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| Cat Facing |
Cat Facing
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| Guide - Dr. Bhashkar Dubey |
Have you ever picked up a tomato from your garden or local grocery store only to find that it has an unsightly deformity that looks like a series of scars on the bottom of the fruit? This condition is known as "cat facing," and it's a common problem that affects many tomato plants.
Cat facing occurs when the developing fruit is exposed to cold temperatures, particularly during the early stages of growth. This can cause the fruit to become misshapen and develop deep, irregular scars or cracks on the bottom of the fruit. While it doesn't affect the flavor or nutritional value of the tomato, it can make it unappealing to consumers and reduce the market value of the crop.
There are several factors that can contribute to cat facing in tomatoes, including temperature fluctuations, excessive nitrogen fertilization, and genetics. Some tomato varieties are more prone to cat facing than others, and it's important to choose varieties that are well-suited to your growing conditions.
To prevent cat facing in your tomato plants, it's important to take steps to minimize temperature fluctuations in your garden. This can be done by using row covers, mulch, or other protective measures to keep the soil and plants warm during cooler weather. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing your tomato plants with nitrogen, as this can lead to rapid growth and increase the likelihood of cat facing.
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| Dr. Bhaskar Dubey |
If you're already experiencing cat facing in your tomato plants, don't despair! While you may not be able to fix the appearance of the fruit, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest. Cat-faced tomatoes can be used in many of the same ways as regular tomatoes, including in sauces, salads, and sandwiches. Just be sure to cut away any affected areas before using the fruit.
In conclusion, cat facing is a common problem that can affect tomato plants, but with the right care and attention, it's possible to minimize its impact and still enjoy a delicious harvest. By taking steps to protect your plants from temperature fluctuations and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization, you can help prevent cat facing and produce healthy, beautiful tomatoes for your family and community to enjoy.
Visited the Agriculture Field in United University 1st Batch of B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.) and spotted the disease in Tomato called Cat facing and Guided by Dr. Bhaskar Dubey (16/3/2023).
