[ad_1]
It will not be surprising to see tomato blossoms drop or fail to bear fruit due to the heat, said Scott Evans of Nebraska Extension.
MARJIE DUCEY, THE HERALD OF THE WORLD
Marjie Ducey Omaha World-Herald
A unique visit to Omaha’s unique botanical gardens, bird sanctuary and arboretum. Located near the Missouri River, the popular attraction serves as an urban escape for visitors.
This spring has been a double whammy for tomato growers.
Tomatoes planted too early in May when the ground was still too cold failed to grow.
They don’t grow, said Scott Evans, horticulture program coordinator for Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy counties. They just walk on water.
Now the heat has also become a problem.
Temperatures above 90 will prevent fruit production on most cultivars as the pollen becomes sterile with heat. Some varieties, such as the cherry tomato, will be suitable because they can tolerate a wider range of temperatures.
Evans said it wouldn’t be surprising to see the tomato blossoms drop from the heat.
It has been a tough start to the season for the tomato plants, Evans said.
The family continues their long history of growing peonies on the Nebraska farm
If that is not enough, tomatoes are also affected by herbicide drift, which deforms the upper part of the plant. Growth is curled and twisted.
Evans said herbicides can drift up to a mile from where they’re applied. If the plants aren’t growing, it’s probably a virus instead and the plants will need to be removed.
Tomato plants will curl up in the heat to conserve moisture.
SCOTT EVANS
Tomatoes and other vegetables also naturally curl their leaves to help retain moisture during the heat of the day.
[ad_2]
picture credit