Detailed Explanation of the Continuous Pinching and Pruning Method for Cherry Tomatoes
The tomato plant is naturally a sprawling crop, but in cultivation it is mostly grown vertically on trellises. As a result, as the plant grows and extends, the parts farther from the ground perform less ideally in flowering, fruit setting, and fruit enlargement, making it impossible to increase yield. To address this unfavorable situation, the continuous pinching method can be used, so that...
The tomato plant is naturally a sprawling crop, but in cultivation it is mostly grown vertically on trellises. As a result, as the plant grows and extends, the parts farther from the ground perform less ideally in flowering, fruit setting, and fruit enlargement, making it impossible to increase yield. To address this unfavorable situation, the continuous pinching method can be used, so that the weight of the first truss of fruit and the number of flowers increase, thereby achieving the goal of higher yield.
The method is as follows: Use the single-stem pruning form, keep the first and second inflorescences, then pinch off the growing tip 2 leaves above the second inflorescence. Let the lateral bud below the first inflorescence continue growing as the main stem, then pinch off the growing tip 2 leaves above the fourth inflorescence, and let the lateral bud below the third inflorescence continue growing as the main stem. Repeat this operation several times (the number of operations is determined according to soil fertility and plant growth vigor). This operation method keeps the plant relatively short, which is favorable for the supply of fertilizer and water, and also results in an earlier maturity period and higher yield.