39 



l^runing tomatoes appreciably hastens maturity of fruit and 

 increases the size of the same. 



When no cutting of tlie leader took place the average weight of the 

 individual fruit decreased from the single stem to the normal or 

 unpruned plants ; the average weight of the single stem fruit being 

 1 12 grams, that of the normal 84 grams. On the other hand, the 

 smallest average weight of fruit per plant occurred on the single 

 stem system. 



The greatest average weight of individual fruit, as well as the 

 greatest average weight per plant, is given by the three stem system 

 where the leader is headed in : whereas, in the average number of 

 fruits per plant this system is lowest. 



The largest yield per square foot of ground surface in our method 

 of culture (5 square feet per plant) was given by the three stem 

 plants with leader cut. 



The largest yield based on trellis space was given by the one 

 stem system of pruning. 



Undoubtedly the best system of growing greenhouse tomatoes is 

 to plant twelve to sixteen inches apart in the rows, prune to the one 

 stem system and head in or cut back the leaders above the fourth or 

 sixth cluster of fruit, as circumstances require. 



The physiological effects of pruning or mutilating, manifest 

 themselves at first in the retardation or cessation of the growth 

 activities, which are eventually followed by an accelerated growth. 

 The degree of response is determined by the nature of the organs 

 mutilated and the extent of the injury. 



