Winter density

As April fast approaches it is very easy to forget, with the beautiful weather we have had, that winter is just over two months away.  For tomato growers, who still have summer stems per/m2 planting density, there is still enough light to support the summer stem density and the fruit.   It is easy to observe how strong the plants are and how they are easily coping with summer density.  However, in seven weeks when the flowering truss is close to harvest you will end up in a potential pickle unless you have already pinched the heads on the extra stems.  The only exception to this is if you have artificial lighting. 

Tomato growers, who planted in December and January and planted at summer density you will have started picking already.  Many growers now plant with a Triple Headed Grafted (THG) plant in December or January for several reasons.  Double Headed Grafted (DHG) can be difficult to control from becoming too strong/vegetative, even if growers take an extra side shoot after planting.   With a triple you have a better chance of controlling and balancing a plant with the added benefit of planting straight away at summer density.  If you time it correctly you should be able to get a minimum of eight trusses set form this extra stem before removing their heads and going back to your winter density.  Please see article news/post/triple-headed-grafted/

If the extra heads have not been removed by now you could find that later in autumn you will create unnecessary stress on your plants, which could adversely affect plant health. Growers I consult to, that planted THG, are currently having a higher degree of success with both the balance of their plants and a huge increase in production compared to planting DHG at similar times to previous seasons.  There is extra work involved, including having several different coloured strings to identify the shoot that needs to be removed, but this also gives the grower the option to increase to summer density again in early spring.  By having different coloured strings, it is easy to identify and make sure you have three heads all coming off the same block.  If you don’t do this you run the risk of some blocks having four heads and some staying at two.  To explain to non-growers, who are not familiar with layering systems, when plants are layered it is not easy to trace back what stem belongs to which block/bag because the stems are already very long and entangled.  The string takes the guess work out of the equation. 

Triple heads will initially mean an increase in costs, with extra hooks/string needed and extra labour needed to carry out the increased plant work but the extra production and achieving a balanced plant will give plants a better opportunity to grow through the winter with less fungal pressure. When the extra stems have finished picking in May you will need to cut them out and this is a job that is necessary but again the benefits for me far out way the negatives.  You might even wish to paint the wound with protective product to protect the wound from infection. 

This photo of a THG crop was taken on the13th of March.  The fruit was just starting to colour.

Cover photo.  Next edition I will discuss the benefits of truss arching.

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

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Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower