History and Origin of the Variety
Origin Historical
This variety familiar heirloom has their origins in Virginia Western, States Joined. Was preserved by Carl Aker of Pennsylvania, a enthusiastic specialist in tomatoes that from 1993 HE dedicated to rehabilitate old tomato varieties by sharing his findings with Craig LeHoullier. In 1996, Carl Aker shipment to Craig LeHoullier nails seeds labeled simply as "West Virginia". Craig added the designation "Aker's" for distinguish it of others varieties with he same name geographical.
Curiosities of the Variety
Denomination historical : He name original was simply "West Virginia", being Craig LeHoullier who added "Aker's" in honor to the preservative of the variety
Appearance in catalogs : Appeared by first time in he Yearbook of Seed Savers Exchange of 1997
Recognition literary : Is a of the 100 varieties heirloom cited in he book "100 Heirloom Tomatoes for the American Garden" of the Dr. Carolyn Male
Heritage genetic : Represents a valuable heritage genetic of the varieties traditional American families
Feature unique : The fruits No develop shoulders greens as others tomatoes reds during its maturation
Favorite of the expert : Craig LeHoullier the considers a of their best varieties red for consistency and flavor
Importance Cultural
This variety is a testimony alive of the tradition horticultural familiar American and represents the importance of the conservation of varieties locals traditional. His preservation by Carl Aker and later popularization by Craig LeHoullier exemplifies he worth of the exchange of seeds among dedicated collectors.
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DESCRIPTORS OF THE PLANT
Feature
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Assessment for "Aker's West Virginia"
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Shape of the fruit
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Round to oblate - Slightly crushed
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Weight of the fruit
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Big (280-500 g)
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Fruit diameter
|
Large (8-10 cm)
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Color of unripe fruit
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Green
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Color of ripe fruit
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Red scarlet without shoulders greens
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Color intensity
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Intense
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Color uniformity
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Uniform
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Presence of green shoulders
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Absent
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Shape of the shoulder
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Normal
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Smoothness of the surface
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Mostly smooth
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Presence of ribs
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Light folds
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Fruit shine
|
Bright
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Chalice scar
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Large with corky depression
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Pistil scar
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Linear
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Number of locules
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4-6
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Distribution of locules
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Regular
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Thickness of the walls
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Thick (>6 mm)
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Firmness of the pulp
|
Firm
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Color of the pulp
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Red
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Amount of juice
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Very juicy
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Quantity of seeds
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Moderate (50-100)
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6. CHARACTERISTICS AGRONOMIC
Feature
|
Assessment for "Aker's West Virginia"
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Days to bloom
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Medium (65-75 )
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Days to harvest
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Medium-late (85-90 days from transplant)
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Performance by plant
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High (4-7 kg)
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Number of fruits per plant
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Medium (15-25 )
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Concentration from the harvest
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Staggered
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Tolerance to the heat
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Tolerant
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Tolerance to the cold
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Moderately tolerant
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Low light adaptation
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Regular
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7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES
Pathogen/Pest
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Assessment for "Aker's West Virginia"
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Alternaria (Alternaria solani)
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Moderately resistant
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Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum)
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Moderately resistant
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Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae)
|
Moderately resistant
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Mildew (Phytophthora infestans)
|
Susceptible
|
Wilting bacterial (Ralstonia solanacearum)
|
Susceptible
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Freckle bacterial (Pseudomonas syringae)
|
Susceptible
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Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV)
|
Susceptible
|
Yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV)
|
Susceptible
|
Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)
|
Susceptible
|
Trips (Thrips tobacco)
|
Susceptible
|
Aphids
|
Susceptible
|
Cracking
|
Resistant
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CHARACTERISTICS SPECIALS OF THE VARIETY "AKER'S WEST VIRGINIA"
Attributes Highlights:
Flavor exceptional : Considered of flavor "old-fashioned" (traditional) good balanced with touch of acidity and sweetness
Absence of shoulders greens : Feature unique between tomatoes reds, No develops green shoulders during ripening
Considerable size : Beefsteak-type fruits of 280-500 grams, ideal for sandwiches
Superior texture : Firm, juicy, fleshy pulp with excellent consistency
High productivity : Compact but vigorous plants that produce abundant fruits
Cracking resistance : Remarkable resistance to fruit cracking and splitting
Consistency : Recognized for its year-over-year consistency in production and quality
Limitations:
Growth compact : Although indeterminate, reaches only 120-150 cm, minor that other indeterminate varieties
Late ripening : Requires 85-90 days for full ripening
Standard Sensitivity : Susceptible to common tomato diseases
Support requirements : Needs support due to the weight of the fruit
Production concentrated : The bunches floral are further together that in varieties typical indeterminates
Uses Recommended:
Consumption in cool : Excellent for sandwiches due to his size and texture firm
Slicing tomato : Ideal for thick slices due to its size and consistency
Gourmet salads : Perfect for special salads due to its balanced flavor
Local markets : Highly appreciated in markets for its traditional appearance and flavor
Conservation of seeds : Variety of pollination open, perfect for keep seeds and preserve genetic diversity
Family Gardens : Ideal for horticulturists looking for traditional flavor and
high productivity
Data based in sources specialized in varieties heirloom and experiences of Producers specializing in heritage tomatoes, including Craig LeHoullier and Dr. Carolyn Male