Branch Formation and Yield by Flower Bud or Shoot Removal in Tomato

Branch formation might be used as indices for improving productivity in tomatoes. However, there has been little research to elucidate the relationship between the emergence of terminal flower bud (TFB) and the elongation of lateral shoots. Therefore, the effects of flower bud or shoot removal on plant growth, flowering, and yield were investigated. In indeterminate cultivar, the lateral shoot of the second node below TFB was suppressed by flower bud removal but not by shoot removal compared with untreated plants. In determinate cultivar, the opposite results were observed. TFB emergence was affected and not affected during lateral shoot elongation of both type cultivars, respectively. In determinate-type tomato, growth, dry weight, and the distribution of nitrogen and calcium in the lateral shoots in the pinching treatments (shoot removal) were greater than those in the control. The flowering periods and number of flowers per lateral shoot in the pinching treatments were shorter and greater, respectively, than those in the control. Initial weekly yields in the pinching treatments were increased compared with those in the control. From these results, since the branch formation and productivity by flower bud or shoot removal was clarified, it would be useful information for future tomato production.