Spraying for Increasing Flowering in Tomato Crop
Tomatoes are one of the most cultivated crops in the world, with a huge demand from consumers worldwide. However, tomato plants require proper care and management to ensure a good yield. One of the aspects of tomato cultivation is the need for more flowering to produce more fruits. Spraying is a technique that can help increase the flowering in tomato crops.
There are many chemicals available in the market that are helpful in increasing the flowering in tomato crops. One such chemical is Ethephon. Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that can stimulate flowering in the tomato crop. It is a widely used chemical that is readily available in most agrochemical shops.
To use Ethephon, the farmer has to prepare a solution by diluting the chemical in water. The recommended dose of this chemical is 100 mg/liter of water. The solution is then mixed well, and it is sprayed on the tomato plants. It is essential to ensure even coverage of the solution on all the plants.
Another chemical that can be used for increasing flowering in tomato crops is Gibberellic Acid (GA). Gibberellic Acid is a plant hormone that promotes cell elongation and division. It is available in various formulations, including water-soluble and powder form. Gibberellic Acid can be applied as a foliar spray or injected into the soil.
When using Gibberellic Acid, it is essential to follow the recommended dose. The recommended dose is 75 mg/liter of water, and the spray should evenly cover all the plants. It is essential to note that overuse of Gibberellic Acid can have adverse effects on the plant’s growth.
Apart from the chemicals mentioned above, there are other natural ways to increase flowering in tomato crops. One of the natural ways is to use compost tea. Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water. It contains beneficial microorganisms that can stimulate plant growth and flowering.
To make compost tea, the farmer has to mix compost and water in a ratio of 1:5 and allow it to steep for 24 to 48 hours. The solution is then filtered, and it is sprayed evenly on all the plants.
In conclusion, spraying is an effective technique for increasing flowering in tomato crops. The chemicals mentioned above, such as Ethephon and Gibberellic Acid, are readily available, and their use can significantly increase the yield. However, it is essential to follow the recommended dose and use protective gear when handling the chemicals to avoid any adverse effects. Additionally, using natural methods such as compost tea can be equally effective and have no harmful effects on the environment.