Tomato Flower Emasculation

BettaPonic · January 14, 2017

I have seen different strategies for emasculating tomato flowers. What is the best strategy for it? Any good rescources? Thank you for any help.

KarenO · January 14, 2017

You tube videos is how I learned
KarenO

BettaPonic · January 14, 2017

Thank you.

bower · January 14, 2017

I agree the youtube videos are great. Several different techniques shown. The more lab coaty people use tweezers very precisely, and if I wasn't so wobbly I might do that, as it is I just use my fingernails because it's easier to get a grip.

I have for sure crushed a few flowers in the process. But I do think the more you practice the better you get. Don't be shy about ruining a few.

BettaPonic · January 14, 2017

Thank you, I will look into YouTube.

**carolyn137** · January 14, 2017

And know that almost all commercial companies who breed tomatoes have switched to using male steriles,no need for emasculations, and cuts down on labor costs trememdously.

No,I haven't researched it to know if male steriles are available for purchase.

Carolyn

BettaPonic · January 14, 2017

Thank you, glad to see you are back.

January 14, 2017	#1
BettaPonic Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: NOVA Posts: 114	Tomato Flower Emasculation I have seen different strategies for emasculating tomato flowers. What is the best strategy for it? Any good rescources? Thank you for any help.

January 14, 2017	#6
carolyn137 Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Upstate NY, zone 4b/5a Posts: 21,169	And know that almost all commercial companies who breed tomatoes have switched to using male steriles,no need for emasculations, and cuts down on labor costs trememdously. No,I haven't researched it to know if male steriles are available for purchase. Carolyn __________________ Carolyn

January 14, 2017	#2
KarenO Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 5,931	You tube videos is how I learned KarenO

January 14, 2017	#4
bower Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Newfoundland, Canada Posts: 6,794	I agree the youtube videos are great. Several different techniques shown. The more lab coaty people use tweezers very precisely, and if I wasn't so wobbly I might do that, as it is I just use my fingernails because it's easier to get a grip. I have for sure crushed a few flowers in the process. But I do think the more you practice the better you get. Don't be shy about ruining a few.