Tomato Plant Grades and Standards

  1. U.S. No. 1 consists of tomato plants of similar varietal characteristics which are fairly fresh, strong, and unbroken. The stems shall be fairly straight, firm, but not soft, or woody. The tops shall be leafy, and of normal color. The length of the main tap root shall be not less than 1-3/4 inches.

a. The plants shall be free from decay, early blight (Alternaria solani), and bacterial canker (Phytomonas michiganensis), and from damage caused by other diseases, freezing, heating, foreign material, insects, mechanical or other means.

b. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of the stem of each plant shall be not less than 3/16 inch and the length of the stem shall be not less than 6 inches nor more than 9 inches. (See §51.4506.).

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: