by Bumps, swellings, blisters, warts, “pimples” – they are called by many names. This phenomenon is sometimes found on the stems of tomatoes growing in open and protected soil. How abnormal is it and is it worth getting all the means of fighting infections out of the cupboard right away?
You have been growing tomatoes for a short time and suddenly discovered numerous bumps on their stems. At the same time, there are no suspicious spots or marks on the leaves of the plant, the crop is growing and developing normally and is even about to begin to bear fruit.
Bumps on the stems of nightshade crops can appear anywhere, from the base to the top. But usually the stem of the plant is covered with them from the bottom up. Do not panic, because in fact the reason for the appearance of “pimples” is quite simple and banal: these are nothing more than the beginnings of roots.
The root system is necessary for any crop to absorb nutrients and distribute them to all parts of the plant. Only in this case it is fully nourished, and therefore develops in the same way. The appearance of rudiments of aerial (adventitious) roots most often signals that the main rhizome for some reason does not cope with its function, and the plant is ready to receive the “attention” it lacks even from the air. This does not mean that tomatoes lack macro- or microelements. Such a development of events indicates something else.
There may be several reasons why the main root does not cope with its task.
Damage to the root system. This often happens after planting seedlings. Even though tomatoes tolerate picking well, after transplanting they still experience severe stress associated with even the slightest damage to the root system. And to be on the safe side, they “throw out” aerial roots.
High air humidity. As is known, plants need water to take root. Approximately the same process occurs during the emergence of aerial roots when the humidity around the plant is high. This is also facilitated by poor ventilation of the greenhouse or a greenhouse. And since greenhouse plants need air humidification in hot weather, this must be accompanied by ventilation of the structure. Providing several necessary procedures for the plant is realistic even for busy summer residents.
Insufficient soil aeration. If you watered frequently but did not loosen the soil under your bushes well, a crust may form on it, preventing air from reaching the roots. As a result, the soil becomes compacted and it becomes difficult for the plants to “breathe”. To prevent this from happening in the future, watering tomatoes must be accompanied by careful surface loosening of the soil.
The situation is aggravated if all these reasons interact with each other.
How to Use the Bumps on Tomato Stems? If the tomato variety is early ripening and time still allows, cut off a few lower branches from the bush and put them in water.
Very soon they will take root, and you will still have time to get new plants by planting the branches in the soil. It is better if it is closed soil: it is no secret that in greenhouse conditions plants grow and develop much faster than in the open air.
By the way, the same can be done with tomato stepchildren.
Aerial roots that appear at the very base of the stem can be simply covered with soil. This will give the plant a more powerful root system.
Have you ever encountered the appearance of bumps on tomatoes?
