White County
 Gardening
Podcast
July 10, 2008
Blossom ‑ End Rot of Tomatoes Can Be Prevented (1:45 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
Hello this is Sherri Sanders, County Extension Agent – Agriculture in White
county. Tomato season is in full swing and like most years, blossom‑end rot of
tomatoes and other vegetables is a problem that occurs from time to time. The
cause of blossom‑end rot is a calcium deficiency in the fruit.
This deficiency may be due to several factors including lack of calcium in
the soil, low moisture levels and root pruning. Anything that interferes with
calcium uptake by the root system of the plant can cause blossom‑end rot.
Symptoms of blossom‑end rot are light tan lesions turning to dark brown
sunken areas, usually at the end of the fruit. Some lesions may occur on the
side of the fruit. The lesions are usually large and become more sunken and
leathery accompanied by dry rot. A black mold may grow on the surface of the
lesion.
Several steps can be taken to prevent or control blossom‑end rot. Soils
should be limed to a pH of 6‑7. Timely irrigation to provide a constant moisture
supply goes hand in hand with the lime, which provides calcium to the plant.
Stopping blossom‑end rot once it has started is more difficult than
preventing it. If the problem is lack of moisture, this can be corrected by
simply irrigating. If the problem is a low pH or lack of calcium in the soil,
the problem may be more difficult to control. Because calcium is immobile in the
plant, calcium sprays may not be effective. Applications of calcium materials to
the soil (either as a sidedressing or through drip irrigation tubing) would
probably work better. Materials to use would include calcium chloride or calcium
nitrate.
If you need more information contact your local County Extension Service.
This has been Sherri Sanders in Searcy.
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