Concept:Staking supports tomato plants and keeps fruits away from the ground.Explanation:Tomato fruits that touch the soil are exposed to moisture and soil-borne pathogens.This contact increases the chance of fruit rotting and disease attack.Staking lifts the stems and fruits above ground level.It reduces direct contact with soil, keeping the fruits dry and clean.Thus, the main purpose of staking is to protect the fruits from rotting.Answer:D. prevent rotting of fruits