"George.com" wrote in message
...

"Paul Luton" wrote in message
. uk...
Spider wrote:
"George.com" wrote in message
...
Hi Poms

I have a wee problem with a tomato plant one of you might be able to
help with.

The plant is about 1 foot tall and has 2 central stems at about a 30
angle. I noticed yesterday the two stems had 'torn' down the middle,
ripping just above the roots.

The tomato is still alive & both stems getting nutrients. I do however
want to ensure things do not get worse & my tomato remains viable for
the summer.

I thought maybe I could:
Carefully individually stake the two stems to take load off
warp something around the tear to provide some stability & hope the
wound will self heal. I thought about cauze surgical dressings.

Any other thoughts/suggestion welcome. Ta.

rob


In most cases I would agree with Emrys, but I'm assuming you wish to
experiment.....

Whenever, I've had a tomato plant break, I've just put the cutting in
water and waited for it to root. I've never been disappointed. Even
somewhat advanced side branches which are cut out in summer (as a part
of ordinary pruning) will do the same thing. So I think your best
chance is to cut one torn leader away neatly, then root it in water. If
it's successful, and if the existing plant is either too leggy or just
spoiled, then try the same with that, too. You could end up with two
healthy plants awaiting the summer.


Or plant the remaining part deeper so that the tear is underground. It
should make new roots from the buried stem.

Paul

chances are both leaders are still attached to the root system, just split
at the stem. They both seem to be getting nutrients ok. Hmmmmm. I am very
tempted to leave as is & simply try and bandage them as best can. I have
staked them now so the weight is falling on the stakes, not directly on
the split area.

Maybe using some sort of grafting was used on trees to close the wound?
Maybe carefully dig up and plant a little deeper with the wound in the
ground?

rob


A graft would certainly work, but there would always be a weakness there ...
not what you want with a (usually) heavily fruiting plant.

Planting deeper would also work, depending on high the wound was, but it's
not the best time of year for it. I guess you takes your chance.

Spider