As a tomato farmer, one of the things you dread the most is seeing your plants ravaged by a hailstorm. For the uninitiated, a hailstorm can strip the leaves and fruits off your plants, leaving you with damaged crops that may affect your yield and profits.
However, all is not lost, as there’s a way to salvage your crop through spraying. In this article, we’ll explore more about spraying after a hailstorm in your tomato crop.
The first thing you should do after a hailstorm is to assess the damage done to your plants. Take a careful look and identify the parts damaged and the extent of the destruction. If the damage is only light, you may not need to do any spraying, but for severe damage, spraying should be done immediately.
The purpose of spraying after a hailstorm is to help in the healing process and protect the leaves from further damage. The best time to spray is in the evening when the sun has gone down, and the temperature has cooled down to prevent further stress on the damaged plant tissue.
To spray after a hailstorm, use a broad-spectrum fungicide that can help to prevent the growth of fungi on your plants. Ensure that the fungicide you choose is labeled for use on tomatoes, and follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Also, it’s essential to use a spreader-sticker that will help the products to stick to the leaves for maximum coverage. A spreader-sticker will also help to keep the products in place and protect them from being washed off by rain.
In addition to the fungicide, you can also add a foliar fertilizer, which will help to promote new growth in the plant. This growth will help the plant to recover from the damage and produce healthier fruits.
After spraying, it’s essential to monitor your plants closely to see how they respond to the treatment. You can expect to see some new growth in about seven to ten days, and at this point, you can start to apply regular fertilizers to give your plants a boost.
In conclusion, a hailstorm can cause significant damage to your tomato crops, but by using the right products and methods, you can salvage your plants and save your yield. Do not hesitate to seek help from a professional agronomist or extension officer if you have any questions or concerns.