Detailed Explanation of Tomato Pruning Process
The main purpose of tomatoes pruning is to increase the leaf area, improve the photosynthesis of tomatoes, promote the growth of seedlings, and shorten the slow seedling stage. The lateral tendril (fork head) below the first inflorescence should not be cut too early. It should be cut off after seeing the first bud, so as to increase the group growth of tomato in early stage and promote early fruiting.
Tomato pruning method:
1. Single-stem pruning.Single-stem pruning method is widely used in tomato production at present. Single-stem pruning leaves only one trunk for each plant, and all side branches are removed and knocked out one after another (i.e., pruning), and the trunk is also cored when it has a certain number of ears (i.e., pointed). In general, a leaf should be left when forking, which should not be broken off from the base to prevent damage to the trunk. The number of leaves can be increased and the growth and development can be promoted, especially the fruit growth near the leaves. When coring, 2 ~ 3 leaves are usually left in the upper part of the last ear, which is not suitable for coring near the ear. If no leaves are left in the upper part of the ear, the growth and development of this ear will be greatly affected, and even the flowers and fruits will fall or the fruit will be stunted. The yield and quality will be significantly reduced.
2. Double-stem pruning method.
On the basis of single-stem pruning, besides the trunk, one side branch is selected as the second trunk to become the fruiting branch, so it is called double stem. All other side branches and regenerated branches on the double stem are removed. Generally, the second trunk should choose the first lateral branch under the first inflorescence. Double-stem pruning is the management of the second bearing branch, which is the same as that of single-stem pruning.
Precautions for pruning tomatoes:
1. For virus diseases and other diseased plants, pruning should be carried out separately to avoid spreading diseases artificially.
2. The lateral branches under the first inflorescence, and other lateral branches, should not be knocked out prematurely even if they are not left as fruiting branches. Generally, 1 ~ 2 leaves should be left to make nutrients and assist the growth of the trunk. If it affects ventilation and light transmission, it should be removed in time.
3. Coring should be done on sunny days, not on rainy days or when dew is not dry, so as to facilitate wound healing and prevent pathogen infection.
4. Tendril binding and plant shape correction should be carried out in combination with pruning.