What are the benefits of removing leaves from tomato plants? The latest analysis is here
One task in tomato cultivation and management is leaf removal. Why remove leaves, will leaf removal affect growth, and what benefits does leaf removal have for plant growth? What principles govern leaf removal, and how should leaves be removed to benefit growth? Let's learn the correct leaf removal method.
1. Leaf removal method
The first leaf removal is done when the second truss is set, removing all the old leaves. Leave one functional leaf below the first truss, then remove all the other leaves. The second leaf removal is done when the fourth to fifth truss is set, and part of the leaves should be removed. Specifically, remove most of the leaves below the third truss, leaving the petioles and small leaflets to avoid [damage] and help healing. After the plant is topped, carry out the third leaf removal, taking off most of the leaves between the third and fifth trusses.
2. Benefits of leaf removal
The first leaf removal is for ventilation and light penetration, increasing air circulation, avoiding high humidity, reducing disease occurrence, and making it easy to spray thoroughly. [Spray] evenly to increase control effectiveness. The second leaf removal is to make the flowers develop better and ensure nutrition, so some leaves need to be sacrificed. The third leaf removal is for photosynthesis, increasing organic matter production, mainly for light penetration.
3. Reasonable leaf removal
Old leaves consume more than they produce, so leaves that have grown for two months need to be removed. Leaves infected with disease carry a risk of contagion and have no photosynthetic capacity. They should be removed. Leaf removal must not be too severe; leaves that can fully provide photosynthetic products must be kept. Removing too many makes the root system prone to premature aging. To avoid infection at the wounds from leaf removal, some fungicide can be sprayed. Remove leaves on sunny days so the wounds are small; it is best to do it at noon, when the temperature is high and bleeding is reduced.
4. Points to note
Note that when tomato fruit turns from green to white, the leaves near the fruit must not be removed, otherwise growth will be restricted, reproductive growth and fruit development will be suppressed. Yield will decline. Healthy dark green leaves should not be removed at will. Leaves with some yellow spots should not be removed as long as they can photosynthesize. Leaf removal must not be excessive; removing the two layers of leaves at the base is about right.
Removing leaves from tomato plants has many benefits, but leaf removal has its rules and cannot be done at will; only diseased leaves and withered leaves can be removed without concern.