[AG] Tomatoes: Split, Small, Not Ripe

[Olin Miller]

Correction:  Catfacing is thought to be a blossoming problem and,
therefore,  occurs at the blossom end, not at the stem.  Stem end splitting
is probably caused by the hot weather causing the skin to toughen and then
split when irrigated.  -Olin

----- Original Message -----
From: "kathleen williams" <kffrmw88@mindspring.com>
To: "Olin Miller" <millero@worldnet.att.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2000 8:19 AM
Subject: Re: [AG] Tomatoes: Split, Small, Not Ripe


> Thanks a million for the info.to answer the below,no I am not in
desert/no I
> did not plant same kind I planted before/they did not have it on
hand,This
> is the Parks Whopper,the other were German girl (Queen)I did have to
plant
> late this yr.too cool here,Live/learn,in Ga..
>...
> ----- Original Message -----> From: Olin Miller
<millero@worldnet.att.net>
>
> > > Why do the tops of tomatoes split?
> >
> > There is a condition tomato people call "catfacing" (looks like a cat's
> > face to some people) in which cracks radiate from the stem.   These
> > malformations are the result of incomplete separation of cells during
the
> > early stages of flower and fruit development. Adverse effects seem to
be
> > worst when both day and night temperatures are high or when both are
low.
> > Occurs more with the beefsteak types.  Pretty common with Brandywine.
The
> > cracks usually heal over and the tomato is otherwise okay.
> >
> > > also why is my tomatoes growing soo slow/want get ripe?the vine is 15
> > ft.tall,has some fruit on it,I have done everything I know,I am a
farmer,2
> > yrs.ago I grew some about 2 pounds each,no luck since then,can you
help?
> >
> > If you can grow 2 lb. tomatoes, you are probably not in the low desert.
> > Some things to consider:  Where is your location?  What variety did you
> > plant that grew to 2 lbs. last year?  Did you plant the same variety
this
> > year?  Did you plant at the same time as last year.  Do you know what
the
> > recommended planting dates and recommended cultivars are for your
> location?
> >
> > Olin