White County
 Gardening
Podcast
July 13 2011
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.
Back to
Gardening Podcasts |
