A Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods for Using Tomato Flower-Setting Hormone
Tomato is a typical plant with both male and female organs in the same flower and self-pollination. Generally, during greenhouse cultivation, its natural fruit-setting rate is low due to external interference. So to solve this problem, many growers use plant growth regulators to promote flowering and fruit setting, and among these, tomato flower-setting hormone is commonly used. So why do we apply flower-setting hormone to tomatoes? How should it be used? Let's find out together.
I. Why do tomatoes need flower setting?
The main function of tomato flower-setting hormone is to stimulate the metabolism of the tomato plant's pistil, making the physiological functions of the treated area vigorous, thereby accelerating ovary development and inhibiting the formation of the abscission layer. Generally, the flower-setting hormones commonly used in production contain 2,4-D and 4-CPA (fruit-setting hormone), but production practice has proven that although flower-setting hormones using 2,4-D have a high fruit-setting rate, they cause some damage to tomato seedlings and tender shoots. 4-CPA hardly causes any damage, and unlike 2,4-D which is applied to the flower stalk, 4-CPA can be sprayed directly on the flowers, making it more convenient to use, but the fruit-setting rate is relatively lower. So which specific agent to use for flower setting can be decided according to your own preference.
II. How to use tomato flower-setting hormone?
1. Spraying method
Spraying is a commonly used method for applying tomato flower-setting hormone. Its technical key point is to use a small sprayer to spray the flowers, and when spraying, make sure to spray the back of the flower, that is, the flower stalk and calyx. Generally, as long as the increase of abscisic acid at the junction of the calyx and flower stalk is maintained, tomato fruit setting can be promoted, and spraying 4-CPA directly at the junction can effectively inhibit the formation of abscisic acid and promote the formation of auxin.
2. Smearing method
The smearing method is relatively commonly used. Its advantage is that flower setting can be targeted according to the opening state of the flowers. Generally, a brush is dipped in the solution and applied once to the base of the open female flower, or gently smeared on the flower stalk.
3. Dipping method
The dipping method involves placing the nearly open flower cluster into a container holding the solution, submerging the flower cluster and then immediately removing it, and gently shaking off the excess solution remaining on the flowers. However, with this method, if the flowers do not open uniformly, such as some flowers having already bloomed while others have not yet opened, the probability of stiff fruit, deformed fruit or hollow fruit is relatively higher, so care should be taken during operation.
The above is an introduction to how to use tomato flower-setting hormone. We hope it helps you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.