How to Identify and Prevent Catfacing of Tomatoes

Disturbance to the Flowers

Physical damage to the flowers, before or after pollination can cause catfacing.

A common source of injury to the flowers is an attack by little insects called thrips. Leaf curl is a major symptom of thrip infestation.

You definitely want to treat your plants if they have an infestation of thrips.

These insects can transmit tomato spotted wilt virus, which could destroy all of your tomato, pepper, and other nightshade crops.

Bonide Insecticidal Soap

You can banish thrips by spraying your plants with an organic soap-based spray, according to package instructions, such as Bonide Insecticidal Soap available from Arbico Organics.

Pruning and High Nitrogen Levels

According to experts at UMass Extension, excessive pruning or high concentrations of nitrogen in the soil may also cause catfacing.

Dr Gerald Brust from the University of Maryland Extension suggests that the reduction of auxins – plant hormones that promote cell elongation – as a result of pruning may increase susceptibility to this disorder.

Herbicide Exposure

In commercial operations, tomatoes that have been exposed to the herbicide 2,4-D can develop this disorder. The chemical mimics plant hormones, so it can disrupt the normal development of the fruit.

Fortunately for the home gardener, edible crop exposure to chemical herbicides is unlikely.

Tomatoes That are Affected

Very large tomatoes, flat-bottomed cultivars in particular, appear to be more prone to develop this condition than smaller varieties.

Heirloom varieties are frequently vulnerable, and you may have noticed the telltale signs of this physiological disorder on fruit at the farmers market. Fortunately, as long as damage is not severe, it does not render the fruit inedible.

How to Prevent Catfacing

While you may not be able to prevent the development of catface entirely, you can take steps to minimize its likelihood.

Grow Resistant or Tolerant Varieties

Growing tolerant varieties is highly recommended as the best way to avoid catfacing.

There are several varieties that are less likely to develop this disorder, including ‘Countil,’ ‘Duke,’ ‘Floradade,’ ‘Monte Carlo,’ and ‘Walter.’

‘Floradade’

You can find seeds for ‘Floradade’ in a variety of packet sizes at Eden Brothers.