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Tomatoes are not only known for their well-developed root systems, but also for their ability to produce lateral branches from each leaf axil. These branches grow quickly and tend to flower easily. Based on this natural growth pattern, a continuous cropping and pruning method has been developed in greenhouse tomato cultivation for head-to-head reproduction. This technique allows the greenhouse-grown tomatoes to be harvested once after planting, then transformed into a trifoliate plantation after the first harvest—known as the "three-fruit" cultivation system.
This advanced method results in a total yield that is 2.5 to 3 times higher than that of regular autumn and winter tomatoes. Moreover, the economic value exceeds that of traditional two-season cultivation (autumn/winter plus winter/spring), while reducing labor and production costs by approximately 20%. The technology can be implemented during autumn/winter or winter/spring seasons, but it yields better economic returns when practiced in the autumn and winter periods.
In Huocheng County, Xinjiang, the optimal sowing date is mid-August. Harvesting periods typically occur between late November and mid-January, followed by a second harvest from early February to mid-March, and a third harvest from late June to early August. To maximize profits, it's crucial to focus on the first and second harvest phases.
**Greenhouse Conditions Are Critical**
A high-performance greenhouse is essential for successful three-fruit tomato cultivation. In solar energy-saving greenhouses, even when outdoor temperatures drop to -20°C at night, the internal temperature remains above 8°C without heating, and the ground temperature at 10 cm depth stays above 10°C. In sunny conditions, the light intensity at 1 meter height reaches over 70%, which supports normal tomato growth throughout the winter.
**Three-Fruit Cultivation Technique**
After transplanting and acclimating seedlings, a single-stem pruning method is used, retaining 3–4 fruit clusters. Once the second cluster is harvested, the main stem is cut back, and lateral branches are left to develop the second pod. When the second harvest is nearly complete, another head change is made to allow the third fruit cluster to develop. This method ensures a continuous cycle of planting and harvesting.
**Key Management Practices**
1. **First Head Pruning**: When the third or fourth inflorescence of the first fruit cluster blooms, leave 2–3 leaves above the top and remove lateral branches below the first inflorescence. After the second inflorescence is harvested one-third, retain two strong lateral branches per plant. Replace the main stem with the strongest lateral branch and remove the others. If no strong side shoots are available, keep two for support. Remove all diseased leaves, fruits, and branches below the first inflorescence to improve air circulation and light penetration. At the same time, manage irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. Once the first three or four infructescences are harvested, cut off the main stem above the selected lateral branches and remove old leaves, diseased leaves, and residual fruits to promote healthy growth of the next crop.
2. **Second Head Pruning**: After replacing the main stem, use hormones to ensure proper fruit setting. Apply top-dressing with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers two or three times during fruit enlargement. When the third inflorescence of the second fruit cluster blooms, leave 2–3 leaves. If the vines become too tall, they can be trained down to manage growth more effectively.
3. **Third Head Pruning**: When the second harvest is halfway through, perform the second head replacement. Follow the same procedure as the second phase, focusing on strengthening water and fertilizer management and disease prevention.
**Additional Management Considerations**
1. **Temperature and Humidity Control**:
- During the second crop’s growth period, which occurs in winter, low temperatures and limited sunlight make it difficult for tomatoes to flower and set fruit. To counter this, add reflective screens to improve lighting conditions.
- Maintain daytime temperatures between 25–28°C, 18–23°C in the afternoon before covering, and 14–18°C during the middle of the night. Ensure the minimum temperature stays above 6°C. Ventilate gradually several times daily (except on windy or snowy days) to reduce humidity and prevent diseases like gray mold and early blight. Avoid excessive ventilation or large openings to prevent temperature fluctuations.
2. **Water and Fertilizer Management**:
- Since the growing period is long, base fertilizer should be applied before planting. Use 8–10 cubic meters of well-decomposed sheep or chicken manure, along with 80–100 kg of superphosphate, 40–50 kg of diammonium phosphate, and 40–50 kg of potassium sulfate per 667 square meters. Half of the chemical fertilizer is applied 30 cm deep, while the other half is placed under the ridge when the soil is prepared.
- Topdressing should follow the principle of “eating small meals†with smaller amounts each time. Apply 8–10 kg of urea and 6–8 kg of potassium sulfate per 667 square meters. Avoid using urea or diammonium phosphate in winter to prevent lowering the soil temperature. Instead, use diluted chicken manure or livestock manure water for irrigation. Regularly spray foliar solutions with potassium dihydrogen phosphate, superphosphate, and melon greens. Water according to weather conditions and the specific needs of the plants.