Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 4.5
A plastic truss support that attaches directly to the fruit cluster.
configuration whereby plants are alternately supported to one side and
then the other as shown in Figure 4.7. This eliminates leaves overlapping
and permits more light to penetrate the plant canopy. They are supported
by strings that are directly attached to your ceiling hooks; no extra string
is needed. Place one plant clip under the first set of true leaves, but do not
pull the sting very taunt when attaching the clip to allow some give as you
continue winding the string between each set of leaves as the plant grows
upward. Wind the string always in the same direction. Do this every day,
as the plants in their growth to the support wire will be about 6 to 8 inches
per day. Be careful not to bend the growing tip of the plant too sharply
as they can easily break. I usually pull down on the string with one hand
while wrapping the plant around the string with the other. If you wind the
string in a “clockwise” direction you will remember to do it consistently.
In commercial greenhouses you need to be sure that everybody does it the
same or one person will wind them up one day and a different person the
next day will unwind them unknowingly and the plants will later fall and
possibly break.
When the plants reach the top of the support string you need to pinch
the growing point. Allow at least two suckers nearest the top of the plant
