Pollination and fruit formation in tomato culture in protected ground

Abstract

Relevance
The structure of the flowers of tomatoes is very thin adapted to self-pollination, and any violations of the technology of cultivation in protected ground lead to a significant reduction in the ability of plants to pollinate and fruit set. Violation of growing conditions can lead to changes in the structure of the inflorescences and flowers, which negatively affects pollination and fruit formation, reducing the yield. The article presents a review of literature data and the author’s own research on this topic. It has been established that growing conditions in cultivation structures have a greater effect on the amount of pollen produced in tomato flowers and to a lesser extent, on its quality. In the flowers of the first inflorescence, the least amount of pollen is produced. This is due to the fact that the formation of this inflorescence occurs in the seedling period, while it is experiencing more stress. Basal (the first in the inflorescence) flowers produce low-quality pollen, while its amount is maximum. Additional pollination improves fruit set by increasing the amount of pollen grains falling on the stigma of the pistil. The use of bumblebees for additional pollination increases the yield by increasing the number of ensuing fruits. The formation of polynomial flowers on tomato plants – varietal reaction. More often they are found in multi-chamber largefruited tomato hybrids. Less commonly, polynomial flowers are found in tomato hybrids with plum and pepper fruits, such flowers are not found in cherry tomato hybrids. A polynomial flower - most often the first in the inflorescence. They are formed mainly in the first 4-5 inflorescences and give accreted non-harvest fruits. In order to increase the yield and quality of fruits, polynomials need to be removed in a timely manner.