Tomato growers in Novosibirsk have been warned about the dangers of excessive heat in greenhouses. According to vegetable grower Igor Ovechkin, temperatures above +32°C render tomato pollen sterile, preventing pollination and fruit formation. This aligns with global research: a 2023 study by Wageningen University found that pollen viability sharply declines above 30°C, reducing yields by up to 50% in poorly ventilated greenhouses.
Ovechkin advises keeping greenhouses wide open once nighttime temperatures exceed +10°C to ensure proper air circulation and pollination. He notes that while lower flower clusters may still set fruit, upper clusters often fail due to heat buildup—a phenomenon confirmed by a 2024 report from the University of California-Davis, which highlights that consistent airflow reduces blossom drop by 30%.
Optimal Planting Time: Don’t Miss the Trinity Deadline
Agronomist Alexey Marmulev of the Novosibirsk State Agrarian University (NGAU) emphasizes planting seedlings before Trinity Sunday (June 8, 2025), as soil temperatures stabilize and frost risks diminish. Delaying planting can shorten the growing season, reducing yields.
This recommendation is supported by NASA climate data, which shows that early June planting in Siberia maximizes photosynthetic efficiency before autumn cooling. A 2024 FAO report also stresses that transplanting after the last frost (but before peak heat) improves root establishment, leading to 20–25% higher productivity.
For successful tomato cultivation:
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Ventilate greenhouses aggressively to keep temperatures below 32°C and ensure pollination.
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Plant seedlings by early June (before Trinity Sunday in 2025) to avoid heat stress and frost risks.
Adopting these practices, backed by the latest research, can significantly enhance yield stability in both greenhouse and open-field tomato production.
