Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 4.13 Use a Petal Tickler or electric toothbrush to pollinate the tomato
flowers. (Courtesy of CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Anguilla.)
electric toothbrush (Figure 4.13). During the late morning or early after-
noon is the best time to pollinate. At that time the relative humidity will be
lower and the pollen will flow freely. For 3 to 4 seconds hold the vibrating
toothbrush on the truss (cluster) of flowers and watch that the entire clus-
ter moves at high speed. This vibration will release the pollen, which can
be seen as a fine yellow powder. Pollination is done when the flowers are
receptive. This is evident from the flower petals curling back (Figure 4.14).
Pollinate at least every other day when the relative humidity is close
to 70%. If the relative humidity is very high, the pollen will be damp and
sticky, so will not low readily. Under very low relative humidity of less
than 60% the pollen may dry. Close to midday is generally the best time
to pollinate.
You will be able to determine whether your pollination is successful
within about a week, as small beadlike fruit will start to form (Figure 4.15).
This is termed fruit set. It is very important to get your plants into a gen-
erative state once they start blooming, that is, they will shift their nutrients
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