A plant, two crops: the Pomato, also known as Tomitto, is a surprising horticultural innovation that allows you to obtain tomatoes in the aerial part and potatoes in the ground, taking advantage of the available space to the maximum. This result is obtained through an ancient technique, the graft, applied in a modern way between two related species belonging to the Solanaceae family: Solanum Lycopersicum (tomato) and Solanum Tuberosum (potato).
Even if the concept of combining two crops in one plant dates back to the nineteenth century, it is only since 2013 that its popularity has grown, thanks to the marketing of the firefighter by companies in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Two collected in one
The ancestor represents a creative and concrete response to many challenges of modern urban agriculture. Among its main advantages there is double collection: while the tomatoes ripen in the summer, the potatoes develop slowly underground, allowing to obtain two basic foods from a single plant.
Another strong point is the optimization of space. This plant is ideal for small vegetable gardens, terraces and balconies, where ground and surface are limited. Cultivating both above and under the ground, the Pomato maximizes the yield per square meter.
From a agronomic point of view, the tomato graft on potato roots also improves the resistance of the radical system against diseases transmitted from the ground, making the plant more robust and durable. In addition, the technique reduces the need for chemical treatments, contributing to more sustainable agriculture.
Finally, this system allows a more efficient use of natural resources: less water, less fertilizing and greater food production, in line with the principles of food safety and cultivation in urban environments.
It is not everything perfect: the limits of the boredom and the challenges of the cultivation
Despite its numerous benefits, the cultivation of the Pomato also has critical issues. First of all, the plant must divide its energy resources between the growth of tomatoes and that of potatoes, which can negatively influence the quantity and quality of the harvest.
In addition, different maturation times require careful management: the tomatoes are ready in the summer, while the potatoes mature subsequently, making different care and attention necessary during the vegetative cycle.
It should then be considered that the graft is not an immediate technique for everyone: it requires manual skills, precision and competence, thus being more suitable for expert farmers or those who buy plants already grafted directly.
Despite this, the Pomato is a perfect example of how an ancient agricultural technique can be rethought to face the needs of the present. It represents a combination of innovation and sustainability, offering practical solutions to cultivate more, consuming less space and resources.
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