Tomato production in off‐season: Assessment of the influence of transplanting dates on virus incidence and yield in Benin

Abstract Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L. 1753) production in South Benin faces significant challenges during the off‐season primarily due to the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) transmitted by whiteflies ( Bemisia tabaci ). This study investigates the impact of four different transplanting dates on TYLCV incidence and the productivity of three tomato varieties (PADMA, PLATINUM, and TOUNVI) during the off‐season in southern Benin. The experiment was conducted over two off‐season periods (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) at the Agonkanmey station, with transplanting dates in November, December, January, and February. Climatic conditions during the study were characterized by low rainfall (<140 mm) and high relative humidity (up to 100%). The severity of TYLCV varied significantly among transplanting dates and varieties, with the highest severity observed in December and January transplants, while November and February transplants showed lower severity. Growth parameters, including plant height and the number of branches, were significantly influenced by transplanting dates and varieties, with better growth observed in November and February. December and January transplanting dates resulted in poorer growth and lower yields across all varieties. The yield analysis indicated that PADMA and TOUNVI varieties performed best when transplanted in February, with yields of up to 7.46 t/ha for TOUNVI in the 2019–2020 season. The study concludes that strategic transplanting in November and February can optimize tomato yields and minimize TYLCV impact, suggesting that proper scheduling of planting dates could enhance tomato availability and reduce the need for imports during the off‐season.