Recently, many cherry tomato growers have reported issues with poor fruit coloration, which significantly affects their marketability and selling price. The author has investigated the underlying causes and identified several key factors that contribute to this problem: excessive heat, intense sunlight, overuse of nitrogen fertilizer, and insufficient potassium application.
One major factor is high temperature inside the greenhouses. The process of color development in cherry tomatoes involves the breakdown of chlorophyll and the accumulation of lycopene and carotenoids. However, when the temperature exceeds 30°C, this natural process is disrupted. In some cases, especially during sunny days following cloudy weather, farmers remove shade nets prematurely, causing temperatures inside the sheds to rise above 40°C. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can lead to poor coloration. To address this, the author recommends re-covering the shade nets to maintain a more suitable growing environment for the tomatoes.
Another contributing factor is overly strong light. Observations show that fruits covered by leaves or shaded areas tend to develop better color, while those directly exposed to full sunlight often remain pale or yellowish. This indicates that excessive light can inhibit lycopene production, leading to poor coloring. Farmers are advised to use shade nets on bright days, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid excessive leaf removal, as leaves can naturally protect the fruit from direct sunlight and help maintain even coloration.
A third issue is the imbalance in fertilizer use. Many growers tend to apply too much nitrogen, especially in hot conditions, while neglecting potassium. High nitrogen levels can cause "green shoulder" — where the top part of the fruit remains green — while low potassium leads to yellow or greenish shoulders. To improve coloration, it's essential to reduce nitrogen application and increase potassium fertilization during the fruit development stage. This balanced approach supports better lycopene synthesis and overall fruit quality.
In summary, addressing the issues of temperature, light exposure, and nutrient balance can significantly enhance the color and market value of cherry tomatoes. By making small adjustments in management practices, farmers can achieve better results and ensure their produce meets consumer expectations.
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