Blossom end rot
Plants with blossom end rot show small, light brown spots at the blossom end of immature fruit. The affected
area gradually expands into a sunken, leathery, brown or black lesion as the fruit ripens. Hard, brown
areas may develop inside the fruit, either with or without external symptoms. The disease is not associated
with soil contact or with damage to other plant parts.
SolutionsBlossom end rot results from a low level of calcium in the fruit and water balance in the plant It is
aggravated by high soil salt content or low soil moisture and is more common on sandier soils. To reduce
rot, monitor soil moisture to make sure that the root zone neither dries out nor remains saturated. Follow
recommended rates for fertilizers. Some varieties are more affected than others. The disease is not caused
by a pathogen; there are no pesticide solutions.
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Start of blossom end rot on tomato
fruit |
Sunken, leathery lesions on tomatoes |
Rotting of zucchini |
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