Why tomatoes crack: causes, preventive measures

The article describes in detail why tomatoes crack when ripe: a complete list of reasons, preventive measures.

Why tomatoes crack when ripe: briefly about tomatoes

Why tomatoes crack when ripe: briefly about tomatoes

Tomato is an annual or perennial herbaceous vegetable from the nightshade family. At the moment, there are more than a thousand varieties. Tomatoes are very often found in gardens and plots. Now it is very difficult to imagine a garden without tomato bushes. Often, gardeners and gardeners organize competitions. In these competitions, the quality of the fruit and its taste are compared. You can consider yourself a real gardener if you get a good harvest and high-quality fruits every year.
Briefly about the cracks in the fruit.

It is very important to learn about why cracks appear and how they are dangerous. This will be discussed in detail in this article.

Why do tomatoes crack when ripe

Why do tomatoes crack when ripe

Small and large cracks may appear on the tomato, which will lead to the loss of the aesthetic appearance of the plant. Selling such fruits will no longer work, you will have to eat it yourself. But the main problem may not only be that they cannot be sold, but also the biggest problems may arise. Let's consider several factors.

First factor.

Cracked tomatoes become more vulnerable to attacks by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacterial microorganisms and fungal microorganisms.

Second factor.

If the skin cracks, then it clears the way for various infections to the pulp. And such infections can be dangerous to the human body.

Third factor.

But if you grow tomatoes in a greenhouse, and also take preventive measures there, then there is nothing to be afraid of. The risk of damaging the fetus by any infections will be minimal.

Fourth factor.

To reduce the percentage of the likelihood of disease with various pathogenic microorganisms, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments. It is very important.

Fifth factor.

It should also be borne in mind that a brownish coating forms along the edges of the crack. It is he who serves as a protective barrier against the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. That is why the fetus continues to grow and sing.

Sixth factor.

If you see that your tomatoes are cracked, there you need to review the agricultural technique used. Perhaps you are cultivating the culture incorrectly. And also the problem may be in not suitable growing conditions.

Seventh factor.

As soon as you notice this, you need to take action immediately. This can be a dangerous signal and you could be left without a crop at all.

Why do tomatoes crack in a greenhouse

Why do tomatoes crack in a greenhouse

It is important to consider that skin cracking is not an infectious disease at all. Most likely, the plant reacted in this way to a change in the percentage of soil moisture.And for greenhouse conditions, this is not uncommon. It is important to take into account that under greenhouse conditions, the soil heats up and dries very quickly, and subsequent abundant watering can lead to the plants receiving too much moisture, and it is because of this that the vegetable will not withstand such a load and the skin will crack on it. In this case, everything is very simple. Due to the fact that the tomato does not have enough moisture, its peel begins to become denser, and when watering resumes, the fruit continues to grow, but the peel does not, and that is why it cracks, because the pulp presses on it.

Why do tomatoes crack on bushes: reasons

The problem may be in the wrong agricultural technology. It can also be influenced by the microclimate in greenhouse conditions. Let's consider the main factors and their details.

First factor.

It is necessary to devote sufficient time to drawing up a watering regime for the plants. When compiling it, it is very important to build on the weather conditions.

Second factor.

It is important to remember that abundant and frequent watering in the heat and heat of the summer can be the main cause of the fruit cracking. The thing is that in the heat, the greenhouse soil overheats and dries very quickly. And the moisture that gets on the ground is very quickly absorbed by the root system of the plant. That is why the tomato begins to grow faster, and the peel does not keep up with it and naturally cracks. With this combination of circumstances, cracks can appear even on unripe fruits.

Third factor.

Temperature changes can also cause cracking. And in the summer heat, the air temperature in greenhouse conditions rises very quickly, and can even reach fifty degrees of heat. In this case, the skin of the vegetable may begin to thicken. And the fruits themselves slow down in their growth. Then, when the temperature returns to normal, the pulp continues to grow, and the peel can no longer be so elastic and therefore cracks.

Fourth factor.

