Market Farming

[Allan Balliett <igg AT igg.com>]

Can someone remind me what the philosophy of topping tomato plants is?
I've got a lot of heirloom indeterminants growing Florida weaved on 4ft 
stakes.
A lot of them are by now 6ft plants.
In our humidity, the hangover becomes a source of disease and a 
hideout for insects populations.
I seem to recall, also, that the tomatoes above 4ft will not ripen 
before Sept 15, so I can't get excited about losing them by topping.

BUT, I'm afraid of promoting rank growth by topping and I'm afraid of 
promoting shock. And, frankly, as important as tomatoes are to us 
each year, I'm just plain afraid!

I'd appreciate some advice.

Thanks -Allan
Shepherdstown, WV