Treating Tomato Cracking with Anhydrous Calcium Chloride

Introduction

Tomato cracking, or fruit splitting, is a common physiological disorder that affects the appearance, quality, and marketability of tomatoes. This condition occurs when the skin of the tomato cannot expand uniformly with the fruit's growth, often due to insufficient calcium during fruit development. Anhydrous calcium chloride is a proven solution for preventing and treating tomato cracking. This article will detail the methods for applying anhydrous calcium chloride to ensure healthier and more marketable tomatoes.

Understanding Tomato Cracking

Tomato cracking manifests as radial or concentric splits on the fruit's surface, often occurring during periods of rapid growth or after irregular watering. These splits can lead to secondary infections and increased spoilage, reducing the fruit's shelf life and market value. Calcium plays a vital role in cell wall strength and integrity, and its deficiency weakens the skin, making it prone to cracking.

Causes of Tomato Cracking

Several factors can contribute to calcium deficiency and subsequent tomato cracking, including:

Inconsistent watering: Fluctuations between dry and wet conditions can cause rapid changes in fruit size, leading to cracking.

Poor soil structure: Soils with low calcium content or poor drainage can hinder calcium uptake.

High humidity and temperature fluctuations: These conditions can accelerate fruit growth, increasing the risk of cracking.

Cultivar susceptibility: Some tomato varieties are more prone to cracking than others.

Implementing Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Treatments

To effectively prevent and treat tomato cracking, it's crucial to ensure a consistent supply of calcium throughout the growing season. Anhydrous calcium chloride can be applied both as a foliar spray and as a soil amendment to provide this essential nutrient.

Foliar Sprays

Foliar application of anhydrous calcium chloride delivers calcium directly to the fruit and leaves, allowing for rapid uptake and improved fruit quality.

Procedure:

1.Preparation: Prepare a 0.5% solution of anhydrous calcium chloride by dissolving it in water and mixing thoroughly.

2.Timing: Begin foliar applications during the fruit development stage, typically when the tomatoes start to form.

3.Frequency: Spray the calcium chloride solution weekly for 3 to 4 weeks to ensure continuous calcium supply.

4.Application: Use a sprayer to apply the solution evenly over the tomato plants, focusing on both the foliage and the developing fruits.

Soil Applications

In addition to foliar sprays, incorporating anhydrous calcium chloride into the soil before planting can help ensure a sufficient calcium supply throughout the growing season.

Procedure:

1.Application Rate: Apply 5 kilograms of anhydrous calcium chloride per acre of planting area.

2.Timing: Incorporate the calcium chloride into the soil before planting tomatoes, ideally during soil preparation.

3.Incorporation: Mix the calcium chloride thoroughly into the topsoil to ensure even distribution.

4.Watering: Water the soil adequately after application to facilitate calcium absorption by the roots.

Additional Best Practices

Consistent Irrigation: Maintain a regular watering schedule to prevent rapid changes in soil moisture levels.

Balanced Fertilization: Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit quality.

Mulching: Use mulch to help regulate soil moisture levels and reduce evaporation.

Selecting Resistant Varieties: Choose tomato varieties that are less prone to cracking, if available.

Conclusion

Anhydrous calcium chloride is an effective tool for preventing and treating tomato cracking. By applying it both as a foliar spray and a soil amendment, growers can ensure a consistent supply of calcium, leading to stronger, more resilient tomato skins. Implementing these treatments, along with best practices for irrigation and fertilization, will result in healthier, more marketable tomatoes, ultimately enhancing profitability and customer satisfaction.