Reasons for tomato head atrophy

Tomato head atrophy may be caused by physiological calcium deficiency, water imbalance, disease infection, drug damage, or malnutrition. The main influencing factors include insufficient soil calcium, improper watering, late blight or gray mold infection, excessive use of pesticides, and uneven fertilization.

1. Physiological calcium deficiency

Insufficient calcium in soil can lead to shrinkage of tomato head growth points. Calcium is an important element for cell wall synthesis, and in the absence of calcium, new tissues cannot develop normally. It can be improved by increasing the application of calcium fertilizers, such as calcium nitrate or chelated calcium, while avoiding excessive use of potassium and nitrogen fertilizers that affect calcium absorption. A low soil pH value can also reduce the effectiveness of calcium, and it is recommended to maintain a soil pH of around 6.5.

2. Water imbalance

Excessive or insufficient watering may cause head atrophy. Soil waterlogging can cause root hypoxia and affect calcium absorption, while drought directly hinders water and nutrient transport. It is recommended to maintain soil moisture at around 60% and use drip irrigation to evenly supply water. During the high temperature season, it is necessary to avoid watering at noon to prevent physiological disorders caused by rapid changes in water content.

3. Disease infection

Late blight and gray mold can directly damage growth point tissues. In the early stage of late blight, brown lesions form on the stem and spread upwards to the growth point; Gray mold produces a gray mold layer. If diseased plants are found, they should be removed in a timely manner and can be prevented and treated with azoxystrobin or saprolimus. Greenhouse cultivation requires enhanced ventilation to reduce air humidity to below 70%.

4. Effects of pesticide damage

Excessive pesticide concentration or improper spraying time can cause pesticide damage. Drifting herbicides, excessive use of copper agents, or overuse of growth regulators can all inhibit the development of growth points. Spray should avoid high temperature periods and be prepared strictly according to the recommended concentration. After the occurrence of phytotoxicity, spraying brassinolide can alleviate it, and strengthening water and fertilizer management can promote the germination of new shoots.

5. Malnutrition

Boron deficiency can interfere with calcium transport and exacerbate symptoms of head atrophy. It is recommended to spray borax solution on the leaves before flowering, and apply 1-2 kilograms of borax per acre to the soil base. At the same time, pay attention to balanced fertilization of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to avoid excessive growth caused by biased application of nitrogen fertilizer. Regularly monitor soil nutrients and promptly supplement trace elements.

Comprehensive management is needed to prevent tomato head atrophy. Before planting, deeply cultivate the soil and apply sufficient organic fertilizer to improve the soil structure. Maintain stable temperature and humidity during the growth period to avoid drastic changes in the environment. Regularly inspect plants and promptly handle any abnormalities found. Thoroughly clean up the diseased and disabled bodies after harvesting, and rotate non Solanaceae crops for more than 2 years. Through scientific water and fertilizer management and pest control, the occurrence of head atrophy can be effectively reduced.