Lighting plays a very important role. The greenhouse should be in a sunny place, but direct sunlight should not fall on it, they can simply burn the crop. That is why, if your greenhouse is in direct, scorching sunlight, it is best to cover your plants with an agrotechnical net.

Fifth factor.

If you don't like the use of agrotechnical netting, you can cover the greenhouse ceiling with milk of lime. It will cope with the scorching sun rays, and also slightly darken the plants. Thus, the most comfortable conditions will be recreated.

Sixth factor.

It is not necessary to carry out an excessive number of procedures for pinching stepson's shoots. By removing excess foliage, the plant directs its moisture reserves to the fruit. And because of this, the fruits begin to grow rapidly, and the skin does not keep up with them, and that is why it cracks.

Seventh factor.

Also, unsuccessful fertilizers and top dressing can participate in pulling tomato fruits. The problem may be that you forgot to feed the plant in a timely manner, or you picked up the wrong drug. This can result in less yield and also detrimental to its quality.

Lack of elements

If the tomato bush lacks phosphorus elements.

In this case, the bushes will grow and develop more slowly. And the leaf plates that are formed on them acquire a purple tint. And also the edges of these sheet plates will be smaller with wavy edges.

If the tomato bush lacks nitrogenous elements.

In this case, the foliage becomes a paler shade. The bush itself begins to grow and develop more slowly. The fruits stop in their development, but ripen faster. Due to the lack of nitrogenous elements, tomatoes can begin to crack.

If the tomato bush lacks copper elements.

In this case, the deciduous plates lose their bright shades, and then become more whitish.The twigs grow poorly and do not develop, they also weaken. Deciduous plates are formed of a smaller size. Even in this case, the bush blooms too badly, and this, of course, affects the quality and quantity of fruits.

If the tomato bush lacks calcium elements.

Because of this, yellow spots may appear on the plates. If you do not fix it in time, then the affected parts will dry out and fall off.

If the tomato bush lacks potassium elements.

In this case, such areas will form on the leaf blades, which in their appearance will resemble a burn. The leaf plates will turn yellowish, and darkish streaks will appear on the fruits.

If the tomato bush lacks magnesium elements.

This is its own type of vitamin deficiency. With it, yellow spots may appear on the foliage. Also, leaf blades may begin to fall off.

If the tomato bush lacks boric elements.

In this case, areas with dead tissue begin to form on the fruit. Even with this problem, growth points may begin to die off in culture.

Mineral nutrition recommendations

There are several of them.

First recommendation.

Experienced summer residents say that if the plant lacks boric and magnesium elements, or potassium and phosphorus elements, and the plant also has an excess of nitrogenous elements. And also the bush is in conditions of low light and high temperatures, then this threatens with the fall of inflorescences and not the formation of ovaries.

Second recommendation.

If the plant experiences an acute deficiency in potassium elements, then the leaf plates will begin to turn yellow. And then wither away. Stems, foliage, and petioles will simply break off. Naturally, all this will lead to hardness of the fruit, as well as loss of their color.

What do specific microelements affect when cultivating a tomato crop?

Let's consider several cases.

What factors are affected by nitrogenous elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the size of the ripened vegetable., 2) the amount of the final harvest.

What factors are affected by phosphorus elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the amount of the final harvest., 2) the quality of the harvest obtained., 3) the ability of the tomato to long-term storage.

What factors are affected by potash elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the size of the ripened vegetable., 2) the amount of the final harvest., 3) the quality of the harvest obtained., 4) the color of the ripe fruit., 5) the ability of the tomato to long-term storage.

What factors are affected by calcium elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the quality of the resulting crop., 2) the color of the ripe fruit., 3) the ability of the tomato to long-term storage.

What factors are influenced by magnesium elements.

These elements have a great impact on: 1) the amount of the final harvest., 2) the quality of the resulting harvest.

What factors are affected by sulfur elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the amount of the final harvest., 2) the ability of the tomato to long-term storage.

What factors are affected by manganese elements.

These elements have a great impact on: 1) the amount of the final harvest., 2) the quality of the resulting harvest.

What factors are influenced by boric elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the size of the ripened vegetable., 2) the quality of the resulting crop., 3) the ability of the tomato to be stored for a long time.

What factors are affected by zinc elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the size of the ripened vegetable., 2) the quality of the resulting crop.

What factors are affected by the iron elements.

These elements have a great impact on: 1) the quality of the resulting crop.

What factors are affected by chloride elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the size of the ripened vegetable., 2) the quality of the resulting crop.

What factors are affected by molybdenum elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the size of the ripened vegetable., 2) the quality of the resulting crop., 3) the ability of the tomato to be stored for a long time.

What factors are affected by copper elements.

These elements have a great influence on: 1) the ability of the tomato to long-term storage.

Why tomatoes crack: other reasons

Unfortunately, even experienced breeders cannot always distinguish the symptoms of over-watering, or the lack of any important elements. This is why soil analysis is recommended. There are also a few guidelines worth listening to.

First recommendation.

Watering should be moderate, at appropriate intervals. It is necessary to make sure that the soil does not dry out, but it is not waterlogged either.

Second recommendation.

During the period when the fruits will ripen on the bush, you cannot feed it with nitrogen-based fertilizers. Also, if you continue to feed, then you need to do it in small proportions.

Third recommendation.

If your harvest starts constantly, cracking in the second year, then you should take a closer look at those varieties that have a denser rind.

Fourth recommendation.

You can pick vegetables when they are not yet fully ripe. You can put them in a sunny, ventilated place so that they mature to the end.

Fifth recommendation.

If you notice a tomato with a crack, then it is better to pick it right away. It does not need to be thrown away, it can be eaten calmly. But it is important to consider that, leave it if you leave it on a bush, that is, there is a possibility that it can pick up fungal diseases, which will subsequently affect the fruits on neighboring plants.

Why tomatoes crack: possible diseases of tomato crops

It may happen that the tomatoes will crack not due to improper agricultural techniques or uncomfortable cultivation conditions. And due to the fact that they are affected by some kind of disease. Chemicals will help to cope in this case, but before using them, you need to make sure that the diagnosis is correct.

The disease is alternaria.

Fungal infection, the second name is dry spot. One of the symptoms is dryish spots on leaf blades and tomatoes. All this spoils the aesthetics of the appearance of the crop. Over time, the foliage begins to dry out and then fall off. On the stem of the plant, specks also begin to appear. The culture itself is gradually beginning to die. To overcome this disease, you need to use fungicidal drugs.

Disease - apical rot.

Usually, this disease affects the lower part of the unripe fruit. In appearance it resembles a dark brownish spot. The disease can provoke a lack of calcium elements.

Disease - gray rot.

This is a fungal disease. It actively develops in rainy and cool weather. It affects not only the stems of the plant, but also its fruits. In appearance, they resemble dark grayish spots on a bush.

Why tomatoes crack: preventive measures

Finding the real sign of fruit cracking is very difficult. After all, it may lie in: 1) improper agricultural technology., 2) uncomfortable conditions for the growth and development of culture., 3) various diseases., 4) lack of any microelements., 5) lack of any macronutrients., 6) lack of any nutritional components. The main problem is that the symptoms of possible problems are very similar between each other. There are several recommendations for preventive measures.

First recommendation.

It is very important to clean up the cultivation area in the fall. That is, you need to destroy excess garbage, and especially plant residues after crops. On fallen leaves, various fungal infections and insect pests can spend their winter.

Second recommendation.

It is necessary to avoid the neighborhood of tomatoes with nightshade crops.Especially potato bushes. Since crops from this family, very often they carry those diseases that are most destructive for tomato bushes.

Third recommendation.

If you have chosen chemical-based preparations as a fight against cracking or a disease, then you need to carefully study the attached instructions and strictly adhere to it. You also must not forget about your safety. That is, you need to protect yourself with: 1) a respirator., 2) a protective apron., 3) safety glasses., 4) latex gloves. Also, after processing, you need to take a shower and wash your hands thoroughly.

How to avoid cracking your crop

In order for the fruits to be juicy, ripe, as well as an aesthetic appearance, you need to follow some recommendations. It's not as difficult as it sounds.

