tomato split stem - Ask Extension
Hi, can you give me your advice re these tomatoe split stems which are cultivated in soil and I don't heat the greenhouse. Thanks. Joe from malta
Knowledgebase
tomato split stem #164674
Asked January 20, 2014, 3:43 PM EST
Hi, can you give me your advice re these tomatoe split stems which are cultivated in soil and I don't heat the greenhouse. Thanks. Joe from malta
County Outside United States
Expert Response
Dear Joe,
From the photos it is hard to tell whether this is one plant or several. There does not seem to be any other signs of disease (yellowing leaves, dead tissue, etc.) so I would guess the damage was caused by physical factors.
Weight and wind can cause cracking, so it is importanat to support all of the heavy side branches as the plant grows.
Sudden changes in moisture levels and temperatures can also cause cracks in the stalks and the fruit.. Try to water deeply and evenly when the top half-inch of soil has dried out. If the temperatures in the green house fluctuate, try to keep it steady by ventilating during the heat of the day, and covering the plants with a floating row cloth at night.
I hope this helps.
From the photos it is hard to tell whether this is one plant or several. There does not seem to be any other signs of disease (yellowing leaves, dead tissue, etc.) so I would guess the damage was caused by physical factors.
Weight and wind can cause cracking, so it is importanat to support all of the heavy side branches as the plant grows.
Sudden changes in moisture levels and temperatures can also cause cracks in the stalks and the fruit.. Try to water deeply and evenly when the top half-inch of soil has dried out. If the temperatures in the green house fluctuate, try to keep it steady by ventilating during the heat of the day, and covering the plants with a floating row cloth at night.
I hope this helps.
Thanks for your prompt reply joe
