Blossom end rot

Indirect effects Blossom end rot deft) is a disorder of tomatoes and peppers resulting from calcium deficiency, but usually caused by lack of water. The calcium may be present in the soil but the plant cannot take it up because of dryness around the roots this is common in plants in pots that are watered irregularly, or only when the gardener notices they are wilting. 

Cause Blossom end rot. Usually appears on fir.st fniit of season, either green or ripe. 

Prevention and Control Blossom end rot is commonly from calcium deficiency. This often occurs when hot, dry weather or rapid growth (due to excess nitrogen, for example) draws extra water and nutrients to the leaves, starving fruit for this nutrient. Root damage can also interfere with calcium uptake. 

To avoid blossom end rot, keep the soil evenly moist by watering regularly and putting down a thick layer of organic mulch. Cultivate carefully to avoid damaging roots. 

Saure MC (2001) Blossom -end rot of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) a calcium- or stress-related disorder Scientia hortic - Amsterdam 90 193-208. 

Van Gooe (1966) The role of calcium and cell permeability in disease blossom end rot of tomatoes. Physiol Plant 21 1110-1121. 

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