Tomato Blossom End Rot Issue: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Let's dive into understanding Blossom End Rot (BER) and its impact on popular crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Catching Blossom End Rot Early
Spotting BER is simple! When it strikes, you'll encounter dark spots on the fruit ends, near where the flower (blossom) grew. These black areas are dead or rotting, and the fruit continues to grow but is damaged. Secondary fungal infections can sometimes occur [1].
Battling BER: Not by Adding Calcium
There's a common myth that BER can be tackled by adding extra calcium like Eggshells. Unfortunately, that approach doesn't work. Not only does it not solve the issue, but it can also waste your time and effort [1].
So, what's the solution?
Prevention Over Cure
The best course of action is prevention! Here's what you can do:
Watering is Key
Watering consistently is vital to prevent BER. Ensuring the plant has enough moisture promotes calcium mobility, enabling it to reach necessary areas like the growing fruit [1]. In my commercial tomato cultivation, we enjoyed a BER-free season with up to four pints of water per mature plant daily [1].
Managing Soil and Nutrients
Pay attention to soil and nutrient management to support healthy fruit growth:
- pH Balance: Aim for a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0 for optimum calcium absorption. Add garden lime if your soil is acidic [1].
- Proper Fertilization: Use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen to high phosphorus ratio. Excessive nitrogen favors leafy growth, potentially exacerbating BER issues [1].
- Calcium Enrichment: Consider sprinkling gypsum or well-composted organic matter into the soil [1].
Other Causes of Blossom End Rot & How to Deal With Them
Fertilizer Overload
Applying excess fertilizer to the soil can make it more challenging for plants to absorb enough moisture and lead to calcium deficiency. To avoid this, water sufficiently when adding fertilizer for a few days [1].
Tomato Bags & Containers
Tomato bags may cause BER due to insufficient compost, moisture retention issues, and a higher risk of calcium deficiency. Plants grown in soil or large containers are less prone to BER, as long as watering is sufficient [1].
Root Damage & High Humidity
Root damage or excessive watering can result in an increased salt concentration in the plant's sap, which in turn limits fruit transpiration and calcium mobility. Proper root care, healthy soil, and proper watering practices can prevent this issue [1].
High Nitrogen Levels
Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can stimulate excessive leaf growth, competing with the fruit for available calcium [1].
Extra Tips for Blossom End Rot Management
- Prompt Removal: Remove any affected fruits to direct the plant's resources towards healthier fruits [1].
- Monitor Conditions: Regularly test soil and monitor moisture levels during fruit development [1].
Reference:1. Extension Gardener
- To prevent Blossom End Rot (BER) in cherries, tomatoes, and their relatives, focus on maintaining a balanced watering schedule and optimizing soil and nutrient management.
- In gardens, creating the right environment for fruit growth includes a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0 for optimum calcium absorption, use of a low nitrogen, high phosphorus fertilizer, and incorporating gypsum or well-composted organic matter into the soil.
- Avoiding excess fertilizer, high-nitrogen fertilizers, root damage, and high humidity, as well as prompt removal of affected fruits, can further help manage BER in home-and-garden settings, promoting healthier plants and fruit development.
