Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Black Red Boar"
Infinite Seeds Association
We curate, preserve, and reproduce a collection of 1,700 heirloom tomato varieties for public use. We work to prevent genetic erosion.
History and Origin of the Variety
Historical Origin
Black Red Boar is an exceptional heirloom variety developed by renowned breeder Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms in Napa Valley, California. This variety originated in Brad Gates' experimental fields around 2005-2007, when it emerged as a result of a stabilized cross between dark-hued tomato varieties from his breeding program. The variety is part of Wild Boar Farms' iconic "Boar" series, characterized by deep colors and intense flavors.
The name "Black Red Boar" reflects both the fruit's distinctive coloration and its connection to the Wild Boar Farms brand. The name "Black Red" perfectly describes the fruit's unique color transition, which combines deep black-purple hues with intense red undertones. This variety represents the evolution of Brad Gates' work in developing tomatoes with dark and complex coloring, setting new standards in the "black" tomato category.
Curiosities of Variety
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Member of the Boar Series : Part of the prestigious Wild Boar Farms variety collection
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Gradual development : Result of several years of selection and stabilization (2005-2007)
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Evolutionary color : Pioneer in the black-red combination with chromatic transitions
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Intense flavor : Known for its complex and deep flavor profile
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Growing popularity : Has gained recognition among specialized collectors
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Stable genetics : Fully stabilized variety with consistent characteristics
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Climatic versatility : Adapted to diverse growing conditions
Cultural Importance
Black Red Boar represents the evolution of Brad Gates' work in developing dark-colored tomatoes, demonstrating how innovation can create varieties that combine exceptional visual beauty with extraordinary flavor. This variety symbolizes the pursuit of perfection in heirloom tomatoes, where each fruit is an expression of natural art. Its development marks a milestone in the understanding of tomato color genetics, opening up new possibilities for future varieties. The variety embodies Wild Boar Farms' philosophy of creating tomatoes that defy conventional expectations in both appearance and flavor.
1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Black Red Boar" |
| Type of growth |
Indeterminate |
| Growth habit |
Erect and vigorous |
| Plant height |
Tall (180-220 cm) |
| Plant vigor |
Very strong |
| Color of young stem |
Green with anthocyanins |
| Pubescence of the stem |
Present |
| Hair density |
Medium-high |
| Leaf type |
Regular (not potato type) |
| Leaf color |
Dark green with purple tones |
| Leaflet shape |
Regular (normal sheet) |
| Leaflet edge |
Jagged |
| Leaf pubescence |
Present |
3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Black Red Boar" |
| Fruit shape |
Oblate - Lightly ribbed beefsteak |
| Fruit weight |
Large (280-500 g) |
| Fruit diameter |
Large (11-13 cm) |
| Color of unripe fruit |
Dark green with purple shoulders |
| Color of ripe fruit |
Black-purple with a deep red base |
| Color intensity |
Very intense |
| Color uniformity |
Distinctive black-red gradient |
| Presence of green shoulders |
Present (dark green-purple) |
| Shoulder shape |
Dark radiant from the chalice |
| Surface smoothness |
Smooth with slight grooves |
| Presence of ribs |
Slightly ribbed |
| Fruit shine |
Satin matte |
| Chalice scar |
Average |
| Pistil scar |
Small |
| Number of locules |
4-6 |
| Distribution of locules |
Regular |
| Thickness of the walls |
Thick (7-9 mm) |
| Firmness of the pulp |
Firm and fleshy |
| Pulp color |
Dark red with purple veins |
| Amount of juice |
Very juicy |
| Quantity of seeds |
Moderate (40-60) |
6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Black Red Boar" |
| Days to flowering |
Medium (70-80) |
| Days to harvest |
Medium-late (80-90 days from transplant) |
| Yield per plant |
Tall (5-7 kg) |
| Number of fruits per plant |
Medium-high (12-20) |
| Harvest concentration |
Staggered (mid to late season) |
| Heat tolerance |
Excellent |
| Cold tolerance |
Moderate |
| Low light adaptation |
Good |
| Recommended spacing |
60-70 cm between plants |
7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES
| Pathogen/Pest |
Evaluation for "Black Red Boar" |
| Alternaria (Alternaria solani) |
Moderately resistant |
| Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum) |
Resistant |
| Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae) |
Moderately resistant |
| Mildew (Phytophthora infestans) |
Susceptible |
| Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) |
Susceptible |
| Bacterial freckle (Pseudomonas syringae) |
Moderately susceptible |
| Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) |
Susceptible |
| Yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) |
Susceptible |
| Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Trips (Thrips tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Aphids |
Susceptible |
| Cracking |
Resistant |
| Intense heat conditions |
Excellent |
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BLACK RED BOAR" VARIETY
Featured Attributes:
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Unique dramatic coloration : Black-purple to deep red gradient creates an extraordinary visual impact
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Deep complex flavor : Rich, sweet flavor with earthy notes and balanced acidity characteristic of dark tomatoes
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Intense juicy flesh : Dark red pulp with purple veins that maintains the interior chromatic intensity
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Wild Boar Farms Creation : Part of Brad Gates' prestigious Boar Series
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Exceptional productivity : Vigorous plants that consistently produce large fruits
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Crack resistance : Excellent fruit integrity even under variable conditions
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Climate adaptability : Especially adapted to conditions of intense heat
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Uniform ripening : Consistent and predictable color development
Limitations:
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Specialist Availability : Mainly available through suppliers specializing in Wild Boar varieties
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Disease Sensitivity : Requires preventative management for common pathogens
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Seasonal variability : Color intensity may vary with extreme temperature conditions
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Premium price : Seeds and plants have a high cost due to their prestige and origin.
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Ripening time : Requires a full season to fully express its characteristics
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Confusion with imitations : There are similar varieties that can be confused with the original
Recommended Uses:
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Gourmet gastronomy : Perfect for restaurants looking for visually stunning ingredients and unique flavors
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Culinary photography : Ideal for food photography due to its dramatic and unique coloration
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Specialty Markets : Great for farmers markets and gourmet stores
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Elite Collectibles : A must for collectors of Wild Boar Farms and dark tomato varieties
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Signature Salads : Perfect for gourmet salads where each ingredient is carefully selected
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Genetic Conservation : It is important to preserve this innovation by Brad Gates for future generations.
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Breeding Education : Excellent example of modern heirloom variety development
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Demonstration gardens : Perfect for showcasing the color diversity in heirloom tomatoes
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Molecular gastronomy : Highly appreciated by avant-garde chefs who explore unique textures and colors
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Taste competitions : Ideal for competitions specializing in dark-colored varieties
Data based on Wild Boar Farms documentation, specialty grower records, information from the Experimental Farm Network, heirloom tomato collector testimonials, and dark tomato varietal characterization files.
