New Strategies Boost Tomato Production

Purdue researchers find ways to improve seedling growth and maximize yields in high tunnel systems.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Recent research at Purdue University has identified practical approaches to enhance tomato production, from improving seedling growth in organic growing media to optimizing trellis systems in high tunnel environments. The studies provide actionable insights for growers seeking to boost yields and efficiency.

Why it matters

Healthy tomato transplants are critical for organic vegetable production, but seedling performance can vary widely based on the growing media used. Meanwhile, the choice of trellis system in high tunnels can significantly impact tomato yields and quality. This research aims to help growers make more informed decisions to improve their tomato crops.

The details

The Purdue team found that tomato seedling performance varies across commercially available organic growing media, and that supplemental organic fertilizer can further enhance growth - especially in media that don't contain compost or other nutrient sources. They also discovered that the stake-and-weave trellis method used without pruning can produce higher tomato yields compared to traditional vertical-string supports with pruning, at least under certain plant spacing and harvest duration conditions.

  • The tomato production research was conducted in 2026.

The players

Dr. Maynard

Clinical Engagement Professor of Horticulture at Purdue University, who serves as an extension specialist for vegetable production.

Dr. Wenjing Guan

Clinical Engagement Associate Professor of Horticulture at Purdue University, who serves as an Extension specialist developing and delivering sustainable vegetable and fruit production practices.

Dr. Petrus Langenhoven

Clinical Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Purdue University, who serves as Horticulture and Hydroponics Crop Specialist supporting local and regional food systems.

Dr. Lori Hoagland

Professor of Horticulture at Purdue University, whose research focus in soil microbial ecology supports the continued growth and long-term sustainability of local food systems.

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What they’re saying

“I started the trellising research because various practices are used by growers and it seemed useful to know how they might influence yield. Growers choose tomato trellising systems with numerous considerations in mind. This comparison between systems shows potential effects on tomato yield, size, and marketing grade. I hope it will help tomato growers identify the system that best fits their operation.”

— Dr. Maynard (Mirage News)

“We aim for this research to foster collaboration between scientists, media producers, and farmers to develop nutrient release models that can be incorporated into product specifications, ultimately enabling growers to optimize transplant production practices for their specific operations.”

— Dr. Petrus Langenhoven (Mirage News)

The takeaway

This research provides actionable insights for tomato growers to improve seedling growth and maximize yields through better substrate management and strategic trellis system selection. By implementing these strategies, growers can produce stronger plants, achieve higher tomato production, and use resources more efficiently.