Sof tomato is a local tomato variety of the Solanum lycopersicum species, grown in the Sof Plateau of Şehitkâmil district, Gaziantep province, Türkiye. Registered with a geographical indication designation of origin on December 25, 2023, under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769, the registration was carried out by the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange. Known for its large, segmented structure, soft texture, and high water content, Sof tomato stands out for fresh consumption. When cut in half, its veined structure becomes prominent, and its thin skin and green-to-red color transition give it a distinctive regional appearance.
Geographical Distribution and Ecological Characteristics
Sof tomato is cultivated exclusively within the boundaries of the Sof Plateau, encompassing the neighborhoods of Zülfikar, Öğümsöğüt, Işıklı, Sofalıcı, Yamaçoba, Karadede, and Dımışıklı. Located at an elevation of 1,042–1,234 meters above sea level, the region is shielded from summer and winter winds by the Sof Mountains in the south. This natural barrier prevents frost damage, supporting the healthy development of the tomato.
Product Characteristics
Sof tomato is an early-maturing, bush-type variety. Its fruit is large, segmented, soft-textured, thin-skinned, and highly juicy, with a weight ranging from 180–300 grams. When cut, it reveals a veined structure. Its color transitions from green to red, reaching a full red hue at maturity. The dry matter content ranges from 4.8–5.4%. Due to its short shelf life and low transport durability, it is best suited for fresh consumption.
Production
Sof tomato production uses only seeds sourced from plants grown in the same geographical boundary in the previous season. The process involves two stages:
- Growing seedlings in hotbeds,
- Transplanting seedlings to fields.
Seeds germinate within 10–12 days, are transplanted into bags, and reach 15–20 cm in height after about three weeks, ready for planting. Planting is done in double rows oriented north-south.
Soil preparation begins in autumn with deep plowing, breaking the plow sole, and applying farmyard manure. Before planting, the soil is tilled with a disc harrow. Seedlings are watered, removed from bags, and planted with their roots up to the collar.
Agricultural Practices
- Hoeing: The first hoeing occurs within two weeks of planting to aerate the soil, control weeds, and perform collar filling.
- Irrigation: No irrigation is applied until initial fruit formation. Afterward, furrow or drip irrigation is used every 7–10 days, with increased frequency in July and August.
- Plant Protection: Organic fungicides are applied monthly to combat fungal diseases. If hoeing is insufficient for weed control, chemical measures may be used before and after planting.
- Fertilization: Based on soil analysis, farmyard manure, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium fertilizers are applied.
- Mulching: Pine bark, straw, peat, or plastic mulch is used in summer to suppress weeds and reduce water evaporation.
Harvest and Seed Production
Harvesting spans from the third week of August to mid-October. The first harvest occurs when 60–70% of the fruits are ripe. Tomatoes for distant markets are picked at the pink-red stage, while fully ripe fruits are preferred for local consumption. Harvested tomatoes are carefully detached and placed upside down in crates.
Seeds are obtained from fully ripened, flag-red, well-formed fruits. The tomatoes are dried in shaded areas, and seeds are manually extracted by rubbing. Seeds are stored in cloth bags in cool, dry environments.
Inspection and Protection
Production is monitored by a three-member inspection body coordinated by the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange, including representatives from the Gaziantep Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Şehitkâmil Chamber of Agriculture. Inspections occur at least once a year, with additional checks as needed or upon complaints. Criteria include seed material suitability, adherence to the production method, and cultivation within the geographical boundary.
