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Inverness
Guest
With respect to yields on staked vs. non-staked tomatoes; tomatoes are subject to a wide variety of diseases, many having their origins in the soil (fusarium, verticillium, and others). When staked, the vines and fruit avoid contact with the soil and minimize infection by contact. The elevated position also helps keep the foliage drier through improved air circulation, again minimizing disease incidence. The blossoms are also at a better advantage to pollination in a staked position. By minimizing disease and increasing pollination, yields are boosted. Staked tomatoes can also be planted at a higher plant density per acre than unstaked, again contributing to the better yield. I really doubt their is any direct connection between energy expended by the vine in a staked vs. non-staked situation.
Ken Brewer
Ken Brewer