Tomato growers are often worried when they observe the sudden drop of flowers before they turn into fruits, also known as flower drop. This can happen due to various reasons, including unfavorable environmental conditions like high temperatures and humidity. However, tomato growers do not need to panic as there are a few methods to prevent and control flower drop in their crops.
To control flower drop, tomato growers should monitor the environmental conditions in their fields. High temperatures and high humidity during flowering can cause flower drop in tomato plants. Ideally, tomato plants prefer temperatures between 21 to 24 Celsius degrees. So, growers should manage the environmental temperature and humidity by providing proper ventilation and proper plant spacing to have good air circulation. They should also avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers during the flowering period as they can cause rapid vegetative growth and reduce the plant’s capacity to hold fruits.
Another way to control flower drop is to ensure that the plants have adequate access to water. The lack of water, especially during the flowering period, can cause flower drop. Tomato plants must have consistent soil moisture levels, making irrigation management a crucial aspect of tomato farming. Growers should irrigate in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent water stress during hot weather conditions. It is also a good practice to mulch the soil surrounding the plants with organic materials that help in retaining soil moisture.
Furthermore, growers should consider applying plant growth regulators (PGRs) to control flower drop in their tomato crops. Synthetic PGRs, such as gibberellic acid, are known to regulate plant growth and increase fruit set in tomato plants. Yet, growers need to carefully time their application based on the tomato growth stage to prevent any adverse effects on yield.
Finally, growers should choose tomato cultivars designed to resist flower drop. Some tomato varieties are more successful in their fruit set, even under stress conditions like high temperatures or lack of water. Consult with a seed supplier to find the best tomato variety for a particular location.
In conclusion, controlling flower drop in tomato crops requires proper environmental monitoring, irrigation, and fertilization management, the application of PGRs, and the selection of suitable tomato varieties. Implementing these practices can help control flower drop and produce an excellent tomato yield.