Beating the Heat

Strategies for Optimal Tomato Production in India

Tomatoes are a vital crop in India, but their production can be significantly hampered by high temperatures. When temperatures climb above the ideal range of 21-24°C, tomato plants experience heat stress, leading to reduced fruit set, development, and a variety of physiological problems. 

Understanding Heat Stress in Tomatoes:

• Impact of High Temperatures: Temperatures exceeding 32°C negatively affect a tomato plant's ability to produce healthy fruit.
• Physiological Responses: Heat stress triggers various physiological responses in tomatoes, including:

1. Leaf Deformities: Rolling and cupping of leaves, while an adaptive mechanism achieved by curling their leaves, allows plants to decrease the surface area exposed to direct sunlight, thereby reducing water loss and conserving moisture. However, these leaf deformities can also indicate underlying stress and physiological imbalances, signaling the need for intervention to alleviate heat stress
2. Fruit Disorders: Blossom end rot is another prevalent issue exacerbated by heat stress in tomatoes. When heat and high Solar radiation affect the leaves of plants, as is common when growing tomatoes, photosynthesis and transpiration speed up. This disorder caused by fluctuations in water availability and calcium uptake, results in dark, watery blemishes on the fruit, rendering them unmarketable.

Strategies for Mitigating Heat Stress:

• PL Winner (Seaweed Extract): Applying a foliar spray of PL Winner, a seaweed extract derived from Ascophyllum nodosum, can significantly improve a tomato plant's resilience to heat stress. This extract enhances plant vigor, improves nutrient uptake, and strengthens the plant's natural defenses against environmental stressors.

Additional Tips for Success:

• Shade Techniques: Utilize shade cloths or row covers to shield tomato plants from the brunt of harsh sunlight during peak heat hours.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, regulating soil temperature and reducing water evaporation.
• Deep Watering: Deep watering, done less frequently, encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, allowing them to access moisture reserves more effectively during dry periods.
• Heat-tolerant Varieties: Consider planting tomato varieties specifically bred for tolerance to higher temperatures. These varieties are more likely to thrive under hot and arid conditions

Find your solution here: https://www.plagro.in/seaweed-fertilizers/pl-winner
Email : vcare@plagro.in / Whatsapp : +91 9677790473