First recommendation.

It is very important to carry out preventive treatments in the autumn, as well as in the spring. Also, you need to clean the greenhouse and disinfect the soil and walls.

Second recommendation.

At first, after planting seedlings, it is very important to monitor their condition and appearance. It is necessary to conduct a timely examination and timely identify possible symptoms of diseases.

Third recommendation.

It is very important to organize a suitable watering regime. If the weather is hot and summer heat, then you need to water it about a couple of times every seven days. When watering, water must be poured directly under the root, it is very important to try not to fall on the leaf plates. For they can get burned.

Fourth recommendation.

If it is rainy outside, then watering should be done no more than once every five days.

Fifth recommendation.

You also need to take into account the fact that it is best to water the acoustics in the evening, when the heat is no longer so strong.

Sixth recommendation.

If the weather is not so summer, and even cool, then you can water the plant during the day.

Seventh recommendation.

The near-stem circle of the plant, you need to mulch. This will help the soil to maintain proper moisture content as well as protect it from weeds.

Eighth recommendation.

It is very important to keep an eye on the temperature. It shouldn't be too high. To do this, you need to ventilate the room in a timely manner and maintain the circulation of fresh air.

Ninth recommendation.

Also, if the summer is very hot and sunny, an agrotechnical net can be pulled over the tops of the tomatoes. If you don't like the use of an agrotechnical net, then you can cover the greenhouse ceiling with milk of lime. It will help in shading crops.

Why tomatoes crack: fertilizers and feeding

This is a very important part of cultivating a culture. Twice every thirty days, you need to feed the plants at the time you water it. To do this, you can use: 1) half a tablespoon - potash fertilizer., 2) half a tablespoon - phosphorus fertilizer; 3) half a tablespoon - ammonium nitrate., 4) ten liters - clean water at room temperature. All this needs to be mixed and water the bush. At a time when fruits begin to form on the bush, the proportions of potassium elements can be increased, and the phosphorite components can simply be removed. More often, his summer residents believe that tomatoes crack due to a lack of any components, therefore timely feeding and fertilization are very important.

Varieties that are not prone to crop cracking

Before protecting yourself from cracked fruit, it can be used in cultivating varieties that are not prone to cracking. These varieties have dense but tender flesh, and their skin is quite firm and elastic, which allows it to stretch and not crack.

The first grade is a hybrid Bohemia F1.

After this variety, they are stored for a long time and endure long transportation. A tomato in its weight can reach one hundred and forty grams. The fruit itself is quite strong, but soft.

The second grade is an asteroid.

This type of bush has a good immune system. Its fruits are quite large and dense. They are good for preservation.

The third grade is ladies' fingers.

The fruits of this variety are small, slightly elongated. Perfect for preservation.

The fourth grade is pear.

The most unpretentious bush for cultivation. The harvest can be stored for a very long time. And the fruits themselves are quite large, with a slightly elongated shape.

The fifth grade is pink honey.

This is a variety with very large fruits, they can reach five hundred grams in their weight.

The sixth grade is a raspberry viscount.

The bushes of this variety are rather stunted, unpretentious. To grow it, you do not need to adhere to any special conditions. One tomato can reach one hundred and thirty grams in its weight.

The seventh grade is rio grande.

This species is not afraid of hot weather and summer heat. The crop is perfectly stored and tolerates long transportation. The fruits themselves are elongated.

Eighth grade - hybrid vladimir f1.

The fruits are of the correct shape, that is, round. Quite large and juicy. They can be stored for a very long time. This variety has a high resistance to various diseases and cracking.

The ninth grade is Khutov salting.

The harvest of this variety will ripen longer than usual, but it is also stored for quite a long time. A crop from a bush of this variety can be stored for about one hundred thirty to one hundred fifty days. They are also recommended to be used for marinade and salting.

Conclusion

It is very important to follow agrotechnical rules. During prophylactic treatments. Develop a suitable watering regime. It is also worth paying attention to the landing site and the neighborhood. Give your cultivated cultures love and care, and they will thank you with a bountiful and tasty harvest.

Why do tomatoes crack?