How to Grow Pusa 992 Tomato
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Pusa 992 Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Pusa 992'
vegetablePusa 992 is an indeterminate hybrid tomato variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), known for its high yield and disease resistance. It produces medium-sized, round red fruits with excellent flavor and is particularly suited to tropical and subtropical climates. This variety is widely grown in India and other warm regions for both fresh market and processing purposes.
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Example Pusa 992 Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pusa 992 Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pusa 992 Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pusa 992 Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical zones 10-11; can be grown year-round in warm climates with proper irrigation
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Get my Pusa 992 Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling (0-4 weeks)
3-4 weeksTiny green seedlings with 2-4 true leaves developing. Very delicate with thin stems.
Maintain 70-75°F (21-24°C) soil temperature. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (12-14 hours daily). Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative (4-8 weeks)
3-4 weeksSturdy transplants 4-6 inches tall with multiple true leaves and developing root systems. Ready for field transplanting.
Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days before transplanting. Transplant into field when 4-6 true leaves are visible. Space appropriately and water well after transplanting.
Flowering (8-12 weeks)
4 weeksPlant becomes bushy with vigorous vine growth. Yellow flowers appear in clusters. First flowers typically appear 5-6 weeks after transplanting.
Provide sturdy stakes or trellising support. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure adequate calcium intake. Maintain consistent watering. Remove lower leaves (bottom 6-8 inches) to improve air circulation and reduce disease.
Fruiting (12-20 weeks)
8 weeksFruit sets and develops rapidly. Green fruits mature to red. Multiple trusses bearing 5-8 fruits each are typical for this high-yield variety.
Continue regular fertilization with emphasis on potassium and phosphorus. Water deeply and consistently—critical for preventing blossom-end rot. Prune excessive foliage to expose fruit to sunlight. Scout for pests and diseases weekly.
Harvest (20+ weeks)
6-12 weeks (continuous)Fully red, firm fruits ready for picking. Plant continues producing throughout season as indeterminate variety.
Harvest at breaker stage (first blush of color) or full red. Handle fruits gently to prevent bruising. Continue watering and fertilizing to maintain productivity. Remove diseased or damaged fruits immediately.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Netting over plants, pheromone traps, regular scouting and removal of infested fruits, botanical insecticides (neem oil), Bt sprays
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Yellow sticky traps, reflective mulches, insecticidal soaps, neem oil spray, release of parasitoid wasps
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Increase humidity through misting, sulfur dust, neem oil, miticide applications if severe
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Remove affected leaves, yellow sticky traps, spinosad spray, reflective mulches
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Improve air circulation by pruning, sulfur dusting, potassium bicarbonate spray, avoid overhead watering
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Remove lower infected leaves, copper fungicide, avoid wetting foliage, space plants for air flow, resistant variety breeding
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Preventive copper or mancozeb spraying, proper drainage, avoid overhead irrigation, remove infected plants immediately
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryPusa 992 produces medium, round red fruits with excellent flavor and firm texture ideal for slicing, salads, and fresh consumption. The balanced sugar and acid content makes it highly palatable. [source]
Processing and cooking
CulinaryThis variety is widely used for tomato paste, sauce, ketchup, and processed products due to consistent red color and good solids content. [source]
Nutritional and antioxidant benefits
MedicinalLike all tomatoes, Pusa 992 is rich in lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support heart health and reduce oxidative stress. [source]
High-yield commercial farming
HouseholdPusa 992 was specifically bred for tropical and subtropical climates with disease resistance, making it economically valuable for small and large-scale commercial growers in India and warm regions. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden ecosystem while improving tomato fruit set. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fruits when they reach full red color at the shoulder; typically begins 70-85 days after transplanting. Pick at breaker stage (first color change) for longer shelf life if shipping. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season. Pusa 992 produces prolifically—continuous harvesting encourages more flowering. Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Early morning harvest yields better quality fruit.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pusa 992 was developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi and is specifically adapted to Indian tropical and subtropical growing conditions, making it one of the most popular tomato varieties in India.
- 🌱 This indeterminate variety can produce 80-100 fruits per plant over an extended season in optimal conditions, making it highly efficient for commercial production.
- 🌱 Pusa 992 demonstrates significantly better disease resistance to common tomato diseases compared to many older varieties, particularly to early blight and leaf curl virus, due to modern hybrid breeding techniques.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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