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The current tomato is not colored
In recent weeks, many vegetable growers have raised concerns about the poor coloration of their tomatoes, which has significantly impacted the overall quality and market value of the produce. As the greenhouse tomato crops are now entering the critical yield period, unattractive coloring is becoming a major issue that affects both appearance and profitability. To better understand the causes and potential solutions, the author reached out to Liu Mingjie, a senior expert from the Vegetable Association in Shouguang City, Shandong Province. Here's what Mr. Liu had to say.
Firstly, the color of tomatoes is largely determined by their genetic makeup. Some varieties naturally tend to be less vibrant in color. For example, variety 189 is widely regarded as one of the best for producing rich red tomatoes. However, even with good genetics, environmental factors can still play a significant role in determining the final color outcome.
Light is another crucial factor in tomato coloring. Insufficient light can lead to poor color development. One common cause is excessive planting density, which results in plants shading each other and reducing the amount of light reaching the fruits. Additionally, during winter, the light transmission of the greenhouse film is vital. Growers can improve this by using high-quality films or regularly cleaning the existing ones to maintain optimal light penetration.
Fertilization also plays a key role in tomato coloration. At this time of year, when temperature, moisture, and light are generally favorable, poor coloration often points to an imbalance in nutrients. Soil pH is an important indicator—when it exceeds 6.5, especially above 7, the soil may become deficient in essential micronutrients. To address this, farmers can apply specific fertilizers such as borax (2–3 kg per acre), zinc sulfate (5–6 kg), ferrous sulfate (6–7 kg), manganese sulfate (5–6 kg), and magnesium sulfate (10 kg). These should only be applied once a year per acre. Foliar sprays containing these micronutrients are also effective. A typical solution would be mixing 25–35 grams of trace fertilizer into 15 liters of water and spraying every 5–7 days. If using borax alone, the concentration should be kept between 3,000 to 6,000 times dilution. Spraying should be done on sunny evenings, focusing on the underside of the leaves to maximize absorption. It’s also advisable to mix in some insecticides or fungicides to protect against pests and diseases simultaneously.
Lastly, temperature plays a significant role in lycopene production, which is responsible for the red color in tomatoes. Lycopene synthesis is most efficient at around 24°C. However, if temperatures rise beyond this, the plant’s photosynthetic efficiency may decline, which can hinder lycopene accumulation. Therefore, maintaining a consistent greenhouse temperature of around 24°C is ideal for achieving the best possible color in tomatoes.
By addressing these factors—genetics, light exposure, nutrient balance, and temperature—growers can significantly improve the color and quality of their tomato crops, ultimately enhancing their marketability and profitability.
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