In the News - July 2008
Blossom-end rot of vegetables due to calcium deficiency
SEARCY, Ark. - Blossom-end rot of tomatoes and other vegetables is caused by
a calcium deficiency in the fruit, according to Sherri Sanders, White County
extension agent-agriculture for the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture.
Anything that interferes with calcium uptake by the root system of the plant,
including lack of calcium in the soil, low moisture levels and root pruning, can
cause the condition, Sanders said.
Symptoms of blossom-end rot are light tan lesions turning to dark brown,
sunken areas. 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.
To prevent or control the condition, soil should be limed to a pH of 6 to 7,
accompanied by timely irrigation to provide a constant moisture supply.
Stopping blossom-end rot is more difficult than preventing it, Sanders said.
If the problem is lack of moisture, simply irrigate the plant.
If the problem is a low pH or lack of calcium in the soil, however, the
problem may be more difficult to control.
Because calcium is immobile in the plant, calcium sprays may not be
effective.
Applications of calcium chloride or calcium nitrate to the soil (either as a
side dressing or through drip irrigation tubing) would probably work better.
For more information about blossom-end rot, contact your county extension
agent or visit www.uaex.edu. The Cooperative Extension
Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
July 11, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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