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Have you ever noticed tomato fruits with large cracks or misshapen grooves? This is a common phenomenon called “catfacing,” and it can be a major problem for gardeners and farmers alike.
Tomato catface is a common tomato disease, but it can be prevented with the right knowledge and care.
In this article, we’ll look at what causes catface in tomatoes, how to identify it, and the best ways to prevent and treat it.
Read on to find out more about this interesting topic!
What is Catfacing?
Catfacing is a term used to describe a physical deformity that can affect the fruit of tomato plants. Catfacing also causes cracks, scars, or other surface blemishes on the fruit.
It does not affect the taste or nutritional value of the tomato. It can reduce its marketability for commercial growers.
What Types of Tomatoes Are Most Prone to Catfacing?
Any type of tomato plant can be susceptible to catface, but some varieties may be more prone to developing the condition than others.
- Beefsteak tomatoes, for example, are often more susceptible to rotting due to their large size and irregular shape.
Other large-fruited varieties, such as heirloom tomatoes, Brandywine tomatoes, and certain types of Roma tomatoes, may also be more prone to developing catfish-like traits.
Related Reading:
- 10 Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes as Tomato Salad
- 10 High Yielding Tomato Varieties That Gives Huge Harvests
Causes Of Catfacing On Tomatoes
Tomato catfacing is easy to identify. The affected fruit will have scars, bumps, and ridges. The deformity is usually on the blossom end of the fruit and can range from slight disfiguration to severe cracking. The affected fruit is often unsightly and unappetizing. In severe cases, the fruit may be inedible.
There are several causes of tomato catarrh. The most common causes are given below.
1. Temperature Fluctuations
Tomato plants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. During the time when the fruit is growing, changes in temperature can make the fruit grow in a strange way.
Cold temperatures can cause the fruit to crack and develop scars and ridges. Hot temperatures can cause the fruit to ripen in weird or ugly ways.
2, Moisture Stress
Moisture stress is another common cause of tomato catfacing. When tomato plants are exposed to moisture stress, the fruit may develop cracks, scars, and ridges. Moisture stress can occur due to over or under-watering of the plants.
3. Exposure to Herbicides
Herbicides are chemicals that are used to control weeds. If tomato plants are exposed to herbicides, the fruit may develop deformities. Herbicides can cause the fruit to become misshapen and develop scars and ridges.
4. Insect Pests
Insect pests such as thrips, stink bugs, and leafhoppers can also cause tomato catastrophizing. These pests feed on the developing fruit, causing deformities.
How To Prevent Tomato Catfacing?
Preventing tomato catfencing requires a combination of good gardening practices and pest control measures.
1. Good Gardening Practices
Good gardening practices include:
- Planting tomatoes in well-draining soil. Avoid planting tomatoes in areas with poor drainage.
- Watering tomato plants regularly to prevent moisture stress.
- Mulching around tomato plants to conserve moisture.
- Providing adequate support for tomato plants to prevent the fruit from touching the ground.
2. Pest Control Measures
Pest control measures include:
- Monitoring tomato plants for insect pests.
- Using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control insect pests.
- Covering tomato plants with row covers to prevent insect pests from feeding on the fruit.
- Removing any affected fruit from the plant to prevent the spread of the condition.
3. Avoid Excessive Nitrogen
Excessive nitrogen can lead to lush vegetative growth in tomato plants, but it can also affect the quality of the fruit. Too much nitrogen can cause the plant to put too much energy into growing leaves and stems rather than developing healthy fruit. This can result in catfacing as well as other issues such as blossom-end rot.
To avoid catface due to excessive nitrogen, it is important to use a balanced fertilizer that is formulated specifically for tomatoes. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, and don’t overapply it. In addition, be sure to use compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility rather than relying solely on chemical fertilizers.
4. Avoid Uneven Watering
Tomato plants require consistent moisture to grow healthy fruit, and uneven watering can cause canker. This is because uneven watering can lead to fluctuations in soil moisture, which can cause the fruit to develop unevenly. Inconsistent watering can also cause the fruit to split or crack, which can make it more susceptible to disease and pest infestation.
To avoid catfacing due to uneven watering, it is important to water tomato plants consistently and evenly. Water deeply, but don’t overwater, as this can lead to other problems such as root rot. Consider using a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to ensure that water is distributed evenly throughout the root zone. Mulching around the base of the plants can also help to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
Related Reading:
- All You Need To Know About Tomatoes.
- How Big Of A Pot For Tomatoes? Ideal Container Size For Tomato Plants
What To Do With Cat-faced Tomatoes?
Catfacing tomatoes, or “ugly ripe” tomatoes, are still safe to eat and can be used in a variety of ways.
Here are some things you can do with a cat-faced tomato:
- Cut out the affected areas: If the catfacing is limited to a small area of the tomato, you can simply cut it out and use the rest of the tomato as usual.
- Cooking: Catfacing tomatoes are still tasty and flavorful. They can be used in cooked dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces where their appearance won’t matter.
- Make salsa: Catfacing tomatoes can be used to make salsa or pico de gallo where their texture won’t be an issue.
- Use it for canning: If you have a surplus of cat-faced tomatoes, you can use them for canning. Cut out the affected areas, chop the tomatoes, and can them as usual.
- Feed it to your pets: If you have pets, you can give the cat-faced tomato to them as a treat. Many cats and dogs enjoy eating small amounts of tomato.
Conclusion
The cat-faced tomato may not be the prettiest tomato, but it’s still edible and usable in a variety of ways.
Don’t let its appearance go to waste!
Preventing tomato catface is the most effective way to manage the condition. By taking the necessary steps as outlined above, you can identify, treat, and prevent tomato catfishing.
Thanks for reading!
