Gardeners often encounter scars and stripes appearing on tomatoes. This phenomenon has its own name - “catfacing” due to the fact that deformation and cracks give the fruit an appearance reminiscent of a cat’s face. This deviation is not a disease, but this problem also has its roots. As a rule, this occurs on large tomatoes and has several prerequisites.
Reasons for “catfacing”
Among the main reasons, a number of factors can be identified. Most often they are allowed due to “overprotection” on the part of the gardener.
Excess nitrogen
Every gardener knows that tomatoes need help during the growing season. However, summer residents often overuse nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Do not forget that an excess of nitrogen in the soil leads to weakening of the plant and the development of diseases.
During the period of fruit ripening, it is recommended to abandon nitrogen-containing fertilizers and pay attention to potassium. We are talking about an infusion of ash, potassium sulfate and fertilizers containing potassium.
Uncomfortable temperature
It's no secret that tomatoes love warmth. For comfortable growth and ripening of tomatoes, the daytime temperature should remain around +25 degrees, and the night temperature should not fall below +16...+19 degrees.
Due to sudden temperature changes, fruit ripening may slow down.This, in turn, can lead to the appearance of diseases and changes in the taste of the tomato.
To ensure comfortable conditions for the plant, experts advise keeping the doors of greenhouses and greenhouses open on hot days. During cold nights, on the contrary, they should be closed until sunset, until the temperature drops below the “tomato” norm.
Incorrect pruning
Some gardeners attribute the appearance of marks on tomatoes to the removal of too many leaves and shoots. Due to stress, the plant may stop the growth and development of fruits.
Experts recommend not removing more than 3 leaves at a time to avoid shock to the bush. It is better to start with the lower leaves growing closer to the ground.
How to deal with a cat's face
It is important to ensure that tomatoes grow and develop at a temperature that is comfortable for the plant. During the daytime, it is best to regularly ventilate the greenhouse. It is also necessary not to forget about timely watering.
If green tomatoes have already begun to crack and become deformed, it is better to immediately remove the damaged fruits. Otherwise, all the tomatoes on the bush will ripen unevenly.
Scars and stripes spoil the appearance of the tomato, but the “cat face” does not spoil the taste of the fruit. These tomatoes can be eaten or used to obtain seeds for the next season. Deformed fruits can be left if used for further processing. For example, for making tomato juice or homemade ketchup.
