Tomato zippering is a cosmetic problem, appearing on the outer part of the fruit. It has a zipper-like appearance or lesions that range in length and depth. When the zippering is severe, it develops large holes that make the tomato look like it has a disease or is damaged. It is discussed in https://tomatomentor.com how these tomatoes have developed the zipped scar.
The one zipped scar or multiple zipped scars may appear on the center of the fruit. But, it doesn’t affect the flesh underneath. The holes can be caused by pests or diseases. It will not affect the entire fruit, only its appearance.
Symptoms of zippering
The typical symptom of zippering is a disorder, a brown, thin, necrotic scar from the stem end that extends fully to the blossom end. The symptom is called zippering due to the transverse scars with the longitudinal scar, a zipper-like appearance.
Zippering is a disorder resulting in thin brown necrotic scars running along the fruit, causing localized splits.
Causes of zippering
Dry, brown scars that resemble zippers extend from the stem to the blossom of the fruit. It occurs when the flower parts will stick to the developing fruit. It is superficial and doesn’t affect the eating quality and yields. But, it affects the marketing of this fruit because it can be considered damaged.
The contributing factors of zippering are:
- Cool-weather
- Plant genetics
The zippering or stitching is caused by anthers, a pollen-producing flower part that is attached to the ovary wall of the newly forming fruit. The disorder occurs more often in cool weather. The problem starts with fruit development which makes it difficult to spot until the fruit becomes fully formed. The anther becomes stuck to the side of the developing fruit.
The anther extends into a long scar at the center in the shape of a zipper when the fruit grows. The large holes develop where the anther first appears. With this problem, gardeners have come up with solid theories explaining why the anther will stick to some fruits.
Here are the explanations for why zippering occurs:
- High humidity. If there is a high level of moisture in the air, the end part of the tomato flower becomes stickier. Therefore, tomato zippering becomes likelier, the anther gets stuck to new fruits easily. It has also been noted that this condition usually happens in cooler weather.
- It also plays a role with some tomatoes more tending to zippering. The case is not completely clear but provides an avenue to manage the problem.
So, if you have seen zippering on the tomato, this is what theories say about the condition.
