How to Use Tomato Flower-Setting Hormone? A Detailed Guide to the Correct Method

The tomato is a typical plant with perfect flowers (both male and female organs in the same flower) that self-pollinates. Generally, when grown in greenhouses, its natural fruit-setting rate is low due to external interference. To solve this problem, many growers use plant growth regulators to promote flowering and fruiting, and among these the most commonly used is tomato flower-setting hormone. So why do we treat tomato flowers, and how should the hormone be used? Let's find out together.

1. Why Do Tomato Flowers Need Treatment?

The main function of tomato flower-setting hormone is to stimulate the metabolism of the tomato plant's pistil, making the physiological activity of the treated area vigorous, thereby accelerating ovary development and inhibiting the formation of the abscission layer. The flower-setting hormones commonly used in production generally contain 2,4-D and 4-CPA (fruit-setting hormone). However, production practice has proven that although flower-setting hormones containing 2,4-D give a high fruit-setting rate, they cause some damage to tomato seedlings and tender shoots. 4-CPA, by contrast, causes almost no damage, and unlike 2,4-D, which is smeared on the flower stalk, 4-CPA can be sprayed directly on the flowers, making it more convenient to use, though its fruit-setting rate is relatively lower. So which agent to use for flower treatment can be decided according to your own preference.

2. How Is Tomato Flower-Setting Hormone Used?

1. Spraying Method

Spraying is a commonly used method for applying tomato flower-setting hormone. Its key technical point is to use a small sprayer when spraying the flowers, and 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 controlled, tomato fruit setting can be promoted. Spraying 4-CPA directly on the junction can effectively inhibit the formation of abscisic acid and promote the formation of auxin.

2. Smearing Method

The smearing method is relatively common. Its advantage is that flowers can be treated in a targeted way according to their state of openness. Generally, a writing brush is dipped in the solution and dabbed once on the base of an open female flower, or gently smeared on the flower stalk.

3. Dipping Method

The dipping method involves placing a nearly open flower cluster into a container holding the solution, immersing the cluster and then immediately taking it out, and gently shaking off the excess solution remaining on the flowers. However, if the flowers do not open uniformly with this method, for example if some flowers have already bloomed while others have not, the probability of stunted fruit, deformed fruit or hollow fruit is relatively high, so care must be taken during operation.

  The above is an introduction to how tomato flower-setting hormone should be used. We hope it helps you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.