Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) productivity in eastern Tanzania, mainly in the coastal belt, is low due to drought, excessive heat, declining soil fertility, pests and diseases, and low genetic potential of available varieties. Stress-tolerant cultivars adapted to environmental conditions in the region can increase productivity. Field experiments were conducted at Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute and five onfarm sites in Kinondoni and Bagamoyo districts during the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons to evaluate performance and adaptability of tomato varieties. 'Tengeru 97' and 'Meru' were the most promising varieties based on tolerance to nematodes, good fruit characteristics, and high market acceptability, but were susceptible to early blight. 'LBR-6' and 'LBR-ll,' which are early blight resistant, were rated excellent for taste and had high market acceptability, but were susceptible to nematodes. Further testing of these varieties in disease hot spots along with integrated pest management strategies that focus on nematodes and early blight should be pursued. To increase production and quality of tomatoes in eastern Tanzania, plant breeders must develop and introduce varieties that are heat tolerant, resistant to nematodes, fusarium wilt, early blight, bacterial wilt and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus.
