Rutgers

Rutgers is an open-pollinated dual-purpose tomato cultivar developed in 1934 by Lyman G. Schermerhorn at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Bred from a cross between Marglobe and J.T.D. in cooperation with the Campbell Soup Company, this Solanum lycopersicum heirloom quickly established itself as a leading mid-20th-century commercial canning and fresh-market slicing variety.

The plant features a determinate bush habit that yields smooth, medium-sized oblate red fruits maturing roughly 74 days after transplanting. Notable for ripening uniformly from the inside out, the fruits feature firm, meaty red flesh with a balanced sugar-to-acid ratio suited for fresh slicing, juice, and home canning.

Origin and Genetics

Breeder Lyman G. Schermerhorn developed Rutgers in New Brunswick, New Jersey, officially releasing the cultivar in 1934 through the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station in collaboration with the Campbell Soup Company. Derived from a cross between Marglobe and J.T.D., it was stabilized as an open-pollinated variety to serve the needs of large-scale commercial processors and market gardeners.

Botanical Profile

The variety develops as a compact bush with regular green foliage that forms a dense canopy over the fruit cluster, shielding developing tomatoes from sunscald. The plants produce yellow blossoms followed by medium-sized, oblate fruit with smooth surfaces and minimal ribbing. Maturing fruit turns from green to deep red, supported by medium skin thickness, moderate cracking resistance, and thick-walled, meaty red interior flesh.

Growth and Performance

Classified as a determinate cultivar, Rutgers reaches maturity in approximately 74 days from transplant. Originally selected for concentrated fruit set in field agriculture, it demonstrates high yields of uniform tomatoes alongside moderate tolerance to heat and humidity.

Disease Resistance

Rutgers exhibits documented resistance to Fusarium wilt race 1 (caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici). It was also historically selected for resistance to Alternaria stem canker, reducing losses caused by common stem lesions and blights.

Flavor and Aroma

The sensory profile is defined by a classic tomato aroma and a well-balanced sugar-to-acid ratio. Its structural firmness and traditional flavor profile make it equally suitable for fresh eating and heated culinary preparations.

Cultivation

Rutgers is adaptable to field production and container growing. Optimal development requires full sun, fertile and well-drained soil, and consistent moisture levels. As a stable open-pollinated variety, seed can be saved across growing seasons using standard isolation distances for Solanum lycopersicum.

Culinary Applications

Widely utilized as a dual-purpose selection, Rutgers is well suited for fresh slicing, salads, juice production, and whole-fruit canning. Its thick, firm walls also perform well when processed into sauces or preserved through freezing, though it is not classified as a dedicated paste tomato.