Why do tomatoes crack? An analysis of the latest causes

Tomato fruit cracking is a fairly common disorder at present. Many farmers report that the tomatoes they grow crack for no apparent reason, and they do not know why. In fact, fruit cracking is generally caused by the following reasons. Let's take a look at these causes below.

1. Unstable temperature

Too great a change in temperature can easily cause fruit cracking, and this happens both in open fields and in greenhouses. In open fields it often occurs during the transition between seasons, while in greenhouses it is mostly caused by poor control when ventilating. When the temperature is unstable, the tomato's skin becomes very brittle and stays taut, not as elastic as it normally is, and when it can no longer hold, fruit cracking naturally occurs.

2. Weather changes

Changing weather is also a common cause. For example, if the weather is relatively dry for a long period and then it suddenly rains continuously for some time, this situation will occur. This is because during growth, the ratio between the growth rate of the tomato's skin and that of its flesh is disrupted. Originally the two grew in balance, but then the flesh grows far faster than the skin, and in the end fruit cracking naturally occurs. This situation mostly happens when the rainy season arrives.

3. Excessive fertilizer

For tomatoes, fertilizer is not a case of the more the better; it needs to be applied in the right amount. For example, nitrogen fertilizer and the like can easily cause tomato fruit cracking. Nitrogen fertilizer mainly promotes the growth of the tomato's flesh, so when too much nitrogen fertilizer is used, the flesh grows too fast, while nitrogen fertilizer is not obvious in promoting the growth of the skin, and in the end the skin cannot contain the flesh, thus forming cracked fruit. When you feel that the skin of some tomatoes is rather tight, you should beware of fruit cracking.

4. Improper use of chemicals

The use of chemicals is also a factor that easily leads to fruit cracking. Tomatoes encounter many diseases in daily life, and growers generally use chemicals to deal with them. When the concentration of the chemicals is too high, fruit cracking will occur. The concentration of some chemicals will inhibit the growth of the skin, and even cause the skin to shrivel and lose elasticity, but the flesh will not shrink along with it. In the end, when the skin contracts, it is stretched to its limit by the flesh and splits open. So when using chemicals, you must absolutely mix them according to the instructions.

The above are some of the causes of tomato fruit cracking. You can check whether the cracked fruit in your own planting is caused by the reasons above. If so, it is best to adjust your growing methods appropriately to prevent fruit cracking.