Tomato - Truss AND sideshoot

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Steve R, Jun 22, 2009.

  1. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

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    I've just noticed that one of the trusses on one tom plant has turned into a sideshoot at the end of the truss away from the main stem, is this a relatvely normal occurence?

    Steve...:)
     
    Steve R, Jun 22, 2009
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  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Do you mean that the truss is developing leaves? If so I think its fairly common Steve. I would not pinch it out unless it gets out of hand.
     
    JWK, Jun 22, 2009
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  3. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

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    No, not leaves. At the end of the truss (away from the main stem) I have growing what looks like a sideshoot..that one would normally pinch out. I'll get a photo this afternoon.

    Steve...:)
     
    Steve R, Jun 22, 2009
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  4. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

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    Here we go, hope you can see it clearly....

    [​IMG]

    Its a mutant isn't it..:hehe:

    Steve...:)
     
    Steve R, Jun 22, 2009
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  5. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    I've seen that on mine sometimes, I would nip it off.
     
    JWK, Jun 22, 2009
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  6. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    Yep, if I'm seeing it right then it's quite common. The truss is continuing to grow after the toms have formed. I usually pinch out that growing end. If you don't it will continue to grow like a normal sideshoot and will divide and, eventually, have another truss further along on one of the shoots. The problem with this is that the branch won't be strong enough to take the weight of another truss of toms and, anyway, the plant should be producing plenty of toms on other trusses.

    The trouble with indeterminates is that they will continue to branch (side shoots) and form trusses for as long as the plant can absorb enough nutrients. With enough nutrients, warmth and light they could, in theory, continue growing many metres long. I have seen them over 10 metres long in hot houses near us.

    Just in case I am not seeing your photo correctly I suggest you wait until others have seen it and commented. :thumb:
     
    shiney, Jun 22, 2009
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  7. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    My tomato plants usually take on the appearance of having been grow in spent nuclear reactor fuel!

    The surfaces of the leaves sprout little leaves, or another side-shoot from the end, and trusses often form side-shoots at the ends - and more flower trusses.

    I pinch them out when I spot them in time - they apply too much weight to the wrong part of the plant if left.

    I *think* this happens more to me Gardeners Delight than other varieties, but I think I see it on all of them at one time or another.

    Been meaning to ask if it was to do with growing them in country in any way (most of the locals having several heads, extra toes, and the like [according to folklore ...] :) so thanks for raising the question.
     
    Kristen, Jun 22, 2009
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  8. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

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    Thankfully I'm not the only one who grows mutants then, I must ask my twelve toed neighbours if they know of other occurences in the area. Just for reference sakes, this was on one of my "Gourmet" tom plants and yes....I'm out in the country also.

    Steve...:)
     
    Steve R, Jun 22, 2009
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  9. capney

    capney Head Gardener

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    Your not the only one Steve. I had it on some of mine last year.
    The season was not long enough to see what happened before the dreaded blight struck..
    robert
     
    capney, Jun 22, 2009
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  10. Freddy

    Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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    Yep, I get that too. I just pinch them out :thumb:
     
    Freddy, Jun 22, 2009
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