Catfacing on tomatoes is a disorderliness that affects the appearance and material body of the fruit . When a tomato develops catfacing , its surface becomes puckered and distorted , resembling the fount of a cat , hence the name . The yield may have deep grooves , indentations , or protrusions , giving it an atypical and misshapen form . This can make the love apple less likeable and aesthetically pleasing .

In addition to the puckered open , catfacing can also cause the fruit to have bands of tan - colored mark tissue paper run across the blossom end . These scar can further contribute to the ill-shapen appearance of the tomato . The scar tissue paper is a termination of the yield ’s effort to heal itself after experience legal injury during increment .

When keep an eye on a tomato sham by catfacing , it is significant to note that the severity of the disorder can depart . Some fruits may only display balmy catfacing , with slight puckering and minimal scar tissue . On the other hired man , more severe cases can lead in highly distorted tomatoes with panoptic scar tissue .

To well interpret the cause of catfacing , it is important to study the use of pollination and yield development . Catfacing pass when there are disruptions or abnormalities during these cognitive process , often due to environmental factors .

One of the chief campaign of catfacing is cool temperature during flowering and fruit set . When temperatures expend below a tomato ’s optimal range ( around 60 - 70 ° F or 15 - 21 ° C ) , it can interpose with right pollination . This can result in uncompleted fertilization and subsequent yield mental defectiveness , including catfacing .

Another factor that can kick in to catfacing is excessive rain or moisture . When tomatoes receive too much water , it can cause the fruit to expand rapidly , leading to uneven growth and the organization of puckered surfaces . Similarly , fluctuations in wet levels can also contribute to catfacing . For exercise , if tomatoes receive alternating periods of drought and heavy rainfall , it can disrupt fruit development and contribute to the disorder .

moreover , certain tomato variety may be more prostrate to catfacing than others . Some heirloom salmagundi , in particular , are roll in the hay to be more susceptible . This is because they often have large fruit sizes , which make them more vulnerable to irregular development and growth .

In my personal experience , I have encountered catfacing on tomatoes several times . One memorable instance was during a particularly cool and wet summer . The tomatoes in my garden displayed varying academic degree of catfacing , with some fruits having only nonaged puckering and scrape , while others were severely wring . It was disheartening to see the imperfect appearing of the love apple I had eagerly anticipated harvesting .

To overpower catfacing , it is significant to make optimum grow conditions for tomatoes . This includes cater consistent temperature within the suitable image , ensuring adequate pollination , and deal moisture levels in effect . Planting in evoke beds or using plastic mulch can assist regulate filth temperature and moisture , reducing the risk of catfacing .

Catfacing on Lycopersicon esculentum is a upset that results in puckered surfaces , distorted conformation , and scar tissue on the fruit . It appears when atmospheric condition conditions , such as coolheaded temperatures and exuberant wet , break up proper pollenation and fruit evolution . Understanding the causa of catfacing can help nurseryman take appropriate measures to minimize its occurrent and see to it healthy , more esthetically pleasing tomato plant harvest home .

Caroline Bates