Tomatoes are a widely cultivated vegetable, and their fruits are nutritious and delicious, and can be eaten raw or cooked. In order to obtain high-yielding and high-quality tomatoes, pruning and forking is an indispensable management link. This article will introduce in detail the methods, precautions, and functions of tomato pruning and forking to help growers better manage tomatoes.
First, the method of pruning and forking
1.Single-stem pruning: This method retains only one inflorescence on the main stem, and the rest of the side branches need to be removed. The specific operation is as follows: leave 2-3 leaves above the inflorescence and cut off the side branches with scissors. The single-stem pruning method is suitable for densely planted and indefinitely growing varieties of tomatoes.
2.Double-stem pruning: In addition to the main stem, this method retains the side branches under the first inflorescence. Leave 2-3 leaves on the side branches and cut them off. The double-stem pruning method is suitable for open-field cultivation and early-maturing varieties of tomatoes.
3.Multi-stem pruning method: In addition to the main stem, 2-3 side branches can also be retained. Inflorescences can be left on these lateral branches, but care should be taken to adjust the position of the inflorescences so that they do not shade each other. The multi-stem pruning method is suitable for tomatoes of medium and late maturing varieties.
2. Precautions
1.Timely pruning: Pruning and forking should be carried out on sunny days, avoid operating in rainy days or high temperature periods. This reduces the spread of disease and infection.
2.Tool sterilization: When using pruning scissors, make sure that the tools are clean and sterile. Before each use, it can be disinfected with alcohol or potassium permanganate solution. After trimming an area, the scissors should be cleaned and disinfected in a timely manner.
3.Adjust the angle: When pruning and forking, pay attention to adjusting the angle of the side branches so that they are at an angle of 45-60 degrees from the main stem. This increases the area of the fruit receiving light and improves the quality of the fruit.
4.Moderate fertilization: After pruning and forking, an appropriate amount of fertilizer should be applied in time to promote the growth of plants and the development of fruits. Fertilizer can choose organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer, but pay attention to control the amount and concentration of fertilizer to avoid burning roots or causing fertilizer damage.
5.Pest control: During the pruning and forking process, keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases. Once pests and diseases are found, control measures should be taken in time, such as spraying pesticides or biological control.
6.Harvest at the right time: When tomatoes are ripe, they should be harvested in a timely manner. Care should be taken when harvesting to avoid damage to the fruit. After harvesting, the garden should be cleaned up in time, and the diseased leaves and fruits should be removed to reduce the spread and infection of diseases.
Third, the role of pruning and forking
1.Increase yield: By pruning and forking, the nutrient distribution of the plant can be adjusted, making the plant more robust and improving the yield and quality of the fruit. At the same time, pruning and forking can also increase the ventilation of plants and reduce the occurrence and spread of diseases.
2.Promote fruit development: Through pruning and forking, the morphology and structure of the plant can be adjusted, so that the fruit receives more light and nutrients, which promotes the development of the fruit and improves the quality of the fruit. In addition, pruning and forking can also reduce the waste and consumption of nutrients, so that nutrients can be more concentrated for fruit development.
3.Improve stress resistance: Through pruning and forking, the growth state and nutrient distribution of the plant can be adjusted, making the plant more robust and stress-resistant. Under adversity conditions, such as drought, high temperature, pests and diseases, plants can better adapt to and resist the damage of adversity, and maintain high yield and quality.
4.Improve economic benefits: Through pruning and forking, the yield and quality of fruits can be increased, and the economic benefits of growers can be improved. At the same time, reasonable pruning and forking can also reduce production costs and management difficulties, and reduce unnecessary waste and consumption.
In conclusion, the pruning and forking of tomatoes is a very important management measure. By mastering the correct pruning and forking methods, precautions and functions, growers can better manage tomatoes, improve yield and quality, and increase economic and social benefits.