When tomatoes crack in the greenhouse, any gardener wants to fix it as soon as possible. First of all, it is necessary to identify the cause of such an unpleasant phenomenon. It happens that it is caused by an improperly selected variety, sometimes it is a matter of care, and in some cases, ruptured fruits indicate an infection of plants.
Content
The reasons why tomatoes crack in the greenhouse when ripening
Bursting tomatoes lose their appeal and presentation. In addition, bacteria, dust and viruses enter the fetus through cracks. The reasons why tomatoes burst:
- variety with too thin skin;
- illnesses;
- lack of moisture;
- sudden changes in temperature and humidity;
- excessive irrigation of tomatoes when they have already begun to blush or in hot weather;
- lack of nutrients during the formation of fruits.
At the first detection of cracks, tomatoes must be removed from the branch and carried away from the greenhouse. It is important to use such fruits immediately (in salads, lecho and other preparations) - they cannot be stored.
Watering the bushes
Care for tomatoes involves proper watering. The soil should be fertilized often, but in small portions. Rare and plentiful watering in hot weather is especially destructive. The bushes draw in all the moisture, which is why the fruits swell faster than the skin grows. Accordingly, cracks form on the surface. In hot weather, plants are watered in the evening, every 3 days. During the day, the greenhouse must be aired.
Both ripe fruits and green ones can crack. Therefore, watering is carried out regularly at all stages of plant growth.
Optimal climate in the greenhouse
In the summer, it can be very hot in glass and plastic constructions. In an enclosed space, the temperature can reach 50 degrees. This is important to avoid. Too high a temperature promotes wilting of plants, inhibits the development of fruits and makes the skin more vulnerable to cracking.
To maintain a favorable microclimate, the greenhouse must be ventilated by opening doors or vents in opposite walls.
In hot weather, the greenhouse can be covered with a light cloth to prevent a sharp drop in day and night temperatures.
Fertilizers, nutrients
To make the bushes grow healthy and hardy, you should pay attention to top dressing. Potassium and nitrogen supplements are best added as a solution every 2 weeks.
To the cracking of the fruit can lead to both excess and lack of nitrogen preparations. However, most gardeners agree that tomatoes burst precisely because of insufficient fertilizer and a lack of vital elements.
Leaf removal, pinching, pinching
When a sufficient number of ovaries has formed on the bush, pinch the bushes to stop growth. It is also recommended to remove stepsons and excess leaves in a timely manner. These procedures contribute to the direction of nutrients mainly to the fruit (the plant spends energy on the growth and development of leaves).
However, some experts argue that pinching and tearing leaves helps cracking tomatoes. Moisture, which was supposed to go into the leaves or stem, is sent to the fruits and causes them to grow sharply. Therefore, no more than three leaves are removed from the bush weekly.
Tomato Disease
Fungal disease Fusarium causes drying of leaves and cracking of tomatoes. Treatment is carried out using special drugs. The following diseases also lead to cracks: alternariosis, rot, late blight.
The danger of cracking tomatoes
Cracks in the skin do not look aesthetically pleasing. Such vegetables lose their presentation. But the main danger is that access to all infections and viruses is opened. Most often, bursting places are quickly pulled by a brown cloth and the tomatoes continue to grow and mature further. However, the prevention of cracking cannot be neglected.
How to prevent tomato cracking - prevention
Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology helps to grow crops without cracks. Key recommendations:
- regularly ventilate;
- avoid waterlogged soil and air;
- timely feed plantings;
- to plant bushes moderately;
- it is important to control the temperature regime;
- to prevent disease.
Fertilizers must be applied in the form of a weakly concentrated solution.
Varieties of tomatoes not prone to cracking
Many varieties are resistant to cracking even with unstable care and microclimate. Especially often, hybrid varieties with juicy pulp and very thin peel burst. Varieties not prone to cracking:
- Favorite.
- Centaur.
- Vasilevna.
- Bohemia A.
- Grushovka.
- The honey is pink.
- Lady fingers.
- Vladimir F1.
- Rio Grand, etc.
Expert Advice
Experts recommend carefully selecting varieties for cultivation in their region, and also observe the following rules:
- clean the greenhouse in the fall, do not leave plant debris, carry out disinfection;
- plant potatoes and other nightshade away from the greenhouse with tomatoes;
- apply chemicals to fight diseases strictly in accordance with the instructions;
- periodically review the bushes for signs of illness or a lack of trace elements;
- mulch the soil around the bushes with mowed grass or sawdust.
Conclusion
Growing tomatoes, I want to get a healthy and beautiful crop. It is important to choose the "right" variety, suitable for climatic conditions and their capabilities. Also, do not neglect prevention and proper care. Observing the basic recommendations for watering and fertilizing, in many cases it will be possible to avoid the appearance of bursting tomatoes.
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