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Split trunk on tomato plant #876553

Asked July 09, 2024, 5:53 PM EDT

My plant was doing well but I just noticed a section has split, too heavy despite being tied up. Is there anything I can do to fix it besides duct tape? LOL. Also I have lots of flowers but none are making new tomatoes. I am growing it in a pot .

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

Suzanne,

I have many questions for you about your tomato plant.

Is there fruit on the plant right know? If these is large fruit on the plant remove some of the fruit and re-support the stem that is damaged fasten support every foot on a support stake.  The plant might recover and continue growing and producing fruit. If the stem is damaged completely it is more than likely not going to survive. If that is the case prune the damage stem off.


Do you have pictures of the damaged tomato plant that can help me determine if your plant is still viable?


I am including a resource that I use frequently on tomatoes.


resources:

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-1624

Joe Lansing Replied July 09, 2024, 7:23 PM EDT
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On Tue, Jul 9, 2024 at 7:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT
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On Tue, Jul 9, 2024 at 7:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT
Hi Joe, here are some pictures and the broken stacks have tomatoes on them.  If I pick them, will the still ripen?
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On Tue, Jul 9, 2024 at 7:23 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 7:43 PM EDT

Suzanne,

Yes, if you pick the un-ripe they will ripen in under a week. but looking your picture I think the stem is savable. if you have grafting tape to save the stem move the broken stem back in alignment to the tear on the two stem together and use the grafting tape to tie the two pieces together. They should heal but you should add another support stick to support the broken stem. Your plant is out growing its support structure so add another support stake to help support your plant to grow higher if you don't want you plant to grow taller trim the main stem to just about the cage, this will stop the growth of the main stem and casue the plant to get bushy.

Joe Lansing Replied July 09, 2024, 8:03 PM EDT
Thanks for the advice.

On Tue, Jul 9, 2024 at 8:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 09, 2024, 9:13 PM EDT

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