fertilized with organic fertilizer at least once to accelerate growth and development. It can also be propagated through seedlings. • Benefits and uses: Used for eating fresh in salads, and has multiple health benefits. • Native origin of the oval tomato: South America, from where it spread throughout the